When you describe torture, you may think of physical violence. However, torture can take many forms, and not all of them constitute physical violence. To recognize cat abuse, you need to be able to identify the signs of cat abuse and understand the different types of abuse that exist.
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Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Signs of Torture
Step 1. Watch for cats whose primary needs are not being met
Every pet cat has the right to a shelter from the wind, rain, sun and cold weather. In addition, also adequate food, clean water, and cleanliness. If these things are not fulfilled, it can be considered as torture, and can be seen with the following signs:
- Very thin cats may not be getting enough food.
- A cat that is thirsty or about to pass out may not be getting enough shelter or water.
Step 2. An aggressive or aloof cat may be separated from its mother too soon
- Cats are confined in small cages so that they cannot play or even move freely.
- Cats who are not properly accompanied or forced to live in an environment filled with loud music or screaming.
- Cats that don't have a litter box or access to leave the house when their owner is away.
- Recognize the signs of a tabby cat. Cat keepers are a type of unintentional torturer, as they keep cats in overcrowded places with unsanitary conditions. Overcrowded conditions can stress cats out and force them to live in spaces they don't normally live in. This will lead to intimidation and fierce competition for food even if food is freely provided, as some cats will be more dominant than others, and the dominant cat will guard the food..
- The environment where cats are kept is usually dirty, leaving cats short of clean places to sleep, eat, and defecate.
- Cat carriers often refuse visitors and act discreetly, but usually their pet cats can be clearly seen from the window.
Step 3. Look for poor skin, coat and nails
The cats may have had hair loss, open sores, or a red rash. The cat's fur may be matted or infected with fleas. This causes the cat to scratch itself, or to have lots of fleas in its fur.
- Try cleaning the dirt with a wet cotton swab. If there is orange red blood, then this indicates a tick infection.
- Cats with flea infections have lots of gray "bubbles" stuck to their skin. It is an enlarged flea.
- The cat's claws may be too long to sink into the soles of the paws, causing the soles of the paws to bleed or fester.
Step 4. Watch for untreated wounds that are at risk of being "attacked" by flies
Untreated wounds in abandoned cats put the cat at risk of being "attacked" by flies. This is possible if flies lay eggs on the cat's skin, which then become maggots. If this is the case, you may notice maggots running through the wound, or smell an unpleasant odor coming from the wound.
Depending on how much they have eaten, the maggots will be about the size of a feather and half a millimeter wide. (1/5 inches)
Step 5. Watch a street cat give birth repeatedly
Repeated births are also a sign of neglect, as allowing a female cat to continue giving birth will drain her body of energy.
Cat maintenance is considered irresponsible if the cat disappears suddenly or goes to an environment that does not want it
Step 6. Find a cat that is too skinny
Cats young and old should be plump, with well-covered bones.
If you stroke the cat and the spine hits your fingers, or you can easily count the ribs, then the cat is underweight
Step 7. Look for suspicious injuries to identify intentional abuse
Watch for cats that appear to be frequently injured, injured, or limp. A cat walking with a limp can be considered suspicious, as it may be the result of a repetitive injury, not a chronic medical condition.
If you see a cat being abused by its owner, write down the details and the time, then call the police
Step 8. Watch for strange behavior
Most animals will show by their behavior if they are tortured.
- Usually, the cat looks daunted, looking down with wide eyes, looking around for a way to escape.
- Some cats become very aggressive, and attack immediately at the slightest provocation, because they think attacking is the best form of defense.
Step 9. Report the torture to the authorities so that it can be stopped
Never come face to face with the perpetrator, but report your suspicions to the authorities. Detailed evidence or explanations will be more helpful than mere feelings, so be specific.
- Authorities include law enforcement, animal welfare organizations, animal control officers, the SPCA or local animal shelters.
- Collect information such as the date and time when the torture occurred, and, if possible, photographic or video evidence.
Part 2 of 2: Understanding Torture
Step 1. Realize that sometimes illness can be mistaken for a form of torture
Make sure you look at the bigger picture before making any judgments. Sometimes it's easy to confuse an animal that is sick and getting good vet care, or an animal that is being abused.
For example, a very thin animal may be sick but well cared for, not because of a lack of food
Step 2. See how the animal reacts to its owner
A cat's reaction to its owner can be a good indicator of how it feels for its owner. br>
- If the cat runs to greet its owner and rubs its paw, that's a good sign.
- If the cat distances itself and bends down, it is possible that the cat has been abused.
- This is not a final conclusion, especially if you see the cat is trying to escape because it was given drugs or being bathed.
Step 3. Talk to the owner of the cat
To determine if there is a clear explanation for why the cat appears to be suffering, approach the owner and ask gently. Ask if the cat is okay, and listen carefully to the answer.
- Pay attention to your tone of voice.
- If the cat's owner says the cat is on medication, ask the vet where the cat went.
- If you're not satisfied with the answer, don't challenge the cat's owner, but report it to the authorities.
Step 4. Understand what is meant by unintentional torture
Unintentional torture is torture that is carried out because there is a lack of attention, but is not considered evil. Sadly, many people who consider themselves animal lovers can commit unintentional torture.
- This type of torture is usually caused by failing to provide all of the animal's basic needs, such as adequate food, clean water, clean bedding, and protection from the outside air.
- Unintentional abuse often occurs when a person has a large number of pets, or when they neglect cats by not providing them with enough food when they go on vacation.
Step 5. Beware of willful torture
Intentional abuse occurs when the owner of the animal learns that his or her animal has been hurt or injured, and does nothing about it afterwards. In the worst case, this could be considered a deliberate neglect with malicious intent, as well as intentionally inflicting pain and suffering on the cat.
