With the estimated 80 million cats in the US, approximately 45% live outdoors, with others living inside but having access to an outdoor tour. It is important to recognize the specific needs of the outdoor cat. Assisi Animal Health suggests the following 6 tips for your feline.
- Control the neighborhood population, spay or neuter your cat at an appropriate age. This will also help control some of the wanderlust.
- Cats with an "outdoor lifestyle" have specific needs. Most important to overall health is having them vaccinated for both the legal (rabies) and disease-related issues they will be exposed to.
- Identify your cat with a microchip. It requires a quick trip to your vet, but provides a lifetime of identification in case "kitty" gets the urge to roam.
- Use appropriate flea and tick products, and heartworm preventative.
- NEVER declaw a cat that is exposed to the outdoors. Their claws protect them from predators, and allow them to climb trees to avoid attack.
- Make sure your "outdoor cat" has nutritious food and water available at all times. The rations for an outdoor cat are usually bigger, to accommodate their additional exercise opportunities. Remember, in winter, outdoor animals require additional caloric intake to keep warm. Do not substitute milk or other products for water. While "a saucer of cream" sounds yummy, cats are actually sensitive to milk products.
- Provide a safe resting place that will be good year-round, in heat and in cold. This can be a home-made solution, or one of the professional products that are specifically designed for all-weather protection. There will be temperatures where it is important for your cat to have access to the indoors, even if it is just a crack in the garage door or the garden shed.
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