Feline Boundaries: A Vet States the Case for Keeping Cats Indoors
Dr Lisa Chimes offers her expert opinion about where cats belong (and it's not outside roaming around unsupervised)
Cats are our constant urban companions whether we like it or not. Here, vet Dr Lisa Chimes tells us why it’s important for cats to be indoors, or outdoors with supervision or containment, for their benefit… and ours.
Motor vehicle accidents
As an emergency veterinarian, I too often see cats that have been in a motor vehicle accident. These can occur at high speed, while the cat crosses a busy road, or even by slow-moving vehicles in a quiet suburban street. Sadly, I have seen plenty of cases where a cat is accidentally run over by their owner in the driveway or parking space.
As an emergency veterinarian, I too often see cats that have been in a motor vehicle accident. These can occur at high speed, while the cat crosses a busy road, or even by slow-moving vehicles in a quiet suburban street. Sadly, I have seen plenty of cases where a cat is accidentally run over by their owner in the driveway or parking space.
Falls from heights
Cats are excellent climbers, but if they fall, they can be left with disastrous injuries. We commonly see cats in the ER that have fallen off a balcony or wall – some of them have head trauma, jaw fractures and other broken bones.
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Cats are excellent climbers, but if they fall, they can be left with disastrous injuries. We commonly see cats in the ER that have fallen off a balcony or wall – some of them have head trauma, jaw fractures and other broken bones.
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Dog attacks
If a curious cat oversteps the mark with a dog, they can be seriously injured if the dog decides to put up a fight.
If a curious cat oversteps the mark with a dog, they can be seriously injured if the dog decides to put up a fight.
Cat fights
Cats can be very territorial, which can result in ‘turf wars’ among neighbouring cats. While cat bites can cause nasty skin wounds and infections, they can also transmit diseases such as feline immunodeficiency virus (feline ‘AIDS’), feline leukaemia virus and cat flu.
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Cats can be very territorial, which can result in ‘turf wars’ among neighbouring cats. While cat bites can cause nasty skin wounds and infections, they can also transmit diseases such as feline immunodeficiency virus (feline ‘AIDS’), feline leukaemia virus and cat flu.
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Toxins
Cats that roam are at risk of ingesting poisons, such as rat bait, which can cause fatal internal bleeding. They can also ingest various other deadly substances.
Cats that roam are at risk of ingesting poisons, such as rat bait, which can cause fatal internal bleeding. They can also ingest various other deadly substances.
Parasites
Outdoor cats generally have a higher incidence of flea and worm infestations, and if you live in a tick area, your outdoor cat will be in great danger of the life-threatening consequences of tick paralysis.
Outdoor cats generally have a higher incidence of flea and worm infestations, and if you live in a tick area, your outdoor cat will be in great danger of the life-threatening consequences of tick paralysis.
Wildlife
Cats have an instinct to hunt and, unfortunately, outdoor cats frequently attack and kill our native mammals, birds and reptiles. Outdoor cats can also be bitten by venomous snakes if the cat tries to taunt them.
Cats have an instinct to hunt and, unfortunately, outdoor cats frequently attack and kill our native mammals, birds and reptiles. Outdoor cats can also be bitten by venomous snakes if the cat tries to taunt them.
Many people feel guilty about preventing their cat from exploring and performing their natural behaviours. Indoor cats can certainly be predisposed to inactivity, boredom, psychological stress and obesity, but here are some ways that you can provide your indoor cat with environmental enrichment.
- Allow your cat to go outside in the backyard or on the balcony with close supervision (keep in mind that this is not suitable for all cats, and depends on their activity level and temperament).
- Take your cat for a walk using a cat harness (usually works best in kittens that are trained from a young age).
- Build a safe cat enclosure in your outdoor space.
- Allow them to have access to several rooms in the house.
- Ensure they have many safe places to sleep – usually one on the floor that is enclosed on three sides, as well as a safe resting place at a height.
- Provide them with multiple cat-safe toys and climbing equipment.
- Provide them with suitable scratching posts, multiple clean litter trays and various sources of water within the home.
- Make time to play and interact with your cat each day.
- Avoid leaving them alone for extended periods. If they are left alone, leaving the television on or playing classical music can sometimes be beneficial.
Keep in mind that it can be difficult to contain a cat that is accustomed to roaming outdoors. In these situations, the best option may be to keep them indoors at night and try allow them outside only for short periods during the day. If you have a kitten, it is far easier to create a happy and healthy indoor life for them.
For more information, have a chat to your local veterinarian or animal behaviourist.
Tell us
Do you keep your cat indoors or do you firmly believe their place is outside? Tell us what you think in the Comments below and join the conversation.
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Read more pet stories here
Do you keep your cat indoors or do you firmly believe their place is outside? Tell us what you think in the Comments below and join the conversation.
More
Read more pet stories here
Here are some of the negative consequences that can occur when cats are allowed outside without supervision.