Anyone who has lived with a cat knows that they can be very independent, curious and sometimes a bit stubborn. They may also be eager to explore the outdoors and even go on excursions without us realizing it. However, there are a few things to consider before letting your cat outdoors.
It’s about taking some precautions against what can be a bit risky for your kitty’s own safety. In general, cats have unique tastes and habits, so it is important to assess their personality, individual needs and the conditions of their environment before deciding whether it is appropriate for them to leave home. It is also advisable to consult your veterinarian, as they can offer specific recommendations for your particular cat.
Before letting your cat out
- Vaccination. This is the first aspect to take into account before letting your cat out. Full vaccination will help protect you from contagious diseases. Of course, regular visits to the veterinarian are important to monitor their health and verify that everything is in order.
- Security. The conditions outside the house where the cat lives must be evaluated. If it is a high-traffic area, where your cat is at risk of being run over, it would be better not to go out. Another risk to take into account is the presence of toxic substances outside that could make you sick.
- Lifestyle. Your lifestyle may be busy and you may find it difficult to accompany your cat on outdoor forays. In that case, it is advisable not to go out to avoid getting into trouble with fights with other cats or animals. You can enrich his indoor environment to make him happy and comfortable at home. For example, with interactive toys, scratching posts and climbing areas.
Recommendations
Since cats have a natural curiosity that leads them to explore their environment, you must make sure that there are no openings in the house through which your cat can escape unnoticed. You could, for example, install bars on windows and doors to prevent them from escaping from home.
Another recommendation is that even if you are sure that your cat will not be able to leave the house without your consent, you should put a collar with your name and address information on it. This way, in case it gets lost, you will have a better chance of being returned home by someone who finds it.
It may also be a good idea to get your kitty used to wearing a harness. If you have never used it before, in this other one post here are some tips to get your cat used to its use. Another alternative is to create a safe outdoor space for your kitten. Of course, that will be possible if you have a garden or balcony where your cat can enjoy the outdoors but in a controlled manner.
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