It is healthiest and safest for your cat if they stay inside at all times. They can enjoy the world through a window or a porch. But they should be inside where they are safe. Some people think that a cat is a “wild animal” at heart, and has a need to go out. But actually, cats are now probably more domesticated than we are, and happy to enjoy the comfort and safety of home. Some are curious about the door and the outside, but that curiosity is usually fleeting. Also, there are many cats who are not interested in the outdoors at all.
In my experience, the longer one of our cats has lived outside and dealt with the hardships, the less interested they are in the outdoors. It is really the kittens or ones who were only out for a little bit who maintain the curiosity. The ones that had to endure on the outside and survive it are barely interested in looking out the windows, much preferring the comforts of the couch or chair or a nice warm bed.
If you do make the decision to let your cat out, please be sure to bring them in at night, and in all extreme weather, hot or cold or wet.
- Make sure they always wear an identification tag and collar, and consider getting them micro chipped for ID purposes.
- You will have to use flea and tick treatment monthly, as well as a regular heartworm preventative.
- It goes without saying that she or he must be spayed or neutered. No un-spayed or un-neutered cat should ever go outside at all.
Cats who go outside face dangers, and they can easily be injured or lose their life. No animal, wild or domesticated, is safe when cars are the danger. There are many other hazards out there as well, like dogs, pesticides, getting lost, fleas, wasps, FeLV, FIV, FIP, Heartworms, ear mites, and fighting injuries.
Your cat may meow to go out. But there is something you should know about cats — they hate all closed doors. Cats will meow at any door that is shut. Cats do like to wander where they please, when they please. That does not mean that what they want is good for them. Cats can be very happy and content lying in a sunbeam in a room, or looking out of the window. Please give some strong consideration to keeping your cat always inside.
