why cats need to go outside
Photo by Diana Hanshaw.
Some time outdoors isn't just fun for cats -- it's good for them. Many feline experts believe the boredom of living in an unchanging and unstimulating environment can cause such destructive behavior as furniture scratching and spraying. It can result in psychological problems, like obesity, over-grooming and depression, the experts say. And it can cause stress-related illnesses as irritable bowel disease, bladder stones and crystals and allergies.
How can your indoor-only cat enjoy some time in the great outdoors? Here are some ways to create the best of both worlds for your feline friend.
---Go For Walks Together: Even adult cats can learn to walk with a harness and leash. Choose a lightweight leash and a harness designed to pull from the chest, not from the throat. Then, let him get used to his new outdoor gear by leaving it near his favorite sleeping spot for a few days. How do you train a cat to walk on a leash? Here’s how.
---Cat-Proof Your Fence: If you have a fenced yard, a containment system will keep your cat on his home turf. To see an easy and unobtrusive containment system made from PVC piping, visit Kittyklips.com. If your cat has never been outside, keep him company on his first outdoor excursions. Remember, to him, even your fenced-in yard is a brand new world.
---Try A Kitty Tie-Out: Even if you don't have a fence, your cat can chase bugs, nibble grass and enjoy the fresh air if he's outfitted with a harness attached to strong, lightweight rope or tie-out. Do not leave your cat unattended! Remember, he will be unable to defend himself, and the rope could become tangled in trees or shrubs.
---Build An Outdoor Enclosure: An outdoor enclosure is a safe way to get cats outside and is a great stress reliever. Perches, cat trees to climb and planters with grass and catnip plants will make your kitty's "outdoor experience" even more fun. You can buy plans from Just4cats.com or design your own.
---Balcony Cats: Keep your apartment cat safe by enclosing your balcony railings with hardware cloth or another screening material. Then, provide some comfortable places for outdoor cat naps and a planter with grass and catnip plants.
How can your indoor-only cat enjoy some time in the great outdoors? Here are some ways to create the best of both worlds for your feline friend.
---Go For Walks Together: Even adult cats can learn to walk with a harness and leash. Choose a lightweight leash and a harness designed to pull from the chest, not from the throat. Then, let him get used to his new outdoor gear by leaving it near his favorite sleeping spot for a few days. How do you train a cat to walk on a leash? Here’s how.
---Cat-Proof Your Fence: If you have a fenced yard, a containment system will keep your cat on his home turf. To see an easy and unobtrusive containment system made from PVC piping, visit Kittyklips.com. If your cat has never been outside, keep him company on his first outdoor excursions. Remember, to him, even your fenced-in yard is a brand new world.
---Try A Kitty Tie-Out: Even if you don't have a fence, your cat can chase bugs, nibble grass and enjoy the fresh air if he's outfitted with a harness attached to strong, lightweight rope or tie-out. Do not leave your cat unattended! Remember, he will be unable to defend himself, and the rope could become tangled in trees or shrubs.
---Build An Outdoor Enclosure: An outdoor enclosure is a safe way to get cats outside and is a great stress reliever. Perches, cat trees to climb and planters with grass and catnip plants will make your kitty's "outdoor experience" even more fun. You can buy plans from Just4cats.com or design your own.
---Balcony Cats: Keep your apartment cat safe by enclosing your balcony railings with hardware cloth or another screening material. Then, provide some comfortable places for outdoor cat naps and a planter with grass and catnip plants.
Even if your cats never go outdoors, they should be microchiped so they can be identified and returned to you if they get out by accident.
resources
Six Reasons For Letting Your Cat Go Outside
Leash Training Your Cat
Kitty Klips Cat Containment System
Purrfect Fence
Leash Training Your Cat
Kitty Klips Cat Containment System
Purrfect Fence
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