Can i let my cat outside

However, it's not just the health of wildlife that's at risk. Outdoor cats are nearly three times as likely to become infected with pathogens or parasites than indoor-only kitties, according to an April study published in Biology Letters.

Lead author Kayleigh Chalkowski of Auburn University and fellow researchers looked through almost two dozen previous studies and found that no matter the disease or the country, the theme held true: cats with outside access were 2.

When it comes to whether or not to allow cats outside, animal writer Hal Herzog says he's "more morally conflicted about [it] than any other animal issue," but ultimately, it's up to each cat owner to decide what's best for their pet. Conservation groups like the National Audubon Society encourage cat owners to keep their pets indoors for the protection of wildlife. And animal welfare agencies, including the Humane Society and the American Veterinary Medical Association, have echoed this sentiment, pointing out that indoor cats also live substantially longer than outdoor ones because they're not exposed to traffic, disease and other animals.

Many cat owners — including animal experts — continue to let their pets outside despite these risks, and they have convincing arguments of their own. For one, domestic cats remain genetically quite similar to their ancestors, meaning they still have many of their wild instincts. You could also keep your race car in a garage. In addition to this, there's a wealth of evidence that an indoor-only life can be unhealthy for some cats.

Felines that spend nine lives inside can suffer from health issues like obesity and diabetes, and they also may display boredom-related behavioral problems such as aggression and eliminating outside the litter box.

If your kitty craves outdoor time, let him outside under supervision. Many cats can adjust to wearing a harness and walking on a leash — some simply require more training than others. Not all cats will want to go on a walk like a dog; however, they may enjoy exploring the backyard, nibbling on grass and soaking in the sun.

Another safe way to allow your cat to enjoy the great outdoors is by giving him access to a screened-in porch or another enclosed outdoor space like a catio. If you decide to take your feline friend outdoors, make sure he's microchipped and wearing a collar with identification tags.

Also, be sure your cat is up to date on flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal parasite preventatives. While the natural world offers kitties endless opportunities for exercise and entertainment, your cat doesn't necessarily have to go outside to enjoy them.

There are many ways you can give your cat stimulation similar to what nature provides. Using this sound when calling them indoors should bring them back in a hurry!

You could also try teaching your cat other recall signals such as whistles or calling their name. You can test this out first by letting them in the garden, calling their name and rewarding them with a treat when they return. This way your cat will return as soon as they are in a close enough distance to hear your command. Before letting a cat outside, there are a few things to consider in terms of their boundaries. You can start by letting them in a small part of the garden and staying in the garden with them.

Then gradually let them explore further and further until they are happy on their own. You should decide the level of outdoor access your cat will be allowed. If you want them to come and go as they please, you should consider installing a cat flap. This way, they can access the house at night and when you are not home. If your cat is microchipped, you can get them a microchip cat flap.

You can browse through our range of cat accessories to find suitable products for your cat and home. You should also consider the dangers surrounding your home, such as traffic, other animals and your garden. You should make sure your garden is cat-friendly and properly fenced off, and also consider whether you need to take extra precautions if you have a pond.

Every cat is different. Make sure you introduce them to the outdoors gradually over time, especially if they are a nervous kitty. Some cats may be confident straight away and others may have no interest in going outside. Be patient with your cat and understand that they will eventually learn to go outside if they wish to! Supervise the first few visits outside and make sure your cat knows how to get back inside when they want to.

Try to make it a positive experience; you can do this by taking them outside for the first time in good weather and ensuring there are limited unfamiliar noises.

In preparation for letting your cat outside, you can try to teach them to come to you when called, using treats. When your cat comes to you, give them a treat.

Repeat this process several times in different locations around the house until your cat always comes and finds you when you call their name.

If your cat is initially reluctant to come when called, try doing this around feeding time when they are expecting to get fed and may be more eager to approach you for food. For more information, have a look at our advice on basic cat training. Go outside and leave the door to the house open so that your cat is able to join you but can also quickly get back inside if they want.

You should build up the length of time your cat is outside over a few sessions. When your cat seems comfortable and relaxed being outside, you can start to let them come and go unaccompanied.

The best way to give your cat consistent and predictable access to the outdoors when they need it is to install a cat flap in a door or window. Take a look at our advice on cat flaps for further information. Cat flap advice Learn more about choosing a cat flap and encouraging your cat to use it. Read our advice.