Karen Little, Alley Cat Advocates
June 2, 2020
Mary Tan, Whisker Media
June 9, 2020
Summer is finally here for those of us who live in the north, and many of us want to get outside to enjoy the sun and warm weather. I am sure our cats want to be able to do this too. Below are a few tips to consider when bringing your kitties outside.
Consider building them a catio.
Lots of us have created a long list of home improvement projects while we have been quarantined. Maybe add a catio to that list! The Feral Cat Coalition’s Cats Safe at Home website offers some excellent information and ideas on how to create the best catio in the neighborhood. You can also check out our blog post from last year on catios for some more inspiration.
Are you interested in having your cat be an Adventure Cat or Catexplorer?
I interviewed both of these groups and they have some wonderful resources on how to bring your cat with you on outings. Check them out in Episode 134 with Laura Moss and Jamie Brooks of Adventure Cats and Episode 334 with Hasara Lay of Catexplorer
The right harness and leash are key to having a happy kitty outside.
The harness can’t be too tight or too loose, so make sure you read up on proper sizing before buying. It’s also important to take your time letting your cat get used to having a harness on while in the house first, before taking them out.
Cat backpacks have become a popular trend.
There are lots of different varieties and some kitties really like them. Again, I would take the time to use it in the house first, before climbing Mount Everest (or the hill in your local park).
What about kitty strollers?
Many of you have probably seen this picture on Facebook of Jennifer Garner taking her cat our for a walk in a stroller. Strollers used to be the primary way of taking your kitty out, before catios, backpacks, and harnesses became popular. They are still a solid go-to when you want to go for a stroll with your feline friend—just make sure yours is designed for cats and check that it is secure before heading out.
Go for a drive in the car.
It is never too late to just take your kitty out for a ride and get them used to being in the car. Rides can be really nice after being in lockdown for so long—especially if you are still quarantining. Going out for a car ride is a wonderful way to share some time and get out of the house, as long as your kitty is safely restrained while doing so.
Wherever and however you travel, always make sure you have access to water and a travel litter box for your kitty.
It will be hot this summer and you want to make sure that you have your cat’s needs covered. And of course, never leave your cat unattended for any length of time inside a car, stroller, backpack, or out on their harness and leash.
Ticks and fleas also become a concern at this time.
It’s easy to forget about these pests if your cat has always been indoors. Make sure you have a safe, effective treatment plan in place to get your cat through the summer months. Your best bet is to talk with your veterinarian about options.
Check your window and door screens.
How many of you have had your cats scratch or push through a screen? I have had one of my cats fall out of a window and it wasn’t fun for either one of us. An open window with a nice breeze is a cat’s best friend, but you want to ensure that those screens are secured in the window and that you have solid mesh on the screen, ideally one designed for pets. Another option is to put removable, expandable, framed window screens as an extra barrier in the windows your cats use. (Links are examples only.)
If you do let your kitty out to roam, make sure they come in by nighttime.
Feed them wet food at dusk to entice them home, and please do everything you can to train them to come in before dark. Also, whether your cats roam freely or on supervised trips with you, make sure they are microchipped (and that the information connected to the chip is current), and that they are wearing a collar with easily visible identification.
Have fun with your cats this summer outdoors—just make sure to be safe doing so!
