Outdoors, cat-astrophic?
While the nationwide lockdown and staying indoors is alien to us, it’s nothing new for our feline friends. We have spent the past year watching the idiot box but our kitties have spent the majority of their lives in a cardboard box.
As a cat parent, you must have grappled with THE most daunting cat parenting question: Should I take my cat outdoors?
Bira getting tanned, one fine sunday afternoon
This question only gives birth to a plethora of other questions. Is it safe to take my cat outdoors? What kind of places are purrfect for my cat?
The cost-benefit analysis of taking your cat outside vs keeping your cat indoors should not be taxing for you and your cat. It is important to take a meow-ment and take an informed decision before reaching a conclusion. Additionally, it is essential to keep the following pointers in mind:
Understand and respect your cat’s purr-sonality
Your cat has a personality of his/her own. A cat that lived in the streets before getting adopted would like to go outdoors compared to the one who has never been outside their human’s flat.
There is no right or wrong decision
Your cat can lead a comfortable, healthy and stimulating life both indoors and outdoors. It is important to implement a few precautionary measures to ensure a safe and engaging environment for your cat irrespectively.
Curiosity need not kill the cat
Majority of the cats are natural explorers. Your cat might initially be hesitant to explore the outside world as he/she is venturing into an unknown territory with unknown sensory experiences. The outside world will begin to grow on them once they start exploring it. Your cat will be fascinated and awestruck by nature’s diverse smell, texture and tastes, sights and sounds. Trees, squirrels, birds and insects will peak your cat’s curiosity of the outside world.
Oscar enjoying his vacation at the Coconut Ivy Resort, Alibag
Advantages of taking your cat outdoors
- Your cat has the freedom to run, climb and explore the park. Since your cat is not restricted by the 4 walls of your house, they are less likely to put on weight.
- The outside environment stimulates your cat’s senses. The outdoors pampers your cat’s natural curiosity via sight, smell, sound and taste. This overall stimulation boosts your cat’s wellbeing and opens them to new experiences.
- The outdoors is an outlet for your cat’s natural instincts. In fact, the four walls of your house might restrict your cat’s natural behaviour. Your cat can now put his/her their scratching and hunting skills to use. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice your expensive furniture.
Disadvantages of taking your cat outdoors
- Your cat has a greater risk of coming into contact with ticks, worms and fleas from other cats and the outside environment in general. Ticks carry diseases such as Lyme and Mycoplasma. These get transmitted to your cat when they get bit by ticks.
- Your cat can encounter toxic plants and flowers such as lilies and poinsettia. He/she might also encounter toxic substances such as slug pellets and rodent poisons.
- Kittens under the age of one are highly susceptible to car injuries. According to the National Traffic Safety Administration in the US, Over 62% of cat injuries are caused by drivers who use their cell phones and around 92% of cats do not make it after getting hit by a car. Also, your cat might sleep on top of car tyres.
- There is an increased probability of a catfight over overlapping territories.
Cara Belle enjoying a warm sunny day in her Mi Dulce An’ya Organic Kids Tent
Tips for a safer outdoor experience
- Don’t let your cat roam freely sans supervision, especially if he/she is declawed. About 93% of cat parents have lost at least one cat as a result of being neglected. Do not let your cat outdoors during traffic, at any cost. Even under supervision, it is imperative that your cat has a microchip, ID tag and safety collar of his/her own.
- Stick to your cat’s vaccination, flea and worming schedule. Visit the vet regularly and get your cat neutered. This will prevent unwanted pregnancies and also deter your cat from travelling further from home in order to find a partner.
- Install a cat flap and make sure the plants in your garden are cat friendly, for e.g. Lavender.
There is no reason to make a meow-tain out of a mole. Ensure that you are aware of your cat’s personality and your nearby environment before making a decision. Remember, with a little bit of extra care and caution, the outdoors can prove to be a stimulating and healthy environment for your cat. So, are you team indoor cat or team outdoor cat?
Source: Lost Pet Research & Recovery
