Did you know that one of the most beneficial things you can do for your feline companion is to ground her? Our feline companions can be quite bold and daring. Many of them enjoy going outside and engaging in exciting kitty activities, such as leaving paw prints on your windshield, rolling about in the driveway, and, of course, proudly depositing dead animals on your porch. However, Fluffy will be much safer indoors. Here, a local Ellicott City, MD veterinarian shares some tips for keeping an indoor furball happy, healthy, and purring.
Is It All Right To Keep A Cat Indoors All The Time?
Yes! In fact, it’s not only acceptable, but actually recommended. Your cat will be considerably safer indoors. As soon as your adorable pet goes outdoors, she becomes vulnerable to a variety of potential hazards.
This includes:
- Cars
- Weather
- Wild animals
- Parasites
- Chemical Exposure
- Unsafe Plants
- Other Cats
- Stray dogs
- Viruses and Diseases
Cats that go outside are also much more likely to be injured, lost, stolen, or killed.
Keeping Fluffy indoors is also safer for local ecosystems. Fluffy is actually a cute little serial killer. Our feline pals kill billions of tiny creatures each year, primarily small, vulnerable animals such as birds, reptiles, and rodents. With so many native animal species in jeopardy, every effort counts.
How Can I Keep My Indoor Cat Content?
Give Fluffy lots of toys and a decent scratching post or board. Cat furniture, such as a cat tower, can also keep that little motor running. We’d also recommend giving your furball a decent window seat, ideally one with a view of birds and squirrels.
Aside from that, simply spend time with Fluffy. Talk to her, pet her, play with her, and allow her to snuggle up with you. As much as we like to poke fun at cats for being cold and aloof, they are actually very emotional, and form very strong bonds with their humans.
Small conveniences may go a long way. If you won’t be home before nightfall, turn on a light and television for your cat before you leave. Ask your Ellicott City, MD veterinarian for further information.
How Can I Keep My Cat Healthy Indoors?
Fluffy’s basic care requirements will remain the same whether she is an indoor cat, an outdoor cat, or is free to roam. Your feline friend’s care regimen should begin with nutritious, age-appropriate food, fresh water, and a comfortable shelter.
Proper veterinarian care is also vital. We suggest that all cats be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and kept up to date on immunizations and parasite management. Fluffy will also need to come in at regular intervals for checkups and screenings.
In between appointments, you’ll need to watch for signs of sickness.
Ask your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
How Can I Keep My Pet Safe In The House?
Petproofingis essential here. Our felines are inquisitive, lively, and a little reckless. This is a pretty charming combo, but it can also be dangerous. You’ll want to secure anything that could be dangerous for your furry buddy. That includes many small or sharp objects, such as fishing lures, pens, safety pins, craft kit pieces, and pins. Ropes and cords are also hazardous. Poisonous plants and numerous chemicals are possible dangers as well.
We also suggest keeping major appliances closed while not in use, and ensuring that your windows and screens close securely. Ask your Ellicott City, MD veterinarian for further information.
How Can I Get My Cat to Stay In?
As you may have seen, our feline companions can be very determined. It will be much easier to convince Fluffy that she should stay indoors if she prefers to do so. Otherwise, you may find yourself continuously trying to rein in your feline companion.
One of the most beneficial things you can do here is to start young. If your feline buddy is still a kitten, raise her to be an inside cat from the start.
You may need to use some cunning to make Fluffy apprehensive about going outside. When you find her sniffing near the door, do something that will alarm her. You don’t want to injure or frighten her; that will simply make her more determined to get away. Try squirting her with water. Making a loud noise might also help. Sound a bike horn, set an alarm on your phone, rattle a jar of coins, or just clap your hands.
Give Fluffy The Best Of Both Worlds
Our feline friends do benefit from the activity and excitement that comes with being outside. You can provide your furball with the best of both worlds by creating a secure, safe space that incorporates some of the benefits of being outdoors, while keeping your pet safe and sound.
A catio, of course, is the ideal solution. This might entail a screened or enclosed porch or patio, an extra room, or even a sunny nook. Set out some cat furniture and toys. You may also want to include some pet-friendly plants for your feline friend to investigate and chew on. Catnip is the obvious choice, but there are many more to pick from.
The ASPCA website contains further information regarding safe and dangerous plants here. You should also consider safety while arranging them: don’t place a large plant with trailing leaves on a tiny stand that your cat may knock over on top of herself.
Should I Take My Indoor Cat For A Walk?
We can’t offer a universal thumbs-up for this. While some brave and adventurous cats like going for walks, a more timid kitty may be too afraid of the outdoors to appreciate those excursions. If your furry friend seems happy staying inside, then let sleeping cats lie. Otherwise, you can give it a try.
Before taking Fluffy out for a walk, you’ll need to work with her to get her used to her leash and harness. Begin by simply putting the harness on your pet while she is indoors. Give her attention, praise, toys, and snacks so she develops a positive association with them. let the harness stay on for a bit, but don’t leave your cat alone while she wears it. You don’t want your furball to get stuck on something! The next step is to attach the leash. Just let your furball pull it around behind her. During this stage, keep a very close eye on your feline companion for safety reasons. Once Fluffy has become accustomed to the leash, try ‘walking’ her about your home.
You can take your kitty outside once she is comfortable with her leash and harness. Don’t go too far at first; just let your pet sniff some grass outside your door. Stay away from trees: you don’t want Fluffy climbing one with her leash on! Also, pay attention to how your cat behaves. If your cat does not appear to be at ease, bring her back inside. Never push your cat to go outside, and never leave her there alone. Ask your Ellicott City, MD veterinarian for advice on training.
As your local Ellicott City, MD animal hospital, we are committed to delivering excellent care. Please feel free to contact us at any time!
