Ever seen a cat lounging in the sun or perched up on a fence, you may have wondered how they manage to survive outdoors on their own. After all, they seem to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and random bird chases. While it’s true that some cats are better suited for outdoor living than others, there are some unknown dangers that our little furry friends face when they’re venturing away from the safety of their homes.
How to Create a Safe Outdoor Environment for Your Cat
As much as your kitty loves sunbathing and chasing bugs, the great outdoors can be a very dangerous place for them. Domestic cats are not equipped to survive on their own in the wild, and letting them outside puts them at risk of being harmed or even killed by predators, traffic, or other hazards.
If you’re determined to let your cat enjoy some time outdoors, there are some things you can do to minimize the risks and make the outdoors safer for them.
Keep an eye on your cat at all times when they’re outdoors. If possible, confine them to a small area with high walls or fencing so they can’t wander off and get lost. Some cats are high jumpers and can jump fences and walls with ease. Our family cat Rocky would sit for hours planning his strategy on how to jump the fence and catch the birds or keep other stray cats away. If your cat is anything like Rocky you need to get yourself a rolling pipe and hook it up above the fence. When they try and jump, the pipe rolls making it hard for them to jump on it.
~ Make sure the outdoor area is free of hazards like poisonous plants, steep drop-offs, and busy roads.
~ Provide space that gives them shelter from the sun and weather, like a shady spot to rest or a spot to escape the rain or snow.
~ If you live in an area with wildlife, consider installing a screen, barbed wire or fencing around the perimeter of the outdoor area to keep predators out.
Can I let my cat outside all day?
No, you should not let your cat outside all day. Cats are predators and will hunt any small animal they can find, including birds, lizards, and rodents. This can put your cat in danger of getting injured or killed by a larger animal, getting hit by a car, or contracting a disease from another animal. Cats love exploring but only for a short time. They spend most of their time grooming, sleeping, eating & playing. They typically like to spend most of their time indoors where it is safe and comfortable.
Where do cats go outside during the day?
Most cats find a place to hide during the day, whether it’s under a porch, in a garage, or in some other protected area. They may also sleep in trees or on top of fences. They usually come out at night to hunt for food or go exploring. They look for food sources and stay close to restaurants, butcher shops, or back alleys where there are fewer human interactions.
Do cats enjoy living outside?
Domestic cats do not generally enjoy living outside. They are much more likely to thrive as indoor cats. Indoor cats typically live about twice as long as outdoor cats.
Introducing your cat to the outdoors
If you’re considering letting your cat explore the great outdoors, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, check with your veterinarian to make sure your cat is healthy enough for outdoor activity. Once you’ve got the green light, take some time to acclimate your cat to the new environment. Start by letting them out in a securely fenced area for short periods of time. If all goes well, gradually increase the length of time they spend outside.
If you don’t have a fenced area, take them out using a cat carrier or a cat backpack. Here is one of my all-time favorite backpack carriers that’s comfortable for cats to travel and explore.
Pet Carrier Backpack Expandable Cat Backpack for Medium Dogs and Large Cats 20 -25 Lbs, Grey
Initially, don’t let them out of the carrier. Let them watch the outdoors from the safety of the carrier. Repeat this step as many times as you need. Once they are more comfortable, unzip the carrier and let them come out and explore by themselves.
While your cat is enjoying the outdoors, be sure to keep an eye on them and provide plenty of fresh water and some treats. With a little preparation and care, your cat can enjoy a happy and healthy life both inside and out!
Caution: Cats are exceptional tree climbers and may chase squirrels and birds at a lightning speed. I highly recommend using a retractable leash with your harness when you are just starting out. This gives your cat the freedom to explore and you don’t have to worry about losing them. Currently, I’m using the TUG retractable leash, it’s good quality and doesn’t tangle.
How long should a cat be outside in a day?
Most experts agree that cats should only be allowed outdoors for short periods of time, preferably under supervision. A good rule of thumb is to limit outdoor time to no more than two hours per day.
Most cats enjoy spending time outdoors, but it’s important to make sure they’re not out for too long. How long a cat should stay outside depends on several factors, including the weather, predators, traffic, situational hazards or the time of the day. In general, cats should be limited to about four hours of outdoor time per day.
I strongly suggest listening to your cat; they will let you know when they want to go out and when they want to come back in. Assess the situation and observe your kitty.
Is it ok for a cat to sleep outside?
No, cats should not sleep outside. While they are built to withstand some harsh weather conditions, they are not meant to live outdoors full-time. Cats that sleep outside are at risk of exposure to predators, parasites, and disease. Additionally, they can be a nuisance to neighbours if they make too much noise or use their garden as a toilet. If you must let your cat sleep outside, make sure it has a warm, dry place to shelter and is supervised so it doesn’t wander off too far.
Where do cats sleep outside at night?
In most cases, cats will sleep outside at night if they have access to an outdoor area. If your cat routinely sleeps outdoors, you may be wondering where they go to sleep and what they do when it gets cold or wet.
Most cats will find a sheltered spot to sleep in, such as under a porch or in a shed. If there are no indoor options available, cats will often seek out high places where they can keep an eye on their surroundings. Cats are also known to curl up in cars or on top of tires for warmth.
If the weather is particularly bad, your cat may decide to sleep indoors with you after all. However, some hardy souls will tough it out no matter what the conditions are like outside.
Can cats stay out all night in the cold?
No, cats should not stay out all night in the cold. Cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, just like humans. In fact, cats’ body temperature is only a few degrees higher than ours, so they can’t tolerate extreme temperatures for very long. If it’s below freezing outside, your cat shouldn’t be outdoors for more than a few minutes at a time.
Where does my outdoor cat go at night?
Most likely, your cat is prowling around looking for prey. Small mammals like rodents and birds are not active at night, so it’s prime time for hunting. Your cat may also be patrolling its territory or looking for a mate.
Whatever the reason for their nighttime activities, you can be rest assured your feline friend is safe and sound. Outdoor cats are experts at avoiding predators and hazards. And if they do get into trouble, they have nine lives to spare!
Do cats like sleeping outside at night?
No, cats don’t like sleeping outside at night. It may be too cold or hot and they can’t get cozy in a tree as they would inside on the bed staying warm with you.
They prefer soft warm and comfortable environments. To sleep well cats need to feel safe and secure. They will undoubtedly want to sleep indoors more than outdoors.
How far does a cat roam at night?
A new study has found that domestic cats roam an average of 900 meters from home at night, with some traveling much further. The study also found that male cats tend to roam further than females and that neutered cats roamed further than others. This suggests that hormones may play a role in determining how far a cat will roam at night.
kitty Speaks
It is possible for domestic cats to survive outside, but they are not as well-equipped as their wild counterparts to do so. They will need access to shelter and food, and may need help from humans in the form of vaccinations and regular check-ups. Overall, domestic cats can be healthy and happy living outdoors if their needs are met with a little help from us.
