Are you thinking of letting your cat stay outside every now and then? If you are, then you’re probably wondering how you can keep your cat safe outdoors.
Now, there are many reasons why you’re worried about letting your cat stay outside. Most pet owners fear the following:
These are just a few things that some fellow pet owners may warn you about when it comes to taking your cat outside. In fact, there are even vets that would tell you to let your cat stay indoors to avoid such things from happening.
However, if you really want some time outside with your fur baby, there are definitely ways to keep it safe. Read on as we will give you seven tips to ensure a worry-free wander with your feline friend.
1.Get Your Cat Vaccinated
Getting your cat vaccinated could be as important as getting human babies vaccinated before you even consider letting them go outside. It’s advisable to wait at least after a week from finishing the first course of your cat’s vaccination.
There are two vaccines that are considered essential to cats. First is the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) or also known as the distemper shot. This will protect your cat from the three common diseases mentioned.
The second shot is for anti-rabies. This is important especially if there are reported cases of rabies in your area.
Take note that rabies can be caused by different animals that your cat may come across with. This is also important to avoid infecting humans with rabies as this can be passed on through bites and scratches.
You can still ask your vet about other shots that may be necessary as it may differ in different states or places.
2.Let Your Cat Wear an Identification Tag
This should be one of the first things you should get once you own a cat as this is the most helpful if in case it runs off. If cats get lost, this is what could help other people locate their owners.
With this said, it’s important that you make sure the details on the tag are updated when needed.
3.Let Your Cat Enjoy Outdoors with Your Supervision
This is very important, especially if the outdoors you have in mind is your backyard, the park or your
street. Cats have the tendency to get lost as they can get easily distracted. Under your supervision, you can make sure that you know what your cat is doing and who your cat is mingling with.
If you can, train your cat to walk with a leash so you can both enjoy a walk together or enjoy the park together. Just make sure that the leash is something comfortable.
4.Build an Enclosure
This is best if you have the time and budget to make sure that your cat won’t really get away or have encounters with animals that carry any disease or virus.
Once an enclosure is built, it is even possible to let your cat out with minimal to no supervision as this would really make you sure that your cat won’t go anywhere.
5.Have Your Cat Microchipped
Before getting your cat microchipped, you need to know that it’s not exactly like a GPS. Inserting a microchip in your cat’s skin is basically almost similar to making it wear a cat collar or tag with your details.
This said, always make sure that your details are updated to make sure that you get reunited with your fur baby if in case it runs away and is found by someone who decided to have it scanned for a microchip.
If you’re worried about a microchip getting into your cat’s organs, you really shouldn’t because it is only implanted skin-deep.
6.Keep Your Cat Entertained
If you plan on letting your cat stay in the outdoors for a few hours, make sure you have it entertained for it to not get away. It’s good to get its toys or cat trees to play with during the time it is outdoors.
Another good option would be empty boxes. Cats love to hide and these boxes would make a good place for them to hide and squish themselves.
7.Get Your Cat Checked Every Now and Then
It’s not really necessary to have cats checked every month. It’s advisable though to have them checked by a vet at least once a year. But if your cat spends a lot of time outside, then it’s best to at least have it checked every quarter.
The moment you feel like something is amiss, do not hesitate to bring your cat to the vet. If in case it gets worms, parasites or food poisoned, immediate medication has to be done.
Should You Really Worry?
As a pet parent, it’s unavoidable to stress on unnecessary things. But letting your cat enjoy the outdoors shouldn’t make you too worried.
This is something that would not really get you or your pet in trouble. As long as you take the necessary precautions, you should be able to enjoy every second of it.
Miranda LaSala, content editor at PurringPal
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