Keeping cats indoors is good advice for many reasons. For one thing, it keeps them safe. Indoor cats aren’t as likely to wander off and get hit by cars or other incidents, and they’re far less likely to suffer potentially fatal injuries in the house. Indoor cats also don’t have to contend with the stresses of predators, inclement weather, and parasites that plague outdoor cats. But keeping cats indoors isn’t always easy or practical, especially for stray cats.
Reasons to Keep Your Cat Indoors
Longer Lives
Indoor cats live longer as long as they’re taken care of. They’re also healthier than outdoor-only cats, according to one study. According to this AWA study, cats tend to live longer if they have indoor access. Some pet owners let their cats roam outside, which can cause a variety of health problems. Outdoor cats are more likely to get viral infections such as feline leukemia, and feline distemper and to be attacked by other animals.
Safety
While many cats may enjoy the outdoors, it is vital to keep them indoors for their safety. Outdoor cats can face various risks, including theft, abandonment, illness, injuries, exposure to infectious diseases, and the danger of cars. Cats also get lost outside and disoriented, leading to injury, starvation, and death. When cats are kept indoors, they are less likely to get lost or killed. However, as a cat parent, you should make arrangements for their play session by installing cat trees and climbing ropes. You can just take the help of a handyman in Overland Park, or in your vicinity to install those structures. This can help the cats stay engaged. Additionally, make sure that the cats have access to a window so that they can watch the birds and other outdoor animals. If you are someone with frequent travel commitments for professional reasons and are worried about the protection of your cat at home, hiring a cat sitter might be a wise option. This can not only ensure the safety of your cat but can also provide you with peace of mind, knowing that a responsible person is caring for your feline friend.
Health
For many Americans, cats are more than just animals. They are members of the family. Their loyalty, playfulness, and companionship are treasured. But no matter what your reasons for keeping a cat indoors are, the health and wellness of your pet are at stake. Many of us love our cats, and we all want to keep them happy and healthy. If they live indoors, they shouldn’t have to deal with ticks, fleas, or other parasites that live outside.
To Avoid Fighting
Everyone knows that cats can be independent, playful, and mischievous creatures that love to climb, explore, hide, and hunt. But did you know that cats can also be dangerous? Though most people would never think it when greeting Fluffy, those cute little, furry creatures can be dangerous if provoked or injured. According to the CDC, nearly 4.5 million visits to emergency rooms (ERs) are made due to cat-to-cat aggression, and around 5,000 cats die each year from injuries sustained from fighting.
To Have Peace of Mind
Cat owners know exactly what I mean. It’s not pleasant to have someone come home because a cat is stalking or chasing them, even worse when the cat is yours. So, keeping them inside stops you from questioning whether it’s safe or not.
Will Not Cause Disturbance to Neighbors
Do many people believe that keeping cats indoors is cruel, but is it? Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat to survive. Keeping your cat inside prevents it from hunting, an important survival skill. Cats will adapt to being confined and will do just fine if strict rules are in place. Feeding your cat typically twice a day becomes easier, as you don’t have to worry if your cat is hungry. You should never feel guilty about leaving your cat home alone, as knowing your cat is safe is a top priority,
When Can You Let Your Cat Outside?
While it’s generally recommended to keep your cats indoor for their safety, there are instances when allowing them to roam freely outdoors can be beneficial. Cats are natural explorers and outdoor enthusiasts, and providing them with some supervised outdoor time can contribute positively to their well-being. It allows them to exercise their instincts, enjoy fresh air, and engage in physical activities that indoor spaces might not fully satisfy.
Instead of letting your cat roam freely outside, you can get your yard or garden fenced by firms similar to My Fence so that your cat can’t escape. You also want to ensure there’s no vehicle traffic in the area where your cat will be. If you allow your cat outside, make sure the cat is wearing a collar with a tag that includes your name, address, and phone number. You can also use a microchip, a small computer chip that can easily be injected under the skin to ensure your pet can be identified if it should be lost and brought to a vet.
Additionally, you have a pool in your house area and want to make sure your cat stays safe, you might have to take a few extra precautions. First, put up a secure pool fence to keep your cat from accidentally wandering into the water. Also, regularly fixing any cracks or leaks in your pool can be smart move to prevent slippery surfaces that might cause accidents. And, companies like Concrete Science Florida can assist you with this. Furthermore, since cats are naturally curious, think about setting up a barrier between the pool and the rest of the yard to discourage them from exploring too closely.
With that being said, try your best to keep your cat indoors. Outdoor cats face risks like diseases, traffic, and harsh weather conditions. They are also more susceptible to accidents involving cars or encounters with other animals. On the flip side, indoor cats tend to live longer, healthier lives.
Keeping cats indoors is a wise and responsible choice for many reasons. It ensures their safety, protects their health, and minimizes potential risks and disturbances to both the cats and their owners. While it’s natural for cats to enjoy the great outdoors, there are ways to provide them with safe and controlled outdoor experiences, such as through a secure enclosed area or a well-monitored outdoor environment.
By prioritizing the well-being of our feline friends and considering the potential dangers they may face outside, we can ensure that our cats lead longer, healthier lives while also maintaining peace of mind for ourselves and our neighbors. The decision to keep a cat indoors is a loving and responsible way to care for our beloved feline companions.