In or Out? How to make up your mind

When people think of the ultimate living situation for a cat, several ideal scenarios may come to mind. Some may think that keeping their cat(s) indoors is safer, while others do not want to take away the quality of life that an outside animal has, justifying their cats need to go outside as more natural or instinctual. Does an indoor cat miss anything by never going out? Does an outside cat have a better life because it can choose it's own territory and lay in the grass?

A major risk for outdoor cats, and one we hear about all too often, is being hit by a car. Cats can also get stuck in many compromising situations, under houses or crawl spaces where they can become dehydrated or starve. Encounters with other cats can expose your cat to diseases, some of which cannot be vaccinated against, like FIV & FELV. Finally, there are people who simply do not want cats in their yard. These disgruntled neighbors may trap your outdoor cat and take him or her to the animal control center or far far worse punishments. Yikes, I shudder to think about it sometimes.

Fortunately, there are many ways to help your feline friend to have a happy, fulfilled life indoors or to allow your cat a safe outdoor experience.

Making The Outdoors Safe

If your backyard has a fence around it, consider installing a Cat Fence .This netting system prevents your cat from leaving the yard, so you know where he or she is at all times. It can also be used to keep other cats out of your yard.

Build an enclosure outside. This allows the cat to have an outdoor experience while remaining safe. Check cat magazines for ideas and plans.

If you have a younger cat, train him or her to accept a leash and harness. This way, you can take the cat on monitored outdoor excursions. While a few brave cats may enjoy walks around the neighborhood, the majority will prefer sticking close to home—the front or back yard.

Transitioning A Cat To Indoors Only

This isn't going to happen overnight folks. Hang in there and make some adjustments to your home and maybe even to your lifestyle. You will have to make Small compromises to make your cat happy

Put screens on your windows and get a kitty window seat.

Play with your cat more. Get him running around, chasing a string or other toy several times a day. A little catnip makes it even more fun!

Add vertical space to the cat’s territory. Cat trees, cat condos, shelves, and other climbing apparatus give your cat more places to climb, play, and call her own.

Provide scratching posts. Try posts made of different materials—corrugated cardboard, wood, carpet, or sisal rope. You can get freestanding scratching posts, floor level, or door hanging varieties.

Play videos. Many cats enjoy watching videos of cats, birds, fish, insects and nature scenes. Check your local pet supply and video stores.

Grow kitty grass. Available at many pet supply stores, it is safe and tasty for your cat to nibble.

If your cat is an “only child”, consider adopting another to keep him company. That would make The SF/SPCA, You and your cat very happy!

Remember: even indoor cats should always wear an elastic or breakaway collar and an identification tag. In an earthquake, fire, burglary, or other mishap, a cat can easily become lost outside, and identification is her best bet for getting home.

HOT, HOT, HOT! The SF/SPCA Summer Guide for Pets

Here's the SF/SPCA's top 10 list for you to keep in mind as you enjoy the summer with your family, two- and four-footed. Our Veterinary Hospital provides many of the services recommended on the list from micro-chipping to heart-worm testing, from emergency care to boarding services...consider us one of the family with our experienced team of compassionate and caring medical staff.

For the sake of fairness, Litter Did You Know will also be addressing dog safety.

1. Never leave your dog/cat in the car—even with windows cracked down—on hot days. The temperature can rise in minutes with deadly results. Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat stroke which include profuse panting, salivation, warm dry skin, rapid heartbeat, high fever, vomiting, muscle weakness, inability to move, and collapse. Always carry your veterinarian's telephone number; better yet program it into your cell phone.
   
2. Keep your vaccines up-to-date. Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats against serious and sometimes fatal diseases, which are common in all areas of the United States.
   Install screens in household windows and doors, to assist in preventing cats and dogs from falling accidents and exploring the outside world.
   
3. Be certain dogs/cats are microchipped and wear ID tags. Be sure both are current on address/telephone number information. All cats and dogs adopted from The SF/SPCA come already microchipped. If your animal is not "chipped", schedule an appointment today.
   
4. Learn about pet-friendly gardening options. Summer is time when many will use plant fertilizer and pesticides which can be harmful and fatal to our house pets. Keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets' reach as well.
   
5. Warmer temperatures and dry conditions are perfect for the lifespan of parasites. Consult with your veterinarian regarding flea & tick prevention options. Note that Heartworm, a very serious and possibly fatal disease is transmitted by the mosquito. Be sure to have your animal tested if not on year-round preventative medication. Cats can get heartworm too.
   
6. Keep animals away from foxtails (not the animal, but the vegetation). These bushy, sticky grasses can become embedded in a pet's coat and burrow through the skin into the animal's body causing medical problems. Avoid overgrown lawns and fields while on walks or hiking. Keep your pet's coat well groomed during summer months. Inspect your pet's fur after hiking, including ears, nose and between the toes.
   
7. Use veterinary prescribed sunscreen to prevent burning and skin cancer especially in white dogs, and/or dogs with a fine coat. Apply to noses and tips of ears. Include sunscreen in your Pet First Aid kit/backpack.
   
8. Keep dogs leashed when out and about at summer fairs to avoid dog being lost in a crowd. Only well socialized and well behaved dogs should be included in large group activities. If your dog needs behavior training, register for one of our upcoming classes.
   
9. Consider a vacation location where pets are welcome. If not, do your homework on pet sitting services and boarding facilities well in advance.

For a mountain of information about Summer Health & Safety, GO TO:

http://www.sfspca.org/promotions/summer-health-and-safety.html