Do you let your kitty go outside? If so, you may want to put a damper on your feline buddy’s exploring habit. While many cats really enjoy fun outdoor activities—like rolling around in the dirt and chasing butterflies—they are actually both safer and healthier staying in. Read on as an Upper Peninsula, MI vet discusses keeping your cat indoors.
Safety
Fluffy may think of herself as fierce and ferocious, but at the end of the day, she’s really quite small, and is vulnerable to many different dangers. As soon as your cute little pet sets her paws outside, she is at risk from cars, weather, predators, and other hazards. Kitties that stay inside are also typically healthier than outdoor cats. Keeping Fluffy indoors will also help protect her from dangerous parasites, and will greatly reduce the risk of her getting lost, injured, or even killed.
Hunting
Keeping cats indoors isn’t just better for Fluffy: it also helps protect wildlife. Cats kill billions of small animals each year, which is not helping fragile populations of birds and other small critters. Keep your furry little predator indoors, and let her unleash her inner huntress on a catnip bird, instead of a real one.
Convincing The Furball
If your feline friend has had the freedom to wander in the past, it will take time, effort, and perhaps a bit of bribery to change her mind. Don’t give up, though: even former strays can become so comfortable living inside that they lose all desire to go out. First, make your home fun and comfortable for Fluffy. Set out lots of beds and comfy napping spots. Next, offer your kitty plenty of toys, as well as some pet furniture. You may also want to get some pet-safe plants, so your cat can get a little taste of nature. To keep your furry pal entertained and active, take time to play with her every day.
Stopping Breakouts
Never punish Fluffy for trying to get out. This will only make her want to escape even more! Instead, when your furball gets too close to the door, spray her with water or make a loud noise. This won’t hurt your cat, but it will startle and annoy her, which just may do the trick.
Please contact us, your Upper Peninsula, MI pet clinic, for all your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!