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Consider
the great indoors as a playground for your cat - especially at night.
Roaming cats run the risk of death or injury through being run over by
cars, or because of attacks by other animals. There’s no foundation
for the belief that a cat must be “put out” at night. These
days responsible dog owners keep their pet in at night. So why put cats
out? They too deserve a secure and warm place to rest at night - away
from all danger. Provide a suitable secure environment for your cats during
the day too through modular out-door cat enclosures.
Use a “wildlife
friendly” reflective cat collar.
They glitter in the sun, and, when combined with small bells, warn wildlife
of stalking cats.
Attach multiple
bells to your cat's collar.
One may not make a difference as cats can learn to move without letting
it sound. It appears that three is the magic number – two large
bells on one side, a third one right opposite.
Keep your
cat in at night.
Sunset and sunrise are the times when cats kill most wildlife. The added
benefit to your cat is that it may not be in such danger of being run
over. Ninety percent of domestic cats that go missing don’t return
after being out at night. Yes, if your cat is used to being out at night,
this change in its lifestyle (and yours) may take a little getting used
to, but the evidence shows that this simple step could save millions of
garden animals each year.
Litter train
your cat.
Cats are solely responsible for the introduction of the disease Toxoplasmosis.
Up to 30% domestic cats are feared to be infected. This blood disease
has serious consequences for wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies,
otherwise too large to have been harmed by cats. Wildlife can contract
the disease if exposed to infected cat faeces. Once ingested by other
animals including humans the disease causes severe illness often leading
to foetal and adult deaths.
Lead them
not into temptation.
If you install a bird feeder, choose the site carefully. Placing it near
prickly bushes or hanging it from a thin metal pole that your cat can't
climb is a good idea. Avoid putting your bird feeders near low trees or
bushes, as cats find the cover a useful place from which to ambush visitors.
Ways to Help
Cats Make the Adjustment to Life Indoors
If you have an outdoor
cat and need help getting it adjusted to life indoors,
these tips will help.
- Make the adjustment
gradually. Cats are creatures of habit, so you must slowly replace
the cat’s old routine with the new one. Gradually increase
the time the cat is inside, and decrease the time outside until
it is indoors at all times. Making the adjustment to life indoors
may be easier during the winter, when a cat may want to stay inside
more anyway.
- Play more. When the
cat is inside, play with it. Play is a great reward for staying
indoors, and will bring a cat and owner closer.
- Supervise excursions.
If your cat howls to go out, let it - as long as it's wearing
a leash and harness and you go with it.
- Consult an expert.
If your cat develops behavior problems after making the transition
to life indoors, it may be because the change was too abrupt or
because it is bored. Your veterinarian or someone at your local
animal shelter can advise you.
However, litter-box
accidents may also be caused by disease or infection, so you should
consult your veterinarian right away if your cat develops this problem.
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