Thinking of letting your cat go outdoors? Before you let your cat roam, it’s worth taking a few measures to protect it from some of the possible dangers that could be out there. Here are just a few precautions worth taking with your cat.
Get your cat vaccinated
There are many common feline diseases (some of which can be deadly such as feline parvovirus) that be easily caught if your cat is not vaccinated. Such vaccinations are often given to cats when they are kittens. However, boosters are still necessary for keeping immunity to possible diseases. If you’re unsure as to whether your cat is up to date on their jabs, it could be worth taking a visit to your vets. This guide at Web MD also offers more information.
Consider GPS tracking
While cats have a great sense of direction, some can wander too far and get lost. In other cases, they may get abducted or trapped. So that you always know where your cat is, it could be worth looking into GPS tracking. You may be able to put a tracker in a collar, however, many cats hate collars and they can snag while climbing resulting in a choking hazard. Microchipping could be a better option for this reason. There are many sites such as Gadget Trackers in which you can read up on microchips. You can also insert microchips into dogs.
Remove dangers from your garden
If you have a garden, this is likely to be the outdoor space in which your cat spends most of its time. You should make sure that there aren’t any potential hazards in your garden. For instance, many chemical weed-killers and pesticides can be toxic for cats if accidentally ingested – you may want to switch to an organic option if you have a cat. Ponds can also be a danger – if you have a pond, cover it up with mesh or create a low edge that allows your cat to easily climb out. Finally, you should make sure that your shed is secure – such buildings could contain dangerous tools or chemicals that could be a threat to your cat.
Get a leash
Leashes are most common for dogs, but you can buy leashes for cats. This can be useful when taking a cat outdoors for the first time. If you live next to a busy road, railway line or river, you may feel more at ease taking your cat out on a leash, allowing it to still explore outdoors without the risk of it wondering into potentially lethal danger.
Consider a house cat
You don’t have to let your cat outdoors. If you feel that there are too many dangers in your local area, raising your cat as a house cat could be a safer option. Many cats are still able to live happily indoors providing that they are given enough stimulation through toys and scratching posts.