Outdoor Hazards

Outdoor Hazards

Should you let your cat go outdoors? Many people answer for their cats with a firm no. It may be a more clear-cut decision for people who live on busy streets than for those who live in rural areas, far from any traffic at all. Obviously, declawed cats should stay inside.

But there are additional issues to consider as you decide. Outdoor dangers include automobiles, dogs, rival cats, poisonous plants, chemicals, stormy weather, infectious diseases and parasites. Take the following factors into account.

Other Animals

A run-in with a dog or another cat can mean big trouble. A dog can seriously injure or even kill a cat, and a catfight can lead to abscesses from scratches and wounds as well as the spread of infectious diseases.

Plants

Many outdoor and garden plants, and even some fruits and vegetables, can hurt your cat. A few culprits include English ivy, Japanese yew, azaleas, the underground parts of spring bulbs, rhubarb leaves, eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes and some mushrooms. Moreover, it's impossible to keep your cat out of your garden if he's determined to get in.

Lawn or Garden Chemicals

Keep fertilizers, insecticides and other lawn and garden chemicals well out of your cat's reach, perhaps in a shed or the garage. These potent products can be poisonous if your cat ingests them. And don't forget, when you spray, keep your cat away! You don't want him walking on a chemically treated lawn until it dries, so keep him inside. Watch to make sure he doesn't nibble on chemically treated grass, flowers or plants until it has rained or you've thoroughly watered the area. Exposure

Extreme heat or cold can kill cats, so keep your pet inside when the temperature soars or drops. If your cat spends a lot of time outside, make sure he has shelter in cold or inclement weather.

Infectious Diseases

Outdoor cats are more likely to contract many life-threatening diseases including feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus infection and feline infectious peritonitis, to name a few. Parasites, like roundworms and ear mites, can also come through contact with infected cats or their waste. In addition, pets that spend time outside commonly pick up fleas and ticks that can carry diseases and transmit tapeworms.

Room for Compromise

If you just can't stand to keep your cat inside all the time, consider letting him out only in areas where escape is impossible, other animals cannot intrude and you can supervise him. Or, take the time to harness-train your cat so you can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Protect Your Pet

If you do let your cat go outdoors unsupervised, he needs to wear identification. You can use a collar and tag, microchip, ear tag, tattoo or a combination of these identification methods. Be sure to pick a collar that will break apart if your cat gets caught on something. Even if your cat is strictly an indoor kind of guy, it's wise to keep some form of ID on him in the off chance of an emergency or escape.

Nationwide, only 2 percent of cats picked up by animal control agencies are reunited with their families. Without identification, they're considered strays. Don't let your family pet become one of the thousands of homeless pets who are euthanized each year. Make sure anyone who finds him knows how to get in touch with you.