Tips for Keeping Your Outdoor Cat Safe

Most professional organizations, including the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommend that cat guardians keep their pets indoors at all times. The ASPCA notes that an outdoor lifestyle is dangerous to cats-- cats who live outdoors have an average lifespan of just two years, compared to twelve for their indoor counterparts. Despite these risks, some pet guardians still choose to keep their cats outdoors; others are forced to do so because of rental property rules or other unfortunate circumstances.

If you have an outdoor cat, you can take measures to enhance his safety while minimizing his impact on local wildlife. Several simple choices can reduce the likelihood of a car accident, dog attack, illness or wildlife encounter.

The Importance of Collars for Outdoor Cats

A collar is the most important accessory you can buy for your cat, especially if he is allowed to roam outdoors. Choose a collar with a break-away safety feature; these can prevent your cat from accidentally injuring himself if he gets caught on a branch or fence. A name tag with your current contact information is essential-- this will help ensure that someone will contact you if your outdoor cat gets lost or injured. Additionally, a loud bell on your outdoor cat's collar will prevent him from sneaking up on rabbits, squirrels or birds.

Spay or Neuter your Outdoor Cat

A female, unspayed outdoor cat will almost inevitably become pregnant during her first heat cycle or shortly thereafter. The common-sense precaution of spaying a female cat will prevent litters of unwanted kittens and may prevent the cat from getting injured by over-eager males. Neutering is also important for outdoor male cats; it prevents roaming and fighting, which are common among un-neutered males. Cat guardians should also bear in mind that non-sterilized outdoor cats are more likely to contract diseases like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia, both of which are transmitted during fighting and mating.

Outdoor Cats Need Indoor Time

During severe heat, cold or rain, a cat needs to be indoors. Even if your outdoor cat only roams indoors for a few hours of severe weather, these measures can be life-saving. Ecologically conscious cat guardians should consider keeping their cats indoors during critical times of year, such as the mating season for ground-nesting birds or rare rodent species. Try contacting a local wildlife service to determine the critical times of year for wildlife in your area. Even dedicated outdoor cats require some time indoors.

Why Outdoor Cats Need Claws

Many animal shelters refuse to give declawed cats to families that will keep them outdoors. An outdoor cat who has claws is already at a much higher risk of dying prematurely; however, a declawed outdoor cat will almost inevitably die within a few months. Declawed cats are usually unable to climb trees to escape predators or rival cats, and they can not use their claws to fight if they are confronted. Additionally, animal welfare organizations like the ASPCA fully disapprove of the act of declawing-- even for indoor cats. This painful surgical amputation can traumatize and seriously injure even the most pampered of indoor felines.