Your cat wants to go outside, and while you want them to be happy, there are many dangers outside of your front door.
Most people who love their cats are just not aware of the long list of dangers that await their precious pets. Your cat does not need to be outside for fresh air and exercise. Experts believe that feline fitness is attained by the stretching cats do several times a day. You can provide toys, a scratching post, or better yet—a climbing tree for your cat which will encourage exercise. The average life of an outside cat is 3 years, while the average life an inside cat is 18 years.
If you let your cat outside, or if they dart for the door, they could:
- Get hit by a car.
- Be exposed to fatal diseases, such as feline leukemia, feline AIDS, or rabies.
- Get stolen and sold to a lab for testing, or be used to train fighting dogs.
- Get chased and attacked by dogs or other animals, only to be wounded and die much later by starvation or infection/exposure.
- Get poisoned, either accidentally by pesticides or poisonous plants or intentionally by cat haters.
- Get accidentally shot, being mistaken for a squirrel or rabbit.
- Get caught in a trap.
- Get parasites such as fleas, ticks, or worms.
- Cause problems with your neighbors when he uses their lawn for a litter pan or hunts small animals or birds.
- Get “taken for a ride” and dumped miles away from home.
Identification Tags
If your cat does get out, you should be prepared beforehand. Break-away collars are recommended for cats so they cannot get caught on something. Make sure the collar is not too loose or too tight, and adjust the size as your cat grows. Always have an ID tag on the collar.
Litter Box
If your cat does get out, place their litter box outside. The smells of their own urine will draw them back home.
Exercise and Play
Cats and kittens love scratching posts, paper bags, catnip toys, and balls. Having toys that chirp or move can help satisfy their need to hunt so you don’t have to let your cat outside.
Transportation
Always carry your cat in a carrier or have it wear a leash & collar. If a cat gets frightened, it could jump out of your arms. Make sure the carrier is fully latched shut so your cat can’t escape.
Fleas
If your cat does get out, immediately treat them for fleas and ticks. Use products recommended by your veterinarian labeled for cats only.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.