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 or the Purrfect Fence. 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 enjoythe fresh air if he's outfitted with a harness or Walking Jacket 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 Outdoor 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. You can buy plans from
Just4cats.com or see how to build an enclosure 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.
