Alternatively, it could be a stray or feral cat. Cats can be trained to accept your decisions, though. Take her to the veterinarian at least once every year for lifesaving vaccines, as well as parasite screening and treatment. In her article, Should You Let Your Cat Go Outdoors? If you live in a peaceful neighborhood in which you can walk without encountering loose dogs, consider buying a harness and training your cat to walk on a leash. Ensure that your cat has appropriate privacy, and more importantly, a quiet place to nap. Assign your cat territory in the home and respect its boundaries. With indoor cats, a common spray target is either at the window where the outdoor cat was seen or on the wall opposite the window. The cat has entered estrus, aka heat. What matters most is that you are consistent. Determined cats can escape from gardens. Altering Your Cat’s Behavior Spay or neuter your cat. This will provide limits to how far your cat can wander. A Cat Enclosure to Keep an Indoor Cat From Escaping Cat enclosures can be a godsend to indoor cats. It’s a simple equation. Older cats often have limited sight and hearing. If your cat is female and unspayed, pregnant is a lifelong possibility. Fleas, for example, will happily leap from one animal to another. There are clear positives of keeping a cat inside permanently. 2. The same applies to unfixed males, too. This can reduce mobility and reaction time. Cats are governed by survival instinct. This keeps your cat healthy, reducing the risk of bacterial urinary tract infections. It's possible for indoor cats to become bored, which can lead to stress and behavior issues. There are many circumstances in which keeping a cat indoors may be safer for the cat and therefore, arguably, better for the cat. Of course, keeping a cat indoors does not just protect the cat. You could fit your outdoor cat with a belled collar. The onus is upon you as an owner to meet your cat’s needs, though. Oftentimes, threadworm infestations stem from water or soil that contain eggs. Once a cat is in heat, instinct takes over. Shelter workers can give you tips on getting your pet back home safely. Prevention – or, in this case, protection – is always better than cure. Under some circumstances, I accept that there are strong arguments for keeping cats indoors permanently. According to one source, more cats are killed by cars annually … If your cat does go outside while in heat, there will only be one outcome. Do not let your cat push its luck too far, though. Feed your cat indoors. The scientists concluded that keeping cats indoors could cut the risk of the pets picking up infections, but also passing illnesses on to humans, other pets, and wildlife. If this turns physical, bites and scratches are inevitable. An indoor-only lifestyle for a cat is often chosen by an owner, mainly due to fear for their own cat’s welfare and concern for wildlife populations. If you let your cat roam, stand by this unless medically inadvisable. Some cats will just get sneakier and make mischief when you are not home, but some will dev… Another option is an enclosure that sits in a window frame (much like an air conditioning unit) and provides a secure space in which your kitty can hang out. Keeping your cat as a house cat will help keep them away from busy roads, but some indoor environments can become predictable and boring, leading to stress, inactivity and obesity. What’s more, you’ll need to be vigilant. This is typically related to indoor cats, though. The outside world is where a cat can embrace its natural instincts. You should also ensure your cat is not alone for too long. Keeping an indoor vs. outdoor cat is a debate that has raged for years among owners. Equally, older cats are often arthritic. Keeping cats indoors can also save you a lot of trouble as an owner. It also prevents local birds or rodents from being hunted. But…, Cats can develop a sudden phobia of using a cat flap. The cat is watching birds and considering how it would stalk and capture them. To keep your cat safe in the yard, you could set up a play pen. Although only about 10% of pet cats in the UK are believed to live permanently indoors, this figure is increasing, and is already much higher in the USA, where keeping cats indoors is encouraged. If you do not wish to do so, make your cat as comfortable as possible. For some people, keeping a cat indoors permanently is considered cruel. This will typically come from consuming something inappropriate. Eventually, though, a cat can be tempted out of hiding. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to feline care, though. Indoor cats can still develop parasites, especially fleas. If your cat stares out the window for hours, for example, it is showing hunting instinct. If humans spend too much time alone, we become set in our ways and less tolerant. Keep her on a leash or secured in a cage or other confined space where she can’t get out (and other cats can’t get in). Ideally, such cats should never have been allowed outdoors, so … Your cat will look for, and seize upon, any opportunity to escape. Unless you’re prepared for a litter of kittens, keep your cat indoors. Felines lack basic road sense. Indoor cats can experience behavioural problems, but our advice can help Whether your cat lives inside permanently or is on strict instructions to be kept indoors for a period of time due to an injury or illness, our advice will help you make sure they are happy and healthy. If you retain a strong bond, your cat is unlikely to turn on you. Make no mistake, though; cats want to hunt. This is because remaining inside offers a cat a measure of protection. The latter can irritate a cat’s nasal passages. If your indoor cat suddenly wants to go outside, consider why this may be. Of greater concern are conditions like ringworm and even rabies. You may not know this until it is too late. Wherever possible, socialize your cat to a minimal acceptable standard. It also prevents a cat hunting and killing birds. An unspayed female that shows sudden interest in going outside usually has one explanation. All being well, you will meet these needs in the home for an indoor cat. Buy a ready-made cat tree (often called a "kitty condo"), or make your own. A domesticated cat is unlikely to be this ambitious. Expect to be scratched, clawed and hunted. Senior cats can be laid low by illness, and sometimes struggle to respond to treatment. Do not let your cat grow dominant – that is a tough habit to break. A well cared for indoor cat will be provided with abundant food, warmth, protection and stimulation. Instead of letting your cat back outside as soon as they're finished eating, keep them inside for increasing periods of time. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. Ensure that your cat has plenty of to do. My friend Linda also got a cat enclosure. A lack of stimulation can lead to behavioral issues. If you want some respite, you could reach a compromise with your cat. Privacy Policy and As cats grow older, they are typically less robust. This will not reduce hunting instinct, though. That includes access to multiple rooms, toys and puzzles, and exercise apparatus such as climbing trees. For the former indoor/outdoor cat, a two-box system filled with fine-grain, clumping litter works best. If it cannot claim more land, it will take everything within an acceptable radius. Get started by taking ABC's Cat's Indoors Pledge today. Cats have contributed to the extinction of 33 known species and continue to adversely impact a wide variety of other species, including those at risk of extinction. You could also work to satisfy your cat’s wild instincts in the yard. Provide a screened porch for your cat to experience the outdoors safely. With the cold weather upon us, here are some tips for making the great indoors an interesting, feline-friendly environment that meets all of your cat's needs. You just need to provide an appropriate lifestyle. Prevention is the best first step. Your cat will likely wail and howl near constantly. Many are struck by vehicles while crossing the road. Feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, for example, spread like wildfire among cats. It may have lost its bearings and found itself stray. This is how cats end up visiting other homes – sometimes growing reluctant to return. This will simply add to the feline overpopulation problem. A sandpit, for example, will give your cat an opportunity to dig. Kittens who are kept indoors are usually happy to stay there as they grow up. Kittens who are kept indoors are usually happy to stay there as they grow up. Cats in estrus emit constant pleas to intact males and announce their availability through scenting. This is the classic cat “training” technique. This can be heart-breaking for owners and cats alike. Indoor cats are pampered pets, with their every need met. Outdoor cats eat or drink from these sources and find themselves infested. If you have a safe balcony, roof garden or enclosed area, you may be able to cat-proof it adequately so tha… Cars. The cat will turn this frustration on you. The only exception to this rule is when your cat is dozing. What’s more, it’s a chance to check up on you. A cat will not act like a dog on a leash. If you constantly interrupt a cat, though, it will look to leave the home for some peace and quiet. It just drastically reduces the chances of success. This can leave a cat frustrated and cantankerous. While simple, this technique only works if you are home most of the time and can keep a personal eye on your plants. This does not mean that felines always make the best decisions, though. Your cat may need more stimulation. My best friend has 7 indoor cats and they are all just fine. The outside world is an endless source of fascination for indoor cats. Allow your cat to roam around your back yard. As a result of this, I had many many cats come and go as a child. If necessary, bring a little of the outside to your indoor cat’s life. 8. There are certainly some disadvantages to preventing a cat from roaming. Here are our top seven reasons to keep your cat indoors. If you want an indoor cat, keep your cat home at all times. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google How Do Cats Show Dominance To Other Cats. She is keen to get out and mate with an eligible tomcat. Boredom can also lead to overeating and obesity. Indoor cats are less likely to struggle with parasite infestations, though. Equally likely is the potential to eat a poisonous plant or berry. It is likely that an outdoor cat will experience conflict. Place one where you want the litter box to permanently reside, and put the transitional box at the door the cat once used to exit the house. As per Veterinary Record, the likelihood decreases by 16% for every year of age. Luckily, cats can find enjoyment from playing with almost anything. I don't know if she will ever stop meowing at the door. When you've tired out your cat, store toys that could harm them (such as toys with strings attached) out of reach. Be sure to cat-proof the yard by checking that your fence has no escape routes and by making toxic plants, garden chemicals and other dangerous objects inaccessible. Jacque Lynn Shultz from the ASPCA notes that indoor-only cats live an average of 10-12 years, while outdoor-only cats survive only an average of 2 years. The Journal of Zoology explains how cats reduced the sparrow population of an English village by 30%. Forget what you may have heard – it is not, “cruel” to keep a cat inside. Others may never have been trained on how to enter or leave the home this way. You can buy special leads and harnesses for cats, in order to take them out walking on the lead in the same way that you would a dog. More importantly, it will ensure your cat does not start eliminating outside the litter box. There are negatives to keeping cats at home. Message and data rates may apply. Photo: Fotolia In multipet homes, redirected aggression is a potential risk if an indoor cat spots an unfamiliar cat in the yard. Cats who are kept indoors can reach the ripe old age of 17 or more years, whereas outdoor cats live an average of just two to five years. Make sure an adult supervises your kitty’s outdoor time to ensure strays cannot come into contact with her. The fewer hazards a cat faces, the likelier it is to prolong its lifespan. Cats can carry any number of infectious diseases. This could be a local pet with owners that cannot cope with kittens. Some cats can even be harnessed and tied to a stationary object to enjoy the outdoors while you are gardening nearby (but be sure to never leave your cat alone while they are tethered). When letting your cat out for the first time, you must stay calm. Depending on the reason for which your cat needs to be kept inside, you may still be able to give them some supervised access to the outside world. Our Cats Indoors program educates the public and policy makers about the many benefits to birds, cats, and people when cats are maintained indoors or under an owner's direct control. Plant cat grass (available from pet supply stores) in indoor pots so your feline can graze. In addition, leave curtains or drapes open. Your cat cannot fall pregnant, but it can impregnate another. Manage this territorial instinct. Move Your Plants What is true, though, is that indoor cats are likelier to live longer. This means that cats attempt to dominate each other. Good fences = happy kitties Provide a screened porch for your cat to experience the outdoors safely. Cats that live indoors need to be cared for appropriately. The occasional open window (make sure your windows have secure screens) or door offers a tempting opportunity for your cat. This can make it slightly ill-tempered and belligerent. Be sure to switch the toys from time to time so that they seem "new" and more interesting to your cat. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. Try different types of toys that allow your cat to stalk, chase, pounce and kick. Also read our tips for finding a lost pet. Some cats will be happy to lay on your clothes to experience these smells. Unfortunately, keeping cats indoors also poses health risks. Protect your kitty from other cats. The scent of your clothing will also pique a cat’s curiosity. Cats are natural stimulations seekers. These include: These are just some of the considerations that you’ll need to make. But I don't think it is cruel to keep cats indoors. This can become problematic in indoor felines. With dominant cats, this can take some time. If you cannot physically tend to your cat, ask a friend or neighbor to help out. The average lifespan of a domestic indoor cat is 17 years while outdoor cats statistically live less than five years. While keeping a cat indoors is not cruel, indoor cats aren't entirely immune to problems and dangers. It is undeniable that there are pros and cons to both sides of the argument. For others, it is an act of love. Your cat wants to make sure you are not visiting other felines. Cats are not pack animals. Since cats have superior smelling abilities, they are extremely sensitive to scent based cat repellents. © 2020 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy Policy & Terms. If your neighbors are bird lovers, they may use tables and seed to attract avian visitors. The less your cat interacts with other animals, the less likely it is to grow sick. Have a spray bottle of water handy, and give your cat a spritz when they get near your plants. It's a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Whether you’re attempting to rescue a neighborhood stray or you’ve decided to keep your indoor/outdoor cat indoors for good, the change won’t be easy. To prevent roaming and limit predation, keep dogs on a leash or behind a fence and keep cats indoors. What it does not know is what you do. Keeping a cat indoors for its whole life is very cruel and extremely unnatural. A cat that stays inside cannot run away and get lost. Indoor cats can grow bored and territorial. Or just buy a bunch of things cats like! It does mean that you must respect your cat’s need for space, though. Owned, free-roaming cats kill over 700 million birds in the U.S. each year. The cat may then flee, likely leaving the yard in the process and going missing. If you're starting your cat's retraining during the winter, a warm, dry bed to snuggle in may be just the ticket to convince them to stay inside. This can lead to retribution. As with all things, though, a balanced perspective is required. All cats need a little time to themselves on occasion. If your cat does not venture outside, it will not find itself disoriented and disconnected. Indoor cats with appropriate stimulation are happy and healthy. Some will stalk anything that moves, others are more selective. Some cats are allergic to bee or wasp stings, for example. Every location you go to will leave scent reminders of unvisited – and thus potentially unclaimed – territory. Cats love to look out of the window. To decide whether to keep your cat indoors, think about the pros and cons of this lifestyle. A feline with no experience of other animals will be especially cantankerous. For your cat to express fondness for you physically…, Onychectomy is the process of removing a cat’s claws. Consider your neighbors in this too, though. Indoor Cats Do Not Get Hit by Cars. You can find low-cost spray bottles online(link to Amazon) or at a local hardware store. All felines have different levels of predatory drive. These accidents are frequently fatal. While few people shed tears over dead mice, eating rodents can be dangerous for cats. Larger perches can attach to the side of a house or ground-floor apartment patio. Keeping Cats Entertained Indoors Cats need mental and physical stimulation, quite a lot of it. It’s safer for all concerned to keep the cat inside. Naturally, there is a big difference between cats roaming for a few hours and feral felines. When it's cold outside, help your kitty discover the great indoors, Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. This does not mean that felines are anti-social loners. These range from the comparatively minor to the gravely serious. These are viral infections comparable to the flu. It provides great climbing opportunities and, in multi-cat households, creates more play and rest areas by taking advantage of vertical space. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Part of the appeal of roaming outside for cats is expanding claimed territory. The cat may not have intended to flee permanently. Some of the dangers that stray and feral cats remain, though. Even the most pampered indoor cat may face tragedy, such as an unexpected and unavoidable illness. CATS INDOORS PLEDGE. Remove any clumping litter and scoop any waste. This means your cat will not be able to go into hiding. There is a flip side to this, though. It will also, theoretically, protect your cat from predators and wild animals. It will assume that it has a reason to be afraid of the outdoors. 2021 can be the year YOU become a hero for all animals. 03 января 2017 Sue Hartley ответила: I think my answer to that would be that it’s much more difficult to meet a cat’s needs when they’re kept purely indoors. This can make the cat particularly territorial within the home. I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. Indoor cats do not get hit by cars. If your cat is willing to accept living this way, it remains advisable. The female wants to mate, and any intact male will be willing to oblige. My reasons for keeping my cats indoors is due to being traumatized from owning outdoor cats while growing up. You need to decide whether your cat should remain indoors or be free to roam. The more time a cat spends outside, the shorter its estimated lifespan. Fill this with litter rather than sand. The explanation for this simple. It may have designs on territory outside the four walls of a home, though. You must be aware of this and remain vigilant about cleaning. Most cats are already resistant to sharing their home. You can help reduce that number by keeping your pet cat safely indoors, on a leash, or within an outdoor enclosure. You’ll still need to use preventative treatments. If the cat was ever box trained, she will likely fall right back into the habit. Many owners also sleep better at night knowing their cat is home. This can lead to wounded skin and diseases of the blood. And your cat may become frightened and make their way outside if strangers come to work on your house or if there is a fire or similar disaster. When you can't be there to supervise, leave out "toys" such as paper bags (with the handles removed) or cardboard boxes. Cats do not experience a menopause. There are clear positives of keeping a cat inside permanently. Animals claims that 15% of cats are lost and never recovered within five years of adoption. For extra insurance, consider having your cat microchipped and keep your contact information with the microchip registry up to date. They will not appreciate your cat attacking birds on their property. The Journal of Veterinary Behavior confirms that prolonged playtimes reduce the likelihood of unwanted behaviors. Play with your cat. Wild cats can claim terrain as vast as two miles. If you can, locate the cat tree next to a window so your cat can watch the action outdoors. This is especially common if you have a strong bond. Please enable Javascript and refresh the page to continue That means near-constant cleaning of litter trays. Potentially just as dangerous are stings and bites from insects. It also keeps local wildlife safe! Cats who live indoors live longer and healthier lives since they’re exposed to less threats like aggressive animals, cruel humans, toxic or poisonous substances, and diseases. Be sure your cat does not end up stuck in a tree, either. This will prevent your cat from treading feces throughout the home. Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of training techniques, problem-solving and important information about caring for your pet. The biggest danger of keeping cats at home is boredom. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We also need to consider that cats can be aggressive and combative by nature. If your cat seems desperate to get outside, consider whether this is the case. Create the ideal environment for your cat. These cats are protected from traffic, disease and aggressive animals. 1. If your cat stays inside, it will not meet other animals – domesticated or wild. Cats are innately curious, and prone to imitation. If your cat is desperate to hunt, it can become frustrated by inability to do so. Equally, do not let your cat grow actively hostile to visitors or family members. Get rid of the bird feeder, put a lid on the sandbox and keep tight fitting lids on the garbage cans. Do not allow any anxiety to show. This suggests that older cats understand the danger of traffic and moderate their behavior accordingly. It will become an issue if you ever decide to adopt a second pet, though. These include traffic accidents, contagious sickness, toxicity and intervention from humans with ill intent. A feline that cannot discover new scents and territory may quickly grow restless. In addition to hunting, cats are instinctively driven to climb, dig and claim territory. Reply STOP to opt out. Factor this into your decision. Humans have been debating whether felines should remain indoors since cats were domesticated. Top 20 Reasons to Keep Cats Indoors To Protect Wildlife and Humans. A cat keeping one eye closed all…, Cats are solitary creatures, often unused to sharing. The life expectancy of most domesticated felines is between 15 and 20 years. Playing regularly with a cat and providing their entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. Even indoor cats should still be outfitted with a collar and visible identification. Keeping a cat in heat indoors can be a test of endurance. Keeping cats indoors removes access to these hazards. Lack of stimulation and exercise can lead to obesity and behavioral issues, including over grooming, over eating, picking on companion pets, and self-mutilation. If your cat has assigned territory in the home, this should not be a concern. It is impossible to make any guarantees about a cat’s lifespan. Do not handle animal feces or urine with bare hands, and wash hands immediately after incidental contact. To coach your…. These may cling to your clothing and latch onto a cat. 3. Indoor cats are at lower risk for injuries associated with the outdoor environment (cars, trains, dogs, predators, humans, etc.) Cars kill about 5.4 million cats each year, making them the deadliest killer to outdoor cats. The way to resolve this is through play. Others want to see them firsthand. Cats can be neat freaks, so clean the litter box regularly. There are many circumstances in which keeping a cat indoors may be safer for a cat and therefore, arguably, better for the cat. Introduce new sensations and scents to capture the imagination. You will need to combat this within the home. Most of the time, these accidents are fatal. In addition, indoor cats are less likely to develop worms. Your cat is unlikely to return home until she has mated. If you do not want your cat to go outside, it is your choice. Terms of Service apply. Even if this is not the case, a cat can be seriously injured. Indoor cats are at lower risk for injuries associated with the outdoor environment (cars, trains, dogs, predators, humans, etc.) Cats are actually safer indoors because they aren't running into other animals or diseases. Estrus is a challenging time for both feline and owner. Cats loathe unsanitary conditions. and are at far less risk of contracting parasites and infectious diseases such as the feline immunodeficiency virus. This, in turn, means the cat is less likely to struggle with parasitic infestations. Some cats are happy to be submissive, while others will fight back and…, If your cat kisses you on the lips, it is expressing significant affection. Cats are born hunters. 1. Consider building or purchasing a "catio" or similar enclosure to allow your cat to get a taste of the outside without the risks. Cats who stay indoors have longer lifespans than those who are left to roam outdoors. Your cat knows that you go out every day. The cat may happen across a dangerous human food. Be careful about this habit. Do not get complacent. While cats enjoy toys, Behavioral Processes finds that many prefer human interaction and food. A regular fence may not prevent other animals from entering your yard, so you should always be present when you allow your cat outside in your yard. Factor your cat’s age, temperament, health, and life experience into this choice. My mother hated cats and demanded that our pets weren’t allowed permanently indoors and that it was a waste of money to bring any animal to the veterinarian. The collar and visible ID could help someone get your pet back to you. Cats can be master hiders and disguise themselves in the home. This does not necessarily need to be a problem. A senior cat may not detect a vehicle approaching until it is too late. Other repellents include eucalyptus, citronella, and … Keeping cats indoors permanently can be a great way to keep them healthy. It causes felines no end of distress. 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