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Many people these days fear letting their cats outdoors. In my opinion they do miss out by being kept indoors. Please look at alternatives like fencing in your garden before coming to that decision. Cats have instincts and should be allowed to live life to the full. Should you choose to keep a cat indoors it is important to make adjustments to create a cat friendly home.
Keep Your Cat In At Night
Many people still feel that it is in the cat's best interest to go out at night. A cat will sleep on average 16 hours out of every 24 hours - more when they are old. By putting your cat out at night they are more likely to be run over after dark and from a behavioural point of view you may be unwittingly causing it extreme stress. It has no "safe-haven" to get back to - i.e. your house, it will be cold and will be at risk from a number of feral cats that are out and about after dark. These feral cats do not have "homes" and are therefore extremely territorial. They will fight for their territory and food and are constantly on the look out for a female mate. They may carry diseases such as FIV/FeLV (Feline Aids Virus and Feline Leukaemia Virus) Both these viruses attack the immune system and may be fatal. This is not a safe time for our domestic cats to be out and about as these feral cats will do whatever it takes to defend their territory. Your cat will merely be looking for somewhere warm and safe to sleep. Where will he find this on a freezing cold winter's night. PLEASE - KEEP YOUR CAT IN AT NIGHT
Keep Your Cat In At Night
Many people still feel that it is in the cat's best interest to go out at night. A cat will sleep on average 16 hours out of every 24 hours - more when they are old. By putting your cat out at night they are more likely to be run over after dark and from a behavioural point of view you may be unwittingly causing it extreme stress. It has no "safe-haven" to get back to - i.e. your house, it will be cold and will be at risk from a number of feral cats that are out and about after dark. These feral cats do not have "homes" and are therefore extremely territorial. They will fight for their territory and food and are constantly on the look out for a female mate. They may carry diseases such as FIV/FeLV (Feline Aids Virus and Feline Leukaemia Virus) Both these viruses attack the immune system and may be fatal. This is not a safe time for our domestic cats to be out and about as these feral cats will do whatever it takes to defend their territory. Your cat will merely be looking for somewhere warm and safe to sleep. Where will he find this on a freezing cold winter's night. PLEASE - KEEP YOUR CAT IN AT NIGHT
Caring For Your Kitten
Introducing A New Cat
Soiling And Spraying
Litter And Trays
Eating And Drinking
Bonding With Your Cat
Timid Cats
Keep Your Cat Safe
In Or Out
Playtime
Multicat Households
Aggression
Old Age
Costs to Consider
Introducing A New Cat
Soiling And Spraying
Litter And Trays
Eating And Drinking
Bonding With Your Cat
Timid Cats
Keep Your Cat Safe
In Or Out
Playtime
Multicat Households
Aggression
Old Age
Costs to Consider
The following information is the opinion of the writer and is not a substitute for veterinary/professional advice.
Cat Behaviour
Keeping Your Cat Safe
Collars
I personally do not like collars as I have a cat - Simon - who lost one of his front legs due to a collar injury. Despite my best efforts he not only lost his leg but also his owner as there was no identification on him. I cannot recommend microchipping strongly enough. If your cat is due to be neutered or spayed then this can be done under sedation, however most cats only have a minor discomfort as the needle is inserted in-between the skin on their shoulder blades and is about the size of a grain of rice. The unique number is then traceable back to you. Most rescues and councils now have scanners so should your pet go missing you have some chance of being reunited and it gives us rescues a fighting chance of finding you.
I personally do not like collars as I have a cat - Simon - who lost one of his front legs due to a collar injury. Despite my best efforts he not only lost his leg but also his owner as there was no identification on him. I cannot recommend microchipping strongly enough. If your cat is due to be neutered or spayed then this can be done under sedation, however most cats only have a minor discomfort as the needle is inserted in-between the skin on their shoulder blades and is about the size of a grain of rice. The unique number is then traceable back to you. Most rescues and councils now have scanners so should your pet go missing you have some chance of being reunited and it gives us rescues a fighting chance of finding you.
Some rescues will rehome 'stray' animals after just 7 days if they are not claimed.
PLEASE MICROCHIP YOUR CAT TODAY!
PLEASE MICROCHIP YOUR CAT TODAY!
The Microchip Cat Flap - No Collar Needed
Keeps out unwanted cats by using your cat's existing
microchip number without the need for a collar.
Automatically detects light levels and can keep your cat in at night.
microchip number without the need for a collar.
Automatically detects light levels and can keep your cat in at night.