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With the rare exception, your new cat will always be safer indoors as opposed to being an indoor/outdoor or outdoor only cat. Part of being a responsible caregiver is making sure that your cat will not be in danger, and dangers abound outdoors. In cities and neighborhoods there are busy streets with cars that may run over them. Even quiet areas are unsafe. Cats like to crawl into or under cars, and the motorist may start his car completely unaware that there is a cat within it. Cats are also drawn to household toxins. Pesticides, antifreeze, and poisons are in almost everyone’s garage or outbuilding and they can injure or kill a cat. Some cat owners are in denial about the risks of their cat being outdoors. “Oh, he never leaves the yard!” they may say. But other animals do. Other cats may enter the yard causing a fight that may cause injuries, or transmit FIV, FELv, rabies, or other diseases. Poisonous snakes or insects may bite a cat. Squirrels or other mammals can transmit rabies either by contact or ingestion. Many plants (from both the wild and from the garden) are poisonous. And finally, there is always the possibility that your cat may be the target of abuse – from malicious children, from a cat hating neighbor, or from an emotionally or mentally unstable individual. But what about the great indoors? How to best make certain that it is safe for your cat? Remove all rubber bands, string, and small breakable objects that may be loose within - anything that he might try to eat or knock over and hurt himself. Many a cat has died from string, feathers, or rubber bands that have lodged in their stomachs or wrapped around their intestines. This includes feather or stringed toys – only allow your cat to play with them under supervision and put them away after playtime. Make sure that there are no holes in the walls that your cat can slip into and get caught between the walls. Look in closets or near plumbing fixtures, and check ductwork fixtures. Also check around windows and window air conditioning units to make sure there is no loose material that your cat can slip through. Treat your indoors cat as you would a young child. Install child-proof latches on doors to cabinets where medicines or chemicals are contained (such as under the sink). If your trash cans are not in a cabinet, make sure that they are sturdy enough not to tip over when jumped on and that it has a secure top so your cat cannot get into it. Make sure that string, plastic bags, and anything that your cat might ingest be place into a closed container. Some cats are fascinated with plastic bags and will even eat them. Again, this lodged plastic can block the intestinal tract, so keep all plastic bags away from your cats. Be sure to check in closets, under beds and furniture, and in laundry rooms and pantries. Thinking and planning for the safety of your cat will greatly ensure that your companion will live a long life. copyright NCRAOA please contact NCRAOA for permission to reprint |