Whether or not to allow your cat to go outside can be a tough decision. Many cats do enjoy the outdoors and can be very vocal about it.
Statistically, though, allowing your cat to spend time outdoors can significantly reduce their life expectancy. All sorts of hazards exist on the other side of that door including cars, loose dogs, other territorial cats, predators, parasites, toxic plants and more.
However, there are some safe ways to allow you cat to enjoy the outdoors without letting them roam free.
Indoor cats often get bored and desire stimulation. They may meow to be let outside or attempt to scamper outdoors in order to seek out some excitement. You can provide your cat with stimulation by spending some quality time playing with them. Dangling string or feather toys is a great way to keep a bored kitty amused and engaged.
If you have a screened-in porch or patio, you can provide your cat endless hours of entertainment by letting them sit on the porch to watch the birds, squirrels and other wildlife scurry around the yard. It is important to monitor them to ensure they don’t use their claws to make a hole in the screen and escape. Some companies even make special outdoor enclosures specifically for cats to enjoy the fresh air.
No porch? A cat tree or perch next to a window is another great option. Consider placing a birdfeeder near the window and you are essentially providing hours of “Cat TV” to an interested kitty observer.
You can even consider training your cat to wear a harness and go on leashed walks. This is a great way to introduce them to the outdoors in a safe and supervised fashion. By keeping your kitty leashed and nearby, you can ensure that they can’t run into a busy intersection or have an altercation with a stray cat harboring diseases. Remember that if you do let your cat outside on occasion, you’ll want to make sure to provide flea preventative regularly.
While it is tempting to allow your cat to roam the outdoors, there is no question that being an indoor-only kitty is far safer. Indoor-only cats can live up to twice as long as indoor-outdoor cats, and are less likely to have fleas, parasites and other health problems that increase your vet bill.
Keep your cat indoors and guarantee that they live a long and happy life!
— Brown County Humane Society
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Barn Sale: Aug. 9 to 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It’s the biggest yard sale of the year. We will be accepting donations at the BCHS barn on the following dates: Aug. 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Aug. 5 to 7 from noon to 4 p.m. (No clothes or shoes, please.)
Online auction: October 2018
Our popular auction is back, even better. Bid on works by local artists, tickets to events, vacation packages and so much more. Watch the website for more details.
Chocolate Walk: Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This sellout event is back for the 11th year! Stroll through Nashville as you sample treats from over 30 local shops and restaurants and do a little holiday shopping along the way. Tickets go on sale at the beginning of August.
Check out the BCHS website at bchumane.org for more details on our events.
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