Should You Let Your Cat Outside?

     There is no BEST answer to this question, although it’s one that many people feel very strongly about.

Indoor cats and outdoor cats encounter different challenges and risks. An indoor cat might suffer from

lack of mental and physical stimulation, stress, medical issues such as obesity, or behavior problems. The

outdoor cat is at higher risk for infectious diseases, injuries or trauma, or getting lost. Whatever your

choice is, it’s important to keep your cat healthy and safe.

 

Making the Outdoors Safer

* Talk to your veterinarian and stay up to date on all vaccines, flea and heartworm

prevention, and de-worming.

* Make sure your cat has a breakaway collar and tag, is neutered or spayed and

microchipped.

* Make the immediate outdoor area safe for your cat. If possible, build an outside enclosure.

This prevents your cat from getting lost, and keeps other cats out of your yard.

* If you have a younger cat, train them to use a leash and harness. This way, you can take

your cat with you on outdoor excursions.

* Never leave a cat on a leash unattended, outside or inside.

 

Making the Indoors Attractive

* Talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate diet and how much to feed.

* Put screens on your windows and get a kitty window seat.

* Play with your cat several times a day. See handout on how to play with your cat.

* Cat trees, cat condos, shelves, and other climbing apparatuses give your cat more places to

climb, play, and own.

* Provide scratching posts made of different materials—corrugated cardboard, wood, carpet,

or sisal rope. See handout on using scratching posts.

* Many cats enjoy watching videos of cats, birds, fish, insects, and nature scenes.

* Grow kitty grass. Available at many pet supply stores, it is safe and tasty for your cat to

nibble.

* Make your cat “work for food” and use food dispensing and puzzle toys.

* Consider adopting another cat for company if your cat is an “only child”.

* Have at least one more litter box than you do cats and place them in areas to which your cat

has easy access.

 

Remember: even indoor cats should be regularly vaccinated, receive flea prevention, and be micro-

chipped. We recommend that all cats wear breakaway collars with up-to-date contact information for

their guardians. Make an emergency plan in case of earthquake, fire, burglary, or other mishap.