Cat Owners: Should You Let Your Cat Out?
Compared to dogs, cats are a lot more independent. From being able to hunt for their own food to being able to clean themselves. This characteristic of cats may be a turn-off for some, but to many, it’s ideal.
Because of their independence, many cat owners are likely to allow their feline outside the house, alone & unattended. This choice is very debated amongst several pet owners. In this article, we’ll explore both sides of the debate.
Cat Owners: Indoor or Outdoor Cats?
Many pet owners argue that letting cats roam free outside is better for their pet’s well-being. It’s allowing cats to hunt for their own food- letting their natural instinct take over. Letting cats outside allows them to have the mental stimulation they need and gives them a great opportunity for exercise. This prevents hyperactivity in cats. Hyperactive cats are bored cats. Bored cats are destructive cats.
Allowing your cat to roam free also means less damage to your furniture, as your feline friends can just use trees or plants as their scratching post. Also, there’s less cleaning for the litter box, as your cat can just do their business outside.
However, just because cats are more independent to dogs, doesn’t mean they’re invincible to the outside world. Even if your feline wins a cat fight, they can still get infected with diseases such as feline panleukopenia. What’s even worse is that your cat can get parasites from so many different things. Fleas from other animals, roundworms from the eggs in the soil, and tapeworms from birds.
And you can’t just let your cat outside anytime- especially in extreme weather. They can get heatstroke, or hypothermia– depending on which climate you live in.
If you have an unspayed female cat, they can get pregnant. Kittens may be cute, but they are not easy or cheap to take care of. If you have a male cat, he might impregnate a female stray, which will contribute to the already troublesome problem of overpopulation.
In the worst case scenario, your cat can even die due to car crashes, or by being attacked by another animal. And even if they don’t die, you’ve still got a hefty vet bill to pay.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide.
However, you don’t have to play both extremes. You don’t have to keep your cat completely outdoors, or indoors. You can walk your cat, just as others walk your dog. In fact, it might be good bonding time with your cat! If a leash isn’t for your cat, then a cat bag might suffice. If you can’t directly attend to your cat, you might want to consider a GPS tracker collar for your feline.
So Cat Owners, if you need to bring in your pet for check-ups don’t hesitate to contact Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.
Enjoy peace of mind,
Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC