Have you recently adopted a cat? Perhaps you picked a cute kitty out from a shelter, or saved one you found lost and hungry. Or maybe Fluffy just showed up at your doorstep. No matter where your feline buddy came from, we definitely recommend keeping her in. A Wake Forest, NC vet offers some information on this below.

Safety

Many cats enjoy being outdoors. Fluffy is pretty cute when she’s chasing butterflies or scampering through the yard. Unfortunately, the Great Outdoors can be a dangerous place for a little furball. Traffic, weather, parasites, chemicals, and wild or stray animals are just a few of the things that pose a threat to your feline pal. This is one area where it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Grounding Fluffy

Your furry buddy may not be thrilled to realize that she’s grounded, especially if she’s been allowed outside before. It may take some time to get the point across. One thing that may help is to make the door a bit more intimidating. When Fluffy ventures too close to the exit, do something that will startle and/or annoy her. Squirt her with water, or make a loud noise. You shouldn’t punish her or yell at her, though. That will only make her more determined to escape!

Bribery

You can certainly try telling your feline overlord why she’s safer indoors. However, this probably will only get you a slow blink and a kitty yawn. Bribing cats is much more effective than reasoning with them. You may need to make your home into a kitty luxury palace. This is actually really easy: just set out beds and comfy napping spots, and get Fluffy a few pieces of pet furniture. Toys, catnip, scratching posts, and boxes will help as well. We also recommend giving your furball a good window seat, and setting out some pet-safe plants, so she can get a taste of the great outdoors. Check the ASPCA site here for suggestions.

Purrs

If you have the space, you can give Fluffy a catio, or make her a kitty enclosure. This will give your adventurous little pet a way to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine without compromising her safety. Look online for ideas and inspiration.

Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Wake Forest, NC animal clinic, we’re here for you!