Things to do when your cat is out and about
With the end of spring comes the hot season of summer. This means it's time to review what you need to know before allowing your favorite little felines to go outside in this hot season.
Cats can thrive outdoors
While cat lovers tend to agree on many things, one of the most generally agreed upon facts is that a busy cat is a behaved cat. Many pet owners tend to want to keep their kitties inside and while for some families that may be best, it is in a cat's nature to want to be outside.
Cats have been hunters long before they were ever our cuddly house pets and thus always long for more wildlife. They are also amazing at blending into their surroundings and are even more excellent climbers. When they get to explore nature they get to use these innate skills and can let out their pent-up energy.
After a long day of playing outside usually your feline friend will come walking back inside needing some much-needed rest which ultimately allows the pet owner themselves to get their beauty sleep! Despite the rumor mill, a lot of cats have been able to thrive outdoors without any significant risk to their health and well-being.
Things to do when your cat is out and about
Laying in the sun and enjoying life is what it’s all about for a kitty in addition to wanting to hunt and running around and making friends with other neighborhood critters. The major benefit to allowing your cat outside is that they can utilize their instincts and behave however they like with ease which may include, socializing, hunting, scent marking, and many other enriching behaviors.
In many cases, if a cat is still intact reproductively and they are let outside, it can become pregnant or get others pregnant. While kittens are adorable, they can also be a handful. If you can, spay or neuter your cat before allowing them outside. Not only will it be healthier for them but it will also prevent any unwanted kittens whether they may be yours or your neighbors!
Even though your kitty may be exploring the world around them,keep a Cat Feeder and Cat Water Fountain near the entry and exit of your home. Fresh food and water are also important. Because familiar smells will coax your buddy home when it’s dinner time which may help with the anxiety a pet owner may have about their kitty wandering too far.
Sometimes you may find your cat brings home a friend. Cats have a close bond with one another whether domesticated or feral. Providing your cat with an outdoor enclosure or cat tower can also give your feline confidence and give them a safe place in the yard for them to feel comfortable. Even if you may be hesitant about letting your cat outside, there can be some compromise by installing an outdoor pet enclosure that they can access themselves from inside the home. It allows them to sit in the sun and explore more of the outside world while also maintaining their safety and allowing them some autonomy over their lives.
Precautions for cats outside
If you aren’t the type of pet owner who feels comfortable letting your cat roam free, there are still some ways you can provide them the enrichment they crave while under your supervision. It’s become increasingly popular for cats to be harness trained. It can be an easy adjustment for most cats while some may require additional training. Not all cats will enjoy it, but you will still see others who may enjoy exploring your yard, discovering new smells, and relaxing in the warm sun without needing a harness. It is a benefit also that the outdoors is its natural litter box which means less scooping time for the owner and more playing time for your pet.
It's important to also remember that cats who do have access to the outdoors are more likely to come in contact with fleas or ticks. This can be irritating for them but also dangerous if any other animals in the household may be affected. Make sure you give your cats their regular flea and tick prevention medication and take them for their yearly vet visit before allowing them back out after the winter to get updated on their vaccinations.
In conclusion,while this is a lot of information, it is necessary to know these facts before letting your feline friends explore the world. They will thank you for listening and taking these precautions that help keep them safe and allow them to live enriched lives in the outdoors!
