ABSTRACT
Note: The Standards of the Animal Welfare Act must be considered foremost when developing housing accomodations for cats .
The Animal Welfare Act has both general and specific require ments . The cage immediately surrounding the cat is called the primary enclosure. In general, the primary enclosure must be soundly constructed and well maintained . It must be con structed of materials that can be sanitized or replaced when worn or soiled. It must not have sharp projections that may cause injury. The cages should be routinely examined for broken welds and loose wires that develop through use. The cages must keep the animals in and other animals out. They must keep the animals clean and dry and provide ready access to food and water. If the primary enclosures are not located indoors. they must protect the animals from extremes in weather and provide sufficient shade for all the animals in the enclosure.
