Should You Let Your Rescue Cat Outdoors? Experts Weigh In

Bringing a cat into your home through adoption can add significant happiness to your family. They not only make wonderful pets but also serve as excellent company. snuggle up with , but their shenanigans can also have you laughing uncontrollably.

However, when they perch by the window with wistful gazes outward, you might feel compelled to unlatch the door and grant them passage outside. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy stepping into the crisp breeze of the outdoors? However, there are several points you should be aware of before releasing them into the natural environment.

The great outdoors can pose significant dangers for your cat.

Primarily, cat owners who wish to allow their feline friend Those who venture into the outdoors should be aware that it could significantly shorten their lifespan. Indoor cats may survive for as long as two decades within the security of your own house. Outdoor cats generally do not live to celebrate their fifth birthday.

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A multitude of hazards await cats who venture outdoors. One of the major risks is being run over. particularly in regions with higher urban development.

But, They might also face attacks from other creatures, including humans. Those who don't want cats around, as even if these animals don't kill your cat, they could still injure or mutilate them or pass diseases onto your feline friend. Animal Humane Society says, that If your cat lacks claws, venturing outside is strictly not allowed. since they are unable to protect themselves.

In general, Being outdoors increases the likelihood of your cat contracting diseases. such as feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus (feline AIDS), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), toxoplasmosis, distemper, and rabies, along with various parasites like fleas and ticks. They might also face issues related to these conditions. exposed to harmful substances from chemicals, poisonous plants, and toxins when exploring the outdoors.

It’s not only the outdoor environment that poses risks to your cat; your cat also becomes part of the dangers found outside. Being natural hunters, cats prey on birds and tiny animals. In the U.S., this issue is particularly significant. It was estimated that free-roaming cats caused the deaths of approximately 2.4 billion birds and 12.3 billion mammals annually. as per the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute study .

Steps to take before allowing your indoor cat access to the outdoors

If you're still considering allowing your cat outdoors, there are several steps you can take to ensure both their safety and the security of their environment. Primarily, You ought to wait until your cat is completely settled into your home. This process might require several weeks. Kittens should be at least four months old and not be out at night.

Your cat should be sterilized or castrated, have received all their vaccines, and should use tick prevention throughout the year. . Your cat should carry a microchip and consistently wear a collar with an identification tag So they won't need to be taken somewhere for their chip to be scanned if they wander off.

Taking your cat outside can be beneficial for their health as it allows them to explore and soak up direct sunlight, which aids in boosting vitamin D levels. To ensure their safety, It would be beneficial for you to use a harness and leash. to lead them for a stroll. Alternatively, you could set up a ‘catio’, an enclosure that allows them to be outdoors but keeps them safe.

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