How to Keep Your Cat Indoors Safely

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By ceniamari
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Indoor cat

Some cat owners allow their cats to roam outdoors without realizing that the great outdoors can be hazardous to cats. An indoor cat exploring the great outdoors can get hurt by other cats which might fight with them or contract a transmissible disease from another cat such as FIV, FIP, FeLV, URI, etc. as well as parasites. It is also possible for them to get skin cancer from sun exposure. Cats can be poisoned by nibbling on plants which might be toxic, or chemicals such as antifreeze, or spoiled food. Heartless and callous acts can be inflicted on them by people who don't want them in their surrounding area or kids who inflict cruelty on animals. An incorrect idea that some people share, is that cats are adept at avoiding cars but in fact, about 5 million cats are hit by cars in the US each year.

It is true that cats get bored but by providing them with comfort and indoor activities, indoor cats will not miss the great outdoors, especially if they have never been exposed to them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

toys (bought or homemade)
a place where they can retreat to

Step 1

Provide a window perch. They will spend countless hours between sleeping and looking outdoors through the window.

Do not place in a very sunny or drafty window.
Step 2

Provide toys and activities where they chase and pounce. A homemade fishing pole where you tie a string at one end and move it around for them to chase or putting your hand under a towel and moving it around will get them to chase. A small rubber ball that easily rolls is also enjoyable. These are predatory play activities which they enjoy.

Do not allow cats to play on their own with strings.
Step 3

If you must expose your cats to the outdoors, do so with a leash where the cat is with you at all times.

The cat should be trained to do this, they might panic when a leash is first placed on them and they are not in control of where they go.
Step 4

If possible, provide a mate. Usually, cats share their activities together.