Just as dogs need to go outside to relieve themselves, cats have this box covered with their litter box. However, what dogs and cats do have in common is the need to explore the outdoors for physical exercise and for their cognitive enrichment. It is true that some kitties can spend their entire lives inside the house without problems, but it is very common for them to be adventurous and curious, with a great desire to know what is beyond the windows of where they live.
When they go outside they do physical exercise thanks to their walks and runs, they jump and climb. It also brings them benefits to reduce stress and boredom and improves their mood, since they know different places, vegetation and other animals. This feeling of freedom is not incompatible with being comfortable at home and with their family, since they usually do not stray too far and always return after their playful expeditions.
However, the fact that the cat can go outside regularly entails a series of dangers and specific requirements in its care. Take good note of all this if you want to protect him, reduce risks and keep his health in optimal condition.
When going outside, your cat will have contact with other animals of its species and others that can infect it with diseases, internal and external parasites. To prevent their health from being affected, it is essential that you keep up to date with their veterinary check-ups, their vaccination schedule and their deworming. For external parasites, you can offer the pill, apply a pipette or put a specific collar on it.
With the new Animal Welfare Law, the sterilization of all cats that enter the exterior is mandatory. With this you reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies and litters that often result in animal abandonment. Also, it’s less likely that your cat will wander too far in search of a mate to mate with, and it’s also less likely that he’ll get caught up in a territorial fight.
An outdoor cat’s nutritional needs are greater than an indoor-only cat, as he expends more energy from exercise. Consult with your vet the best option to feed it. But keep in mind that if your feline pet goes outside he may eat mice, birds or insects, feed on street colonies or from a neighbor who offers him food. Control his weight so that he does not suffer from obesity and carry out periodic health checks at the vet to make sure that he does not have diseases derived from an inadequate diet.
The cat must necessarily carry the microchip with which to identify it in case of loss. But also, if he goes outside, it would be convenient for you to put a tag with your contact information and even a tracking device on his collar.
