Healthy Cats

Should You Have an Indoor Cat or an Outdoor Cat?

Indoor Cat Health continued...

If your cat is intent on getting outdoors, fit him for a harness. You might feel silly walking around your neighborhood with a cat on a leash, and your cat may protest at first, but once he gets used to it your cat might actually enjoy walking with you. Those who really want to pamper their pets can attach cat enclosures to their home, to give their cats the feeling of being outdoors without the dangers of being exposed to the outside.

Bottom line: Ultimately, the decision of whether to have an indoor or outdoor cat is up to you. Most vets will recommend keeping your cat indoors, but if you do want your cat to stay outdoors, make sure your pet is safe by keeping up with all scheduled vaccinations, parasite prevention, and bringing your outdoor cat indoors at night.

Whenever you adopt a new cat, try to keep him indoors. It’s much easier to go from an indoor to outdoor cat than to go from an outdoor to indoor cat. Once cats have had that first taste of freedom, it’s tough to convince them to go back inside.