When adopting a new cat, owners have a number of decisions to make. From choosing the right name to choosing the right vet, it can be an exciting albeit stressful time for owner and pet. On top of all the questions you may be searching for answers to, you may also be questioning your decision to keep your cat indoors only.
Many new pet owners struggle with this decision, but the truth is that keeping your cat indoors is the safest option for family and feline. In fact, what many pet owners don’t realize are the risks that come from allowing their pets to roam outside:
- Fights with other cats
- Attacks by free-roaming dogs
- Infections from puncture wounds
- Gunshot wounds
- Fleas, ticks, worms
- Pesticide poisoning
- Feline Leukemia
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
- Being hit by a car
- Encounters with sick and possibly rabid animals
- Being sprayed by skunks
- Being stolen
- Steel jaw traps
- Sickness or death from eating spoiled foods or poison
Did You Know Inside Cats Live Longer, Healthier Lives?
Cats living indoors live in a much more stress-free environment than those that spend time outside, even partially. Because cats can run into so many unexpected predators, parasites, illnesses and accidents when roaming unsupervised outside, it is advised to keep your cat indoors whenever possible.
Being raised indoors won’t leave your feline feeling any less satisfied or happy as if living outdoors. In fact, avoiding all the aforementioned pitfalls allows indoor cats to live relatively stress-free lives, which in turn can extend their lifespan.
If you’re having any doubts about your decision to keep your feline friend inside, rest assured that cats raised indoors are perfectly content with their safer world.
Keeping Your Indoor Cats Active
One important component of feline life missing for indoor pets is the ability to run, play, stalk and hunt more freely. As cats age, most adapt well to the calmer environments of indoor living. However, some have the energy of a kitten well into their adult years. This doesn’t mean you made a bad decision by keeping your cat cooped up inside, but instead that your furry friend likely needs a little more play time.
Give This Toy a Try: Kong Firefly
Interactive toys can keep your feline friend active even when you’re not home for play time.
Tailwaggin’ Tip: Tag, Tag, Tag!
Any cat can get lost – even yours. YOUR cat needs a tag!
Tag your cat even if it never goes outside. One day your cat could slip through an open door and easily become lost. Don’t take a chance on losing your furry friend forever. Tag it with your name, address and phone number.
How to Put a Collar on Your Cat
The first time you put a collar on your cat, give it a bit of catnip, a treat, or a small toy to distract attention from the new feeling of wearing a collar. When choosing a collar, be sure to look for one with a short piece of elastic sewn in that will stretch and allow the cat to escape if it gets hung up on a tree limb or fence.
If you start to second guess whether the collar is comfortable or necessary for your cat, just remember that far more cats die because they get lost and their owners can’t find them than ever get hurt from wearing a collar.
Source: ARL – Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc. 2018 – https://www.arl-iowa.org/