I’ve heard it’s safer for a cat to be
indoor (even if it’s soooooo boring) but is it better?
I mean considering the cat’s emotional and
mental health? George, I’m asking for your opinion since my humans decided to
not let me go in the backyard. See, I was rescued few months ago when I was a
tiny kitty and until now I wasn’t interested in the outdoors…but one sunny
Sunday I sneaked outside and discovered the trees and the bushes and the ravine
behind our house! My humans got really worried and started looking for me
frantically. I was hiding under a bush and I just didn’t want to come out.
Apparently this upset them very, very much and now I’m not allowed outside at
all. I don’t think it’s fair! I want to go out! Any ideas what I can do to be
safe outdoors?
Yours….desperate for fresh air!
Minky
Dear Minky,
I like the great outdoors but I live down a cart track near fields where it is not too dangerous (except for foxes). And I come in at night for my last meal, so that I don't stay out too late - which cuts out some of the risks of being run over or eaten by a fox. Most cats would like this kind of lifestyle.
But it is safer indoors, definitely. Safe from predators like stray dogs, coyotes, foxes. Safe from traffic. Safe from disease caught by fighting with other cats. If indoor life is boring it is the fault of your humans. You should have lots of toys, a different one every day, lots of games with fishing rod toys when your humans are watching TV, and you should hunt for your food.
Hunt? Well hunting is what we cats do and it is what I do outside in the garden and fields. You can hunt too if your humans stop putting any food into a bowl. They should put it into food dispensers (look here for ideas), or scatter it so you have to run for it, or hide it round the house. Or build a feeding pole! Or by the Funboard - video here. That way you can keep busy hunting for food even when they have gone off to work.
I hope you have chosen rich humans... If so, they could build you a catio or even just fence in the whole garden - ideas here. There's a photo of a catio here. That would keep you safe and give you some fresh air.
So if they won't let you outside, get them to start doing what humans should always do - make you happy with an active lifestyle. It is their job to make you happy.
Yours
George
Dear Minky,
I like the great outdoors but I live down a cart track near fields where it is not too dangerous (except for foxes). And I come in at night for my last meal, so that I don't stay out too late - which cuts out some of the risks of being run over or eaten by a fox. Most cats would like this kind of lifestyle.
But it is safer indoors, definitely. Safe from predators like stray dogs, coyotes, foxes. Safe from traffic. Safe from disease caught by fighting with other cats. If indoor life is boring it is the fault of your humans. You should have lots of toys, a different one every day, lots of games with fishing rod toys when your humans are watching TV, and you should hunt for your food.
Hunt? Well hunting is what we cats do and it is what I do outside in the garden and fields. You can hunt too if your humans stop putting any food into a bowl. They should put it into food dispensers (look here for ideas), or scatter it so you have to run for it, or hide it round the house. Or build a feeding pole! Or by the Funboard - video here. That way you can keep busy hunting for food even when they have gone off to work.
I hope you have chosen rich humans... If so, they could build you a catio or even just fence in the whole garden - ideas here. There's a photo of a catio here. That would keep you safe and give you some fresh air.
So if they won't let you outside, get them to start doing what humans should always do - make you happy with an active lifestyle. It is their job to make you happy.
Yours
George
Wow! George, I'm blown away by your ideas! Thanks for the links! If my humans will apply only few of them....still my indoor life will be become even more interesting than the ravine :-)
ReplyDeleteMinky
Ya, a ravine can get you in a lot of trouble! Been there....done that! But getting older I lost my interest in it! I like George's ideas....as usual!
ReplyDeleteDiego
I lost interest in being outdoors after a big celebration with fireworks in my neighborhood! Quite a scare! Minky, you are safer indoor - just get plenty of activity! I run up and down the stairs for amusement!
ReplyDeleteVegas
I LOVE being outdoor and patrolling my territory! Guess....my neighborhood is safer than most!
ReplyDeleteYou look lovely Minky - I'm sure your humans will listen to George's advice!
CAT Victoria