Indoor cats often just see the outdoors as TV, watching the world go by while their humans are out. Do you want your kitty to be able to venture beyond the window and explore the outside world, to feel the grass under her paws and the wind between her whiskers?
While the outdoors can be delightful for a kitty, there are also very real dangers for cats who wander freely. So if you’re thinking of introducing your cat to the outside world, here are some helpful ways to keep them safe and happy during their adventures!
Harness Train Your Cat
With a little patience and some reward-based training, many cats can learn to walk on a harness. Starting their leash training indoors can be the best way to ensure that your cat is comfortable and feeling good while wearing a harness. After he gets used to the harness, try walking him around your home to see how he responds to being on a leash. If he doesn’t mind having the harness on, then take him outdoors and enjoy your new furry exercise partner! Some kitties may love being outdoors once they get used to the new smells and experiences, but make sure they know they can only go outside only if they’re in the harness. (Keep in mind that some cats may never learn to love the harness and that’s okay — there are other ways for your kitty to get fresh air and sunshine!)
Whenever your feline sets a paw outdoors, be sure to keep an eye out for any poisonous plants in your yard. You might be surprised to learn how many common garden plants are actually toxic to kitties! To check if your yard is safe, you can search Rover’s Poisonous Plants to Dogs and Cats database.
Cat Fences
If your cat isn’t up for walking the neighborhood, turn your whole yard into a free-roaming space (different than Catio — see below). You can build or put up cat fencing that helps create a barrier cats can’t climb over. You can search the internet for what will work best for you and your yard, but some options include netting that can attach to an existing fence or building your own cat fence. Either way, your cat will get to enjoy the freedom of being outdoors without any of the dangers.
Lastly, if you want your cat to have their own space outdoors that is smaller than the size of your yard, you might consider a Catio! A catio (also known as a patio for cats) is a protected outdoor enclosure that lets your cat get some fresh air while keeping them safe, healthy, and happy. So if you have some free space and a little DIY know-how, your kitties can have their very own backyard enclosure! (Not handy? Not to worry! There are businesses that will help you design and build the catio of your dreams.) Catios range from simple to very elaborate and can include walkways, tunnels, shelves, stairs, scratching post towers, multiple buildings, and more. The design is up to you and your cat can enjoy the outside world while you know they will be safe and protected! (Interested in a catio? Local business Catio Spaces will donate 10% of your DIY plan purchase to help the rescue kitties when you use promo code SAFE at checkout!)
Set up a Catio
Lastly, if you want your cat to have their own space outdoors that is smaller than the size of your yard, you might consider a Catio! A catio (also known as a patio for cats) is a protected outdoor enclosure that lets your cat get some fresh air while keeping them safe, healthy, and happy. So if you have some free space and a little DIY know-how, your kitties can have their very own backyard enclosure! (Not handy? Not to worry! There are businesses that will help you design and build the catio of your dreams.) Catios range from simple to very elaborate and can include walkways, tunnels, shelves, stairs, scratching post towers, multiple buildings, and more. The design is up to you and your cat can enjoy the outside world while you know they will be safe and protected! (Interested in a catio? Local business Catio Spaces will donate 10% of your DIY plan purchase to help the rescue kitties when you use promo code SAFE at checkout.)
Want more ideas to keep indoor kitties active and content? See our blog Keeping Your Indoor Cat Happy.
