There's no denying it. Cats have an independent spirit. A recent study suggests about 45 percent of pet cats in America spend most of their time outdoors. If you have a cat that likes to roam, then you need to take these tips seriously to keep your outdoor-loving cat safe.
Get the Right Vaccines
Since outdoor cats are more likely to come in contact with bugs, toxins, bacteria, and other animals, it makes sense that they require more vaccinations than indoor cats.
Which vaccinations your cat needs depends on many factors, including your location, your cat's overall health, and how long your cat stays outdoors.
Regardless of these factors, all cats should get vaccinated for rabies, feline calicivirus, and feline viral rhinotracheitis.
To keep your outdoor-loving cat safe, they usually require additional shots for diseases like chlamydia, leukemia, and bordetella.
Of course, talk with your vet to better understand what your cat needs to stay healthy wherever they are.
Spay or Neuter Your Cat
You've probably already heard how important it is to spay or neuter your pets.
This is especially true for cats that like to roam outside.
Cats who have this procedure done tend to stay closer to home and don't take as many risks as cats who aren't spayed or neutered.
As long as your cat is over 5 months, you can schedule a spaying or neutering procedure with a local vet.
Invest in a GPS Tracker
You'll never fret about the location of your furry friend if you implant a microchip into him/her.
Nowadays, microchips are smaller than a grain of rice, yet they can contain all of your contact information in case your pet gets lost.
There are even a few companies that offer GPS tracking with these microchips.
Since these microchips are becoming increasingly common, most animal shelters can scan for them.
If you don't feel comfortable implanting a microchip into your pet, then at least be sure s/he always wears a collar with your contact info on it.
Additionally, there are many GPS trackers that can attach to collars.
With a little research, your cat's location can be accessed anytime.
Trim Tree Branches
Usually, cats have no problem climbing up a tree-it's the getting down part that confuses them.
The best way to prevent this from happening to your cat is to invest in tree care including pruning, trimming, and so on.
With fewer branches to latch onto, it's more unlikely your cat will ever get stuck up a tree.
Is limb trimming not in your wheelhouse?
You can get quality tree trimming service by Tree Service Rancho Cucamonga.
If, however, you discover your cat one day nervously meowing on a branch, the best thing to do is remain calm.
Oftentimes cats can physically get down, but they are too afraid to try.
So, if you're nervous in front of the cat, it's less likely they will have enough confidence to climb down.
There are many ways you can convince your cat to climb down.
Common strategies include leaning something against the tree, like a ladder, for the cat to use to climb down; sending a cat carrier up into the tree for the cat to climb into; and tempting them with fragrant treats they enjoy.
If these strategies don't work, consult a nearby vet's office or rescue for help and advice.
Provide Shelter
People who live in colder areas need to provide their cats with a warm, outdoor shelter. In addition, they will want to provide a way for it to return indoors.
Just like humans, cats that stay outside for long periods of time run the risk of suffering from hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, and more.
If you can't afford a fancy outdoor home option for your cat, then you could use a wooden box with plenty of insulation.
For those that live in warmer areas, provide your cat with a safe, shady retreat. This way, they aren't tempted to sit under the car to cool off.
If your cat splits their time between the outdoors and indoors, you may want to consider a cat-friendly door flap.
Many high-tech options these days come with collar attachments that can help make sure only your cat can enter your home.
While there are risks to owning an outdoor cat, it's worth it to invest in their safety.
By following the strategies listed above, you can keep your outdoor-loving cat safe without fear.
Calvin says
Good guidelines to follow, definitely do what you can to ensure the safety of your fur ball
Missy Zane says
Great tips. Thank you so much for giving people permission to let their cats go out and just be cats!
christina Moore says
Thank you for the tips
Shakeia Rieux says
These tips are going to be very helpful! I’ve had cats before but they were indoor cats, and the one I have now I’m going to have to keep outside so I’m going to need all the information I can get on that.
Sarah L says
When I had cats there weren't trackers like today. I'd have a cat or dog chipped for sure.
Mary Gardner says
These are great tips. I don't currently have a cat but having a GPS tracker would have been great when I did and I will definitely invest in one for my next kitty.
kathy pease says
These are all great tips I pretty much have all these covered but my biggest worry is the damn ticks all over my yard so I got my cat one of those 8 month collars. I did end up getting Lyme Disease in 2012.
Antoinette M says
I keep my cats mostly indoors. Thank you for the tips. Interesting to read.
June S. says
(5 Tips to Help Keep Your Outdoor-Loving Cat Safe and Happy) My neighbor has a cat named Sam that has been an outdoor/indoor cat for many years now. Sometimes when my neighbor opens the door and calls for him he will completely ignore her if he does not want to go in yet. Sam is 19 years old now.
christina Moore says
Thank you for the tips, I have 3 outdoor cats and 2 indoor cats,
Janet W. says
A GPS tracker is a good idea, not only for cats, but for dogs too! Great tips!
Heather Jones says
My cat is always outside except at night. Thank you for the useful info.
LeAnn Harbert says
This is good information to keep in mind for my cats.
Sandy Klocinski says
Contrary to popular belief, a warm fur coat does not keep you (nor a cat) warm all through the wintertime. It is very important to monitor the conditions your cats are living in. It's also crucial to keep in mind other weather elements besides just the temperature. Actually, cats should not be allowed to roam outdoors...there are many other dangerous things out there besides the weather. When we were kids we had an old tom cat that roamed around outside. He was always having abscesses on his face from fighting with other cats. It is easier said than done keeping them inside though. Once when he had a kidney infection, the vet said to keep him inside for a couple of weeks. Everything was fine and dandy while he was feeling bad but as soon as he began to feel like his old self, he climbed up in the air conditioning ducts and sprayed. Needless to say, he was booted out promptly. Took a while for that smell to dissipate!