Should You Let Your Cat Outdoors?

Cats may face many dangers outdoors, so they should be all-indoor or mostly indoor. If your cat goes out, a few simple precautions will help protect it.

Outdoor cats face these dangers:

Traffic; People who steal pets, sometimes to sell them to research labs; Poisoning (accidental or deliberate); Disgruntled neighbors who may harm your cat; Other animals; Injuries from cat fights;

Keeping your cat indoors is safest.

Cats do not need to be outdoors to live happy, enjoyable lives. Here's how you can meet your cat's needs indoors:

• Let your cat sit in a window with a secure screen.
• Set window shades so your cat can take in the sun.
• Provide open paper bags or crumpled paper balls for play.
• Buy or make cat toys (make sure they can't be swallowed).
• Provide scratching post for exercise.
• Play with your cat!

Before you let your cat out, ask yourself:

How close is traffic? Will your neighbors be annoyed if your cat kills a bird or wanders on their property? Are there loose dogs around? Are there many raccoons or other wildlife? Are there youngsters in the area who might tease or harm your cat? Are there other potential dangers not listed here? Carefully evaluate your neighborhood. If your cat could be endangered, keep it inside.

Your cat may enjoy the outdoors, if you follow these safety precautions:

Keep your cat under your supervision. Make sure your cat can reach safety in your home through a "cat door" if it's frightened or being chased. Make sure your cat wears an i.d. tag. Ask your veterinarian to tattoo your cat with your social security number. Do not declaw a cat that will be allowed outdoors. Spay or neuter your cat (This prevents roaming and fights over mating as well as unwanted litters. Bring your cat indoors at night, during cold weather, and during storms. Remember that kittens and older cats need more protection against weather, animals, and other dangers. Check your local laws for any regulations about cats.

If you move or get a new cat:

Check out the neighborhood for dangers before deciding to let your cat out. Keep your cat in its new home at all time for at least four weeks. Then, let your cat out for short periods over several days--and stay with it. After that, you can decrease your supervision--but you should always know where your cat is, and it should never leave your property.

Your cat depends on you. Keep your cat safe!