Making the decision of whether your new cat or kitten should live outdoors or indoors can be challenging. If you find yourself undecided and seeking guidance, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the information you need
How do cats choose if they want to be outdoor or indoor?
Every cat has its own unique preferences and personality, which can often help guide the decision of whether they should be indoor or outdoor cats. Some cats may make the choice themselves, based on their behavior and reactions. Timid or older cats tend to prefer the safety and comfort of the indoors, showing less interest in venturing outside whenever a door opens.
On the other hand, if your cat eagerly tries to dash out whenever a door or window is slightly ajar, it's a sign that they crave the outdoor experience. As an owner, it's important to make a definitive choice and remain consistent throughout their lives, as cats may struggle to adjust if their environment changes as they grow older.
Here are five key benefits of allowing your cat to roam outdoors:
Physical exercise: Outdoor cats have the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors like climbing, running, and exploring. This helps them stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight.
Mental stimulation: The outdoor environment provides a rich sensory experience for cats, with new sights, sounds, and smells to stimulate their curious minds. It can prevent boredom and promote mental well-being.
Natural instincts: Being outdoors allows cats to express their natural hunting instincts. They can chase after prey, climb trees, and engage in other instinctual behaviors that fulfill their innate needs.
Vitamin D exposure: Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for a cat's overall health, including bone strength and immune function. Outdoor time allows cats to soak up some sun and naturally produce vitamin D.
Environmental enrichment: The outdoor environment offers a wide range of stimuli, such as different textures, surfaces, and objects. This enriches a cat's surroundings, providing opportunities for exploration and sensory engagement.
Remember, it's important to ensure your outdoor cat's safety by providing a secure outdoor space or supervised access, considering local risks such as traffic, predators, and potential hazards.
Potential risks for an outdoor cat
Here are some of the risks associated with allowing your cat to roam outdoors:
Injuries from cars: Outdoor cats are at risk of being injured or killed by moving vehicles, especially kittens who may be less aware of the dangers.
Sleeping in hazardous areas: Cats may seek warmth and shelter by sleeping on top of tires or under car bonnets, putting them at risk of injury when the vehicle is started or moved.
Getting lost: Cats that are not familiar with their surroundings or wander too far from home may become lost and have difficulty finding their way back.
Exposure to toxic substances: Outdoor cats may come into contact with chemicals used in gardens, such as slug pellets, anti-freeze, or rodent poisons. They may also encounter toxic plants, posing a risk to their health.
Increased risk of fighting: In areas with a higher cat population, there is an increased likelihood of territorial conflicts and cat fights, which can lead to injuries and the transmission of diseases.
Exposure to diseases, ticks, fleas, and worms: Outdoor cats have a higher likelihood of encountering other cats and the outdoor environment, which increases their risk of contracting infectious diseases, picking up ticks and fleas, or becoming infected with worms.
Keeping your outdoor cat safe
As a responsible pet owner, it's important to take certain measures to ensure your cat's safety while they enjoy the outdoors. Here are some steps you can take to provide them with the best possible life and keep them safe:
Keep up to date with vaccinations, flea and worming treatment
Because of the fact they’re more likely to come into contact with other cats, keeping their vaccinations up to date is more important than ever. Additionally, you should also ensure that you’re regularly administering flea and worming treatment to ensure that they’re kept happy and healthy.
Install a cat flap: If you're not at home during the day to let your cat back inside when they feel threatened or uncomfortable outdoors, installing a cat flap is highly recommended. This allows your cat to come and go as they please. If you're worried about other cats entering your home, consider getting a cat flap that can be programmed to respond only to your cat's microchip or collar.
Microchip your cat:
It is essential to have your outdoor cat microchipped. In case your cat ventures too far from home or gets accidentally trapped in a neighbor's garage or shed, a microchip significantly increases the chances of a reunion. If someone finds your cat, they can take them to a vet who can scan the microchip and retrieve your contact details, facilitating a swift return of your beloved feline companion.
Safety collar and tag
: It's important to equip your outdoor cat with a safety collar and tag. Opt for a break-free collar that will easily come undone if your cat gets caught on something while climbing or exploring. Reflective collars are also beneficial, as they increase visibility during nighttime excursions. Including a tag with your contact details on the collar can help facilitate a prompt reunion if your cat ever goes missing.
Neutering your cat:
Getting your cat neutered is highly recommended, especially for outdoor cats. Neutering reduces the risk of unwanted pregnancies and prevents cats from roaming too far in search of potential mates. Unneutered males are more prone to territorial behavior, such as marking and spraying, and may engage in fights with other cats. Neutering helps maintain a safer and more controlled outdoor environment for your cat.
Cat-friendly plants:
Creating a garden with cat-friendly plants can help deter your cat from eating toxic or poisonous plants. Consider growing catnip, catmint, lavender, and cat grass, as these are safe and enjoyable for cats. Ensure that any products used on your plants are non-toxic and organic to prevent harm to your feline companion.