Some time outdoors isn't just fun for cats - it's good for them. Many feline experts believe the boredom of living in an unchanging and unstimulating environment can cause such destructive behavior as furniture scratching and spraying. It can result in psychological problems, like obesity, over-grooming and feline depression, the experts say, and it can cause stress-related illnesses. How can your indoor-only cat enjoy some time in the great outdoors? Here are some ways to create the best of both worlds for your feline friend.
- Go For Walks Together: Even adult cats can learn to walk with a harness and leash. Choose a lightweight leash and a harness designed to pull from the chest, not from the throat. Or get a walking jacket for your cat. Then, let him get used to his new outdoor gear by leaving it near his favorite sleeping spot for a few days. How do you train a cat to walk on a leash? Here's how...
- Cat-Proof Your Fence: If you have a fenced yard, a containment system will keep your cat on his home turf. To find out how to build one yourself, visit Kitty Klips or the Feral Cat Coalition. To see a system you can buy, go to Cat Fence-In. If your cat has never been outside, keep him company on his first outdoor excursions. Remember, to him, even your fenced-in yard is a brand new world.
- Try A Kitty Tie-Out: Even if you don't have a fence, your cat can chase bugs, nibble grass and enjoy the fresh air if he's outfitted with a harness attached to strong, lightweight rope. Do not leave your cat unattended. Remember, he will be unable to defend himself, and the rope could become tangled in trees or shrubs.
- Build An Enclosure: An outdoor enclosure is fun and a great stress reliever for cats. Perches, cat trees to climb and planters with grass and catnip plants will make your kitty's "outdoor experience" even more fun. A large dog cage makes an adequate enclosure. Or see how to build one here...
- Balcony Cats: Keep your apartment cat safe by enclosing your balcony railings with hardware cloth or another screening material. Then, provide some comfortable places for outdoor cat naps and a planter with grass and catnip plants.
Tip: Even if your cats never go outdoors, they should wear tags or have tattoos or microchips so they can be identified and returned to you if they get out by accident.
Five Easy Steps For Leash Training
Your Cat
- Put the new harness on the cat, and reward him with his favorite
food. Praise him while he eats. Then, let him walk around with
the harness on. If he seems unhappy, distract him with toys. You
can take the harness off after he has visibly relaxed.
- Attach the leash to the harness.
Let the cat walk wherever he wants to, dragging the leash behind
him. Be sure to supervise these sessions in case the leash gets
caught on something. If your cat becomes agitated, distract him
with toys. And shower him with praise.
- When your cat's comfortable in his new walking gear, pick up
the leash and walk behind him. Be sure to keep the lead slack,
and don't restrict his movement. Just let him get used to having
you follow him.
- To train your cat to go where you want him to go, use a sweet, high-pitched voice to encourage him to follow you. Never pull or jerk the lead to force him to stay on the course you've chosen. One bad experience may turn him against leash training forever.
- Once your cat is used to his leash, it's time to venture outdoors. At first, he may want to stay close to the door - he needs to get used to this new world. When he's ready to start exploring, let him. Then, find a quiet location and follow the same procedures you used for training inside.
Before you know it, the two of you will be enjoying some time together outdoors.
How To Build An Outdoor Enclosure
For Your Cats
An outdoor enclosure for cats can be any size, but a 6' x 6' x
6' area is sufficient. Use the vertical space by attaching perches
to the sides of the structure.
If the enclosure is against the side of the house, all you need are three sides and a wire roof. A pet door in a window or sliding door will let your cats come and go whenever they want to.
Solid redwood two-by-fours and 2" x 3" galvanized wire make an attractive play area. But choose the materials that best suit your budget. The primary requirements are that the structure be sturdy and escape-proof. A wire door will provide you with access to the inside to clean and rearrange the decor from time-to-time. Wooden cat trees, logs and other natural items placed inside will give your cats choices for perching and scratching. Your cats will have the most fun if the floor of the enclosure is grass rather than a deck or patio.
If the enclosure is not attached to the house, provide a solid wooden box, or "dog house" inside so your cats will have a safe, dry place to hide, take catnaps and find shelter from sudden rain showers.
Creating an outdoor enclosure is easy and inexpensive, and it will add a wonderful new dimension to your cats' lives.
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This was
written with love for cats by Missy Zane of the Howard County
Cat Club, and reprinted & edited with permission. This may
not be duplicated with out written permission.