We all know that cats love to explore the outdoors. Most people believe that cats are predators and can handle themselves outside. However, they are also prey and there is, unfortunately, an abundance of potential dangers when your cat is wondering free outside.
Common Outdoor Hazards for Cats
Dogs: Unfortunately, Fido might not be friendly to your cat coming into his yard and can do some serious harm to your kitty, which can require emergency medical attention.
Poisons: Antifreeze, pesticides, mouse poison and many others are harmful to your cat if ingested.
Poisonous Plants: You can’t control what plant your cat decides to chew on when it goes outside wandering. Many plants and flowers are toxic and can cause organ failure.
Vehicles: Your cat is no match for a moving vehicle and if hit, it can cause serious damage and potentially death.
Other outdoor cats: If a cat has a run in with another cat that isn’t so friendly there will most likely be a fight between them. “Cat Scratch Fever” is a common infection caused by cat scratches and bites.
Wildlife: There are numerous types of wildlife that could harm your cat. Porcupines, skunks, coyotes, and bats just to name a few. These animals not only carry diseases but can injure or even kill your cat.
Weather Conditions: Colder temperatures can cause frostbite to ears, feet and tail if a cat is outside too long.
Diseases: Cats that roam outside are at an increased risk of several contagious and deadly diseases. Rabies, feline leukemia, Calicivirus, FIP, and others can be passed on to your cat from other animals and wildlife.
Getting Lost: Cats do have good senses that allow them to find their way home most of the time. However, scared or injured cats have an instinct to run and hide and the chance of you finding your feline friend is low.
Safe Outdoor Alternatives for Cats
There are some ways you can give your cat a safe and controlled outdoor experience:
A good way to allow your cat to enjoy the outdoors is to train them on a harness and leash. That way they can go outside with you and lay in the grass and explore but under supervision. Another option is building a ‘catio’. A patio is an enclosed space with wire where your cat can be outside in the fresh air but is safe from predators.
Conclusion
If you have any more questions about how you can keep your cat safe please contact Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital.
Written by Alicia, Receptionist