Happy, Healthy Felines: The Benefits of Indoor Cats
There is some controversy regarding the best way to keep your cat healthy and happy. Some swear by an outdoor life while others opt for the safety of indoor cat keeping. Before you decide the best option for your pet, consider the benefits of housing your pet indoors. Make sure you also know the problems that can come with the indoor lifestyle so you know how to handle and prevent them!
Four Walls of Safety
One of the biggest arguments for keeping felines inside is the safety factor. By containing your pet inside your home, you can easily guard his or her safety. Indoor cats do not face the same risks as outdoor cats do. These can include potential run ins with traffic, harm done by other people, or infractions with other animals both feline and non-feline. Even if another animal does not attack or harm your cat, disease can be passed through contact.
Of course, your home also comes with its own health risks. This can include household chemicals and wiring. However, if you are diligent your pet can enjoy a far safer existence inside your home. The tradeoff is that your cat may be restless living a simple inside life.
No Dead Presents
Cats are known for bringing home little gruesome presents to their owners. Although this might look like a nice gift to your cat, to you it is probably a stomach-churning mess.Not to mention the concerns for disease or bacteria both to the cat and your household (should your cat come inside at any point). Indoor cats are generally not allowed access to such “presents” and will not come in contact with these kinds of contaminants.
Whatever the Weather
Indoor cat owners never have to worry about the weather. Spring and summer may bring storms and other violent natural events such as tornados or hurricanes (depending on where you live).This can be a big concern should your cat be lingering outside during bad weather. On the other hand, winter can bring frigid temperatures, snow and ice. These can spell death for a cat caught out in the cold, especially at night. Even when at work or away for the day, indoor cat owners never have to worry about changes in the weather and their beloved feline companion.
Food Monitoring
When your cat spends its hours inside, it is significantly easier to know what he or she has been eating. The food supply will generally be limited to whatever you choose to offer your cat, which will help with maintaining a healthy body function and weight. Outdoor cats may have access to things that it considers food, but should not eat. On the other hand, your cat may eat from other outdoor cat food sources. In the end, there is no way to know how much food your cat has or has not been eating, or what it contains. This can be especially important should your pet fall ill. The vet may want to know what the cat has been eating, and it could make a huge difference in your pet’s ability to recover from sickness.
Watch that Feline Figure
One of the cons of keeping your cat inside is a lack of exercise and motivation. Although young cats are more inclined to find ways to play even indoors, an older cat may become more dormant.This will only be encouraged should the cat have nothing exciting or stimulating to keep it moving. Obesity can lead to many other health problems, especially in an aging feline.
In order to avoid this potential weight problem, make a point to get your cat moving each day. Set aside some play time and incorporate your pet’s favorite toys. Change it up by switching out toys every now and again or creating your own. Cats love milk rings or paper bags, so keep it fresh and new. You may consider playing in different rooms of the house as well to change the environment. Always monitor food intake as well. It is generally not advised to leave food down all the time for your pet. By ensuring your feline is eating the recommended quantity of food every day, you can more easily manage body fat.
Depending on where you live, an indoor cat may be a better solution. Keeping your pet healthy and happy should be a top priority, followed by owner convenience. Be diligent when it comes to your cat’s well being and he or she will enjoy a long, happy life with you, no matter where you live!
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