Your newly adopted tabby cat Frankie is about to embark on a lifetime of comfort. This morning, you brought this handsome boy home from your town’s animal shelter. Your four-year-old feline housemate quickly explored his comfy bed, numerous cat toys, and convenient kitchen feeding station. Next, he hopped onto the window sill to ogle the birds. Tomorrow, he’ll visit your veterinarian for a new patient exam. The vet will also prescribe a high-quality diet. You’ve already decided that Frankie will be a spoiled-rotten indoor cat. This stable living environment will give him several distinct advantages over his feline cousins who live outdoors or split their time between home and the streets.
No Nasty Animal Fights
Although Frankie has been neutered, he’s a scrappy guy who seems to enjoy conflict. By keeping him indoors, he can’t do battle with other cats, dogs, skunks, or raccoons. He’ll avoid potential injuries as well as rabies risks from stray cats who frequent the neighborhood.
No Toxic Plants or Poisons
If your curious cat roamed outside, he could easily chomp on toxic plants that could cause him serious medical problems. He might also encounter rat poison, another substance very dangerous to cats. By keeping him indoors, and ensuring your home doesn’t contain any such hazards, you’ll greatly minimize his risk of harm.
Reduced Disease Risks
If Frankie the Explorer spent time outdoors, he could possibly contract highly contagious diseases such as rabies or feline leukemia. These dangerous illnesses are transmitted by infected cats or other animals. In addition, you suspect your carnivorous housemate would enjoy chowing down on birds and mice, which can carry infections. If he remains inside, he’ll avoid all of these hazards.
While keeping your cat indoors is essential for their safety and well-being, it’s equally important to ensure they have plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity. If you’re looking for ideas to keep your indoor cat entertained and engaged, check out our article ‘Home Alone: Keeping Your Cat Entertained‘ for creative tips and suggestions.
Early Symptom Detection
If Frankie stays at home, you’ll have many close-up interactions with him throughout the day. By petting and stroking your cat, and observing his daily habits, you’ll be better able to detect subtle changes that could indicate a medical issue. When you find a potential concern, notify your vet quickly so he can provide a diagnosis and treatment.
Finally, you (and your home) will be happier if Frankie doesn’t venture outside. He won’t track in annoying dirt or debris; and he won’t be bringing dead animals inside on a regular basis. To learn about additional benefits of keeping your cat indoors, contact your veterinarian in St. Lucie County, FL for expert assistance. Regular check-ups through our Vet Preventive Care service can help keep your indoor cat healthy and catch any potential issues early on.
