5 Ways to Keep an Outdoor Cat Healthy

Do you allow Fluffy to go outside? Maybe you’ve adopted, or half-adopted, a local feline friend? While it’s always recommended that you keep your kitty inside, we do know that some cats enjoy investigating the Great Outdoors. Others might never become used to indoor life. In this article, a veterinarian offers five ways to keep an outdoor cat healthy, happy, and purring.

Shelter

Fluffy may have a fur coat on, but that doesn’t offer overall protection from the environment. You should bring her inside when it’s hot or cold outside. But, in case she mistakenly gets left out, it’s a good idea to leave out an emergency shelter. One simple DIY project for this is to put two plastic storage totes together. Put one inside the other, leave a little space between them. Put old towels or newspapers in this space to provide insulation. Add a blanket on the inside for your kitty’s comfort. To make a cat door, cut holes in the side.

Water

Fresh water is a basic necessity for all animals, including Fluffy. You’ll want to wash her water bowl regularly, so germs and dust don’t build up in it.

Food

Like all animals, Fluffy requires good food to stay healthy. Your best choice is probably kibble, as it lasts longer than wet food. But, you don’t want to put out too much food, as this can attract mice and other pests. Kitties should be fed indoors, if possible.

Lifestyle Change

The best thing you can do for Fluffy is keep her indoors. Your feline friend will be both healthier and safer staying in! This change in lifestyle might take time and patience, but you shouldn’t give up. Offering toys, catnip, treats, and kitty furniture will entice her to stay. If nothing else, put a limitation on your cat’s outdoor time, allowing her out only during the day, and when the weather is nice.

Veterinary Care

Veterinarians recommend that all cats be microchipped, kept up-to-date on vaccines and parasite control, and fixed. This preventative care is especially crucial for kitties that live or are allowed outside. Outdoor pets are more susceptible to parasites and germs than ones that stay inside, so they should go see the vet a bit more often. Talk to your local pet clinic for a recommendation for an appointment schedule.

Contact your local animal clinic in Pelham, ON for more information on caring for an outdoor cat!