How can we ensure cat safety while outside? Should we allow them out to roam or should we enforce supervised play in the yard? Honestly, the preference is all yours. I’m not here to judge nor am I a ‘cat expert’. But the chances are that you’ve already had the ‘will we, won’t we‘ discussion. And there are many reasons why you could choose to allow one or the other (or even both).
Many Irish families opt to allow their kitties to roam the local area because historically they were an excellent method of pest control. However, with the ever-changing environment, more and more people are opting to keep their cats strictly indoors. Due to the area in which we live, both are cats are kept inside. But with that being said our youngest cat is very boisterous, and she loves to run around. This can mean chaos for our household! So, to help her burn off some of that excess energy we frequently allow her outside for supervised playtime.
Despite the fact that she’s attached to both an extendable lead and a harness, she’s somewhat of a Houdini. We’ve watched as she’s broken free just to explore an awkward spot of the yard that she couldn’t before reach (and often for good reason). Samira is definitely more of a handful than her sister, and that’s why we always attach a tag to her collar.
Samira was sent this gorgeous wooden name tag from Personalised Gifts Market. It clips securely to her collar or harness, and can even clip to keys when it’s not in use. This one only has her name, but you can get additional information added such as phone numbers or your address.
This fish shape if perfect for my quirky girl, but if that doesn’t float your boat, there are plenty of other shapes to choose from. We’ve had it on her for a few hours while we sit outside or when we take her for a walk, and it’s very durable. Even with all her running around it stayed securely attached to the collar.
From the moment we take our pets home they become part of the family. It can, therefore, be distressing when they go missing or show signs of becoming unwell. Although it’s true that cat safety is easier to manage while they’re inside, there are some things we can’t avoid. Eye infections happen, upset stomachs aren’t uncommon and they can always slip through our feet as we’re leaving the house. Accidents happen and they can make us feel extremely anxious as pet owners.
I can recall one instance where Willow took it upon herself to explore our neighborhood. We’d had her for a few months at this point and she was always a very timid cat. It was within her best interest to keep her indoors for the majority of the time. Even when outside she’d never made an attempt to go any further than the fenced perimeter. That is until one day.
Ryan was watching her as usual but he wasn’t quick enough to stop her leaping over the fence. It was unexpected and, in hindsight, I don’t blame him for being unable to reach her in time. She managed to make her way into the neighbour’s yard before stopping and crying for help. Since then she’s never set a paw beyond the patio steps and, as the anxious pet owner, that suits me just fine.
Our cat’s safety and well-being can gravely impact our own mental health. It’s therefore important that we know how to safely allow them access to the outdoors. If you’re unsure how to get started with letting your cat outdoors, check out some of the suggestions below. Or speak to your vet to get a better understanding of what you need to safeguard against in your area.
If you have a garden you can easily allow your cat outside while you keep watch. Cats are agile creature and so if you’re opting against a leash, it’s important that you give your cat your undivided attention.
When we need to get things done around the house, Samira can be a real nightmare. It’s on these occasions that we attach Samira to her harness and retractable leash, and allow her to roam the yard. The leash allows her freedom to reach all the nooks and crannies, while also keeping her from entering any of the neighboring gardens.
Many may argue that if a cat wants to go outside that they should be allowed to do so of their own accord. However, for cat safety reasons, it’s not feasible in our area. We’re surrounded by dogs, three active construction sites, and a busy road. Therefore the leash is the safest way that Samira can get unsupervised access to an outdoor area. As for our other cat Willow, she’s simply not interested in the outdoors and even when the door is open, she’s happy just to watch.
I know what you’re thinking because every-time I mention that we take our cat for a walk, I get that look. The one that says ‘you’re THOSE people.’ But the truth is cats can be walked just like dogs can, and in fact many enjoy it.
If you’re thinking of taking your cat for a walk it’s best to purchase a harness for extra security. You can use an extendable leash or a standard one, but for safety reasons, I always find it best to keep our youngest cat on a short line simply because she doesn’t understand roads. Cats will need time to get used to both the harness and the lead, so it’s best to take them out in small bursts or use the above method to get them used to the new equipment.
But remember: Your cat is taking you for a walk, not the other way around. Provided that they aren’t in danger it’s best to let your cat guide you, and use the leash only as a means to keep them safe rather than to direct them. The chances are if you try to control them, they’ll simply lay down.
Have you ever heard of a ‘Cat-io?’ It’s essentially a safe area for you cat to run around without the danger of escaping. Much like a run for dogs but with high places to climb and caged roof to prevent any acrobatics.
They’re slightly more expensive than the options above, but they’re certainly interesting. If you have the amenities for one of these beauties it would be a great way to safely allow your cats to go outside whenever they want.
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I need some of these for my cat :)
Thank you so much for popping in and reading. Much appreciated.
Samira looks so playfull and adorable cat !
She is but she can be a real wee devil!
I like the outdoor cat playpen idea. I think my cats would like it.
Thank you so much for popping in and commenting!
The outdoor play area is such a fun idea - but make sure the cats have proper care to avoid parasites! We've been seeing tons of cats with fleas lately at my clinic and they can be such a pain to get rid of.
Luckily our girls are both inside most of the time. The one that goes out more gets flea treatment and worm treatment as normal, while it wasn't recommended for the older girl because she is inside most of the time. Fingers crossed no issues yet.
Thank you so much for popping in love! x
I so hope to have a catio someday for my cats! We take them on our porch with their harnesses and leashes. Louis likes it and sits with us most, but our two girls are more anxious about it.
-Christine, http://www.catsandcoffee.me
Thank you so much for reading. I'd love a catio of my own but we really don't have the room at the moment.
Oooh those personalised tags are gorgeous!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Thank you so much for reading. x
Super love the tags!!! We don't allow our cat to go outside, we feel he would either get stolen and get lost...
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I really appreciate it. x
My cats have always been strictly indoor cats. Now that I've moved to a bigger place they go in the garden supervised, but I'm scared that if they went and explored outside alone they wouldn't understand. If I had a leash at a young age they might have got used to it, but being older they hate collars so it wouldn't go down well haha! I love that you walk your cat though
My youngest cat will walk easily but the oldest really doesn't like it. So she just get supervised out the back at the moment. We're trying our best to get her used to walk but it's just very difficult for her because she's older.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. It's much appreciated.
The cat tag is lovely. Such a sweet idea to take your car for a walk on a leash I’ve never seen this before!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Much appreciated.
I love the personalised tags, they're so cute! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you :)