Who Let the Cat Out?

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the dangers of letting your cat go outside.  Naturally, I heard all the reasons that your specific cat has to go out — he was a stray and cries at the door, or our young cat is too destructive if locked indoors. I hate scooping a litterbox and this way he just does his business outside, and how unnatural it is to lock an animal indoors with no chance to enjoy the sun and grass. I hear you. 

Certainly there are thousands of cats living indoors and enjoying the good life.  But I have to admit, even though I’m 100 percent against free-roaming cats, I felt guilty denying my cats the simple pleasures of catching a bug, chasing a leaf or rolling in the grass. They are animals after all. So we agreed on a compromise.

There are safe ways to allow your cats the outdoors. It just takes some creativity (space and money help too!). Here are some basic ideas — see what you can come up with that works in your circumstances. 

If you don’t have a yard at all you are probably limited to taking your cats out on a leash. Believe it or not there are some cats that can be leash trained and are content to walk around with you. It’s different than walking with a dog — you certainly aren’t going to get any real exercise out of an outing with your cat. It’s more like playing follow the kitty as they dart and lay down, at least until they are used to the harness, and the leash is often just considered a fun toy to play with. It is never considered safe to leave a cat tied out and unsupervised. They can climb over things and get hung up and can’t escape if another animal comes along to bother them.

If you have a yard there are a couple of good options available. One is a cat enclosure. That's a huge “cage” that extends off the house where the cats can enjoy the outdoors but are safely confined. They are available ready-made or if you are handy, you can make your own. Check out www.cdpets.com for an easy-to-assemble enclosure available in a variety of sizes. We have one of their basic kits outside the shelter that you can look at as an example. If you put it up against the house where there is a window, a cat door can be installed into the window, or a kitty door can be placed into your wall, allowing free access in and out. Fill the enclosure with toys, climbing posts, ledges and real grass and plants and that should satisfy even the most adventurous cat. 

The fence-in system is another way to allow your cats some freedom but keep them restricted to your yard. You install the brackets and wire around the top of your fence-line to prevent escape. It works well for about 90 percent of cats. However, the very determined ones can usually find a way out. You also have to be aware of how your trees are situated and what’s along the fence-line that could allow a cat a way out. Although not fool-proof, it touts that it also keeps other animals out of your yard so your cat will be safe from attacks.

With a little imagination, I’m sure you can come up with a compromise that will satisfy your cats’ desire to explore (remember that as long as their food needs are met they actually do just sleep for about 18-20 hours each day) and your desire to keep them safe.  Let me know what you come up with!