#CAT STOCK PRO AND CONS FREE#

They should also be spayed or neutered.The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. If you do allow your cat outside, don’t have them declawed, and make sure they're up to date on all vaccines, flea and tick preventatives, and heartworm medications. A cat's claws are its prime defense against any unfriendly creature, so don’t let a declawed cat outside unsupervised. And if your cat is declawed, leaving them outdoors can make them especially vulnerable to predators. Outdoor cats are also at risk of getting hit by a car, getting lost, or getting into a brawl with another animal. What's more, according to a study published in July 2017 in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, outdoor access is a risk factor for the development of infectious diseases such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). You’ll most likely contend with ticks and fleas when you leave your cat outdoors. As a result, your cat may be less likely to have behavioral or weight issues. Your feline friend will lack stimulation and exercise when it’s left to freely roam outdoors. In fact, prior to the 20th-century innovation of kitty litter, keeping cats indoors was not convenient.

#CAT STOCK PRO AND CONS FREE#

Invest in cat toys, perches and scratching posts to help alleviate these downsides and keep your indoor cat happy and healthy.Ģ4/7 FREE expert advice for any issue - big or small. However, according to the Humane Society, providing your cat with the stimulation it needs can help satisfy their natural instincts and keep them active. 'The dangers of cats being overweight are the development of diabetes, fatty liver disease, joint stress due to carrying around extra weight, and other health problems,' says Cullen Dauchy, DVM, veterinarian at and former owner of Katy Veterinary Clinic in Katy, Texas. Furthermore, mental issues such as separation anxiety and depression may arise when cats are cooped up indoors.Īnother consideration for indoor cats: You need to monitor your cat’s weight, and not just for vanity reasons. Their scratching, hunting and stalking habits can take a toll on your furniture and your peace of mind. Cons Of Keeping Your Cat IndoorsĬats have natural tendencies that potentially pose a problem indoors. Plus, keeping your pet within the confines of your home allows you to be aware of any behavioral changes that could be a sign of a serious medical condition and warrant a call to the vet. It prevents exposure to the great outdoors and the inherent hazards, from contagious diseases to getting hit by a car.

The biggest upside of keeping your furry friend indoors is safety. This could be for a variety of reasons, from animal advocacy groups actively campaigning to keep cats indoors, to the popularity of high-rise apartment living where there’s less access to outdoor space for your cat to roam. Indoor Cats: Things To ConsiderĪn increasing number of pet owners in the United States opt to keep their cats indoors. It’s best to weigh the upsides and downsides of each to determine the optimal solution for you and your pet.

Both options have inherent pros and cons. Should you keep your cat indoors or outdoors? That’s one of the most common dilemmas cat owners face.

Cat stock pro and cons