Jun 16, 2020, 2:53 PM
Yes, all cats, irrespective of their breed, do enjoy spending time outside. However, choosing to keep them inside is neither cruel, nor is it like keeping them prisoned. While allowing your cats to wander out will help them in getting the required exercise, it will also expose them to diseases, injuries, and other dangers present outside. It will come as no surprise when we note that indoor cats lead longer, happier, and healthier lives than their outdoor counterparts. By properly enriching your indoor environment, all feline pet owners can ensure that their beloved companions can lead a fulfilling life while staying indoor. Listed are seven reasons as to why you should groom your feline as an indoor pet.
Why You Should Groom Your Indoor Pet
Fewer Infections and Diseases
Cats can contract parasites such as fleas and tapeworms from dirt and other animals. Parasitic infections can give rise to conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin, dull coat, and on the whole, provide a very stressful time for the animal. Additionally, felines can also contract diseases such as rabies, leukemia, and cat AIDS when they spend time outside and interact with other animals.
Prevent Accidents
Thousands of cats die almost every day because they are either run over by vehicles or fall off buildings. It goes without saying, like any other animal, cats are not well adapted to handle all the risks associated with city life.
Avoid Food Poisoning
Cats that are allowed to roam around outside are prone to stumble upon toxic plants and may sometimes try to eat them out of curiosity or hunger. You can eliminate such dangers by keeping your feline companion at home itself.
Avoid Fights with Other Animals
Outdoor cats do have a habit of getting into fights with other animals. Such skirmishes can not only result in severe injuries but can also result in them contracting diseases such as rabies.
Keep Your Home Clean
If you keep your cat indoors, they won’t drag in all sorts of dirt and bacteria into your home. Parasites such as giardia, hookworms, and ringworms can also affect humans, so protect yourself and your pet by keeping the animal indoors.
They Thrive in a Stress-Free Environment
Indoor cats benefit from living in a mostly stress-free environment. One of the primary factors that induce stress in felines includes parasitic infections and diseases, which they are likely to contract when they spent too much time outside. By having a well-established daily routine, you can significantly raise the quality of your cat’s life.
Longer Lifespan
It shouldn’t come as a surprise when we say that indoor cats live longer while compared to outdoor cats. Part of the reason for this is that indoor cats are less likely to contract infectious diseases or succumb to an accident. While the average lifespan of feral cats is hardly 4 years, indoor cats can live up to 16-18 years of age.
How to Care for Your Indoor Cat
Most cats would be more than happy to spend their time indoors. However, while your feline companion stays indoor, pet owners should make sure that they are leading an active lifestyle.
Choose the Right Food
Cats that live indoors need to be fed with specially formulated food such as Calibra’s House Cat Food. As a complete hypoallergenic cat food, the feed is high on chicken and duck content while being low on grain content. The product is highly recommended for cats with a demanding palate as well as for those with a sensitive digestive system.
Ensure That They Exercise
While outdoor cats spend most of their day running about and around, indoor cats are more likely to lie around and avoid all strenuous activities. If your feline companion fails to get the required amount of physical exercise, they will put on weight and thus develop weight-related health complications. Play with them regularly to ensure that this doesn’t happen.