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Is your cat ready for the great outdoors? Your garden is likely be a great place for your cat to get fresh air, stimulation and exercise, but knowing about potential dangers can help you keep your pet safe. Here's our guide to keeping them safe outside.

Getting lost

Cats that are unfamiliar with their surroundings can get lost. Even in familiar territory, cats may wander too far and may get too confused to find their way home. This is why we recommend microchipping as the best way of identifying your cat and your best hope of being reunited with your lost cat.

Collars may be helpful at identifying your cat, although they often come loose - or get snagged when your cat is exploring or climbing, which could harm your cat. If you decide to fit a collar, choose one with a quick release or snap opening. This will be less likely to trap your cat if they get snagged. Make sure the size is correct. You should be able to fit two fingers snugly underneath it when the cat is wearing it. Cats can catch their leg or jaw in an elasticated or ill-fitting collar.

See also: Microchipping

Fighting

Cats can be injured through contact with other cats, dogs and humans. Neutering may reduce aggression, but cat fights can still occur, especially when new cats move into the area. Cats will often 'time share' territory, with two cats sharing the same territory at different times of the day. Vaccination is important for any cat going outside as they can easily pick up diseases through contact - or fighting - with other animals.

Worried that your cat is being intimidated by another cat in the garden? Read our feature from Cats Protection's behaviourist on how to prevent cat conflict.

Find out more about preventing cat conflict

Letting your cat outside for the first time

Whether you’re relocating or getting a new cat, as a guide you should keep your cat indoors for three to four weeks before letting them out, but this will vary depending on the individual. 

The reason cats come back home is because they see it as a safe place where they can access essential resources. The first initial weeks give your cat time to lay their scent around which will help them navigate back to your home.

When first letting them out, do so only for short periods and supervise them. You can let them outside for longer when they have built up the confidence to go and return as they wish.

How to let a cat out for the first time:

  • practice calling their name or creating signals such as whistles within the house and reward them with a small treat when they come to you. This way your cat will learn to associate those sounds to return to you when they are close
  • if they’re showing signs of wanting to go out such as leading you to the door, try letting them out before a meal so they will more likely return for food when being called
  • you can step outside first and let them join you. Keep the door open so they can retreat inside if they feel fearful

See also: Training a cat to use a cat flap

Harnesses

Some cats will cope with wearing a harness - especially if they are used to it from a very early age - but most cats are free-roaming creatures that prefer to explore the environment at their own pace and choose areas that feel safe, and many cats will find wearing a harness stressful. Many cats react badly to being restrained, so it may be preferable to stay indoors rather than wear a harness.

If you choose to use a harness, ensure your cat is introduced to it gradually. Encourage positive associations by using food treats from their daily food ration as a reward. Make sure your cat is comfortable wearing the harness before you head outside and watch them carefully for signs of stress.

Unlike dogs, cats will not learn to go the toilet while on a lead and will be unlikely to enjoy being taken for walks in a place where they feel unsafe.

Diseases and parasites

Get your cat vaccinated before they go outside. This will protect them from common feline diseases.

If you adopted your cat from Cats Protection, they will already be vaccinated against cat flu, which includes feline herpes virus (FHV), feline calcivirus (FCV) and feline parvovirus (FPV), also known as enteritis. These vaccinations are included as part of our Minimum Veterinary Standards (MVS) but your cat will still need regular boosters. Ask your vet for advice on vaccinations for your cat.

Your cat can also pick up parasites such as fleas, ticks and internal worms. Ask your vet about preventing and treating these pests. Indoor cats can also be affected.

Roads and cars

Your cat is a great hunter and will be more alert at night, when rodents and other prey are active. But your cat's eyes do not adjust to light changes as quickly as ours, so sudden bright headlights can be dazzling and disorientating. There is an increased risk of accidents after nightfall, so it is best to keep your cat indoors overnight.

Timing meals to coincide with rush hour may help to keep your cat away from busy roads.

See also: Cats at night

Check your car before you travel

Cats love to hide, and sometimes this can include underneath parked cars. On a cold day, some cats have even been known to nestle themselves in a warm car engine in search of a cosy spot.

Before you take a trip, check your cat (or any cats in the neighbourhood) aren’t underneath your vehicle.

Give a little tap on the hood or slam your car door while taking a quick glance underneath.

After you’ve made plenty of noise, give any cats a bit of time to run away before your start your engine.

Sunburn

Cats with white fur can be susceptible to sunburn during the summer months. Sun exposure can trigger a type of cancer. It is a good idea to offer some protection for cats that love to sunbathe.

Sunscreen may help protect your cat's ears and nose, but you must use a sunscreen suitable for cats. Ask your vet for advice. Cats tend to groom themselves regularly, so any sunscreen may be quickly licked away.

The best way to protect your cat from sunburn is to keep them inside during the hottest part of the day and provide shade in your garden.

See also: Heatstroke in cats

Cold weather

Consider providing shelter if your cat has outdoor access. You could keep the door of a shed or outbuilding wedged open, or install a cat flap. If you provide an outdoor water source, make sure it hasn't frozen over. Also check that your cat's usual toileting site hasn't frozen over.

If your cat is seeing snow for the first time, consider giving them access to a safe and enclosed area, such as a garden, and accompany them when they go out.

Keep cats away from de-icing products and groom any rock-salt residue from your cat's fur. 

Find out more about keeping your cat safe in cold weather.

 

Check your shed - look before you lock

Cats are well known wanderers - especially if they're let outside for the first time. We're keen to encourage people to make a final check of their sheds and outbuildings before locking them.

Whether you're storing away your garden furniture or stashing your bikes away, make sure you take that final look to ensure a stray cat isn't trapped inside.

Download our handy door hanger for your shed or outbuilding.

Tilt and turn windows

Please be aware these window mechanisms pose a significant danger to cats. If the window is open and tilted forwards into the home, a cat trying to enter or exit the home through the small gap can easily become trapped in the V of the window with potentially fatal consequences. To ensure the safety of your cat, if it is home alone, close tilted windows or fit safety netting or grilles which are readily available.

Keeping your cat safe during fireworks season and Bonfire Night

If you want to ensure your cat is safe and content during fireworks season, it is well worth keeping them indoors once it is dark. They're less likely to stumble upon a fireworks display and get spooked by the bright lights or loud noises. When keeping your cat indoors at night, make sure you provide them with:

  • a litter tray
  • food and water bowls
  • toys and enrichment games
  • a place to hide

Find out more about cats and fireworks

Dangers in the garden

Most gardens are safe for cats, but there are a few common features that can pose a threat.

  • Ponds - your cat may try to drink from a pond, so either place wire mesh over the pond to prevent them falling in, or create a low edge so they can climb out.
  • Water butts - keep these covered.
  • Sheds, garages and dustbins - check that your cat isn't inside before closing. Many missing cats turn up in outbuildings and bins.
  • Poisons - pest control chemicals and weed killer can be highly toxic to cats. You may be able to find a non-toxic alternative which might also be better for the environment.

See also: Poisoning

Keeping cats away from hazards

Humane ways to keep cats away from dangers in your garden include:

  • citrus fruit peel (cats don't like the smell)
  • chicken manure
  • lion dung pellets

You could also try materials that feel uncomfortable under their paws, such as egg shells, stone chippings and prickly plants (but make sure the plants are not poisonous).

If all of these methods fail, clap your hands loudly or aim a low-intensity water pistol near your cat when the stray too close to the hazard.

See also: Keeping cats out

Dangerous plants

Lilies are particularly toxic to cats - but many other plants are dangerous if eaten.

Your cat doesn't need to eat a plant to get poisoned; some cats have died after brushing against poisonous plants and ingesting the toxin when grooming their coats.

Read more about dangerous plants to cats

Cats and grass seed

One of the lesser-known outdoor dangers your cat might come across is grass seed. During the summer months when the grasses are flowering and dropping their seeds your cat may find them out and about.

Grass seeds can get lodged in ears, noses, eyes and paws and cause some very serious problems for your cat. They are small and the perfect shape to get lodged in places they shouldn’t, or even burrow into your cat’s skin.

Signs your cat may have a grass seed stuck somewhere will vary depending on which area of the body is affected, but could include:

  • shaking their head – this could mean there’s a grass seed in their ear
  • swelling on the skin or paws
  • licking paws more than usual
  • discharge from the eyes or nose
  • scratching their ear more
  • redness
  • a visible grass seed sticking out

If your cat shows any signs of being unwell, call your vet for an appointment as they will be able to give a full diagnosis and treatment.

If you have an outdoor cat it may be difficult to stop them getting grass seeds on them. However, when they come home it’s important to brush any grass seeds out of their fur. You should also give their ears and eyes a quick check, and make sure there’s nothing stuck between their toes.

Bee and wasp stings in cats

Chasing and catching a whizzing insect such as a bee or wasp might seem like a fun game for cats to play only until they try to pat them with their paws and possibly get stung.

When your cat gets stung by a bee or wasp, in most cases they will experience a localised reaction depending on where the venom was injected – this could be in their paw, mouth, nose or face. There might be mild swelling and tenderness in the area. You might also see your cat suddenly licking and pawing at the place where they’ve been stung.

If the bee sting is visible and your cat allows it, use a credit card or a similar blunt object to scrape the stinger out, without squeezing the area. Otherwise, seek assistance from your vet to do this and get your cat checked out.

Although not as common, some cats are allergic to the venom injected by a bee or wasp sting. A serious reaction can occur immediately or within 24 hours after the sting. If your cat is showing any of the following signs, contact your vet as soon as possible for emergency treatment:

  • breathing difficulties
  • weakness and collapsing
  • excessive swelling
  • vomiting or diarrhoea
  • pale gums

 

Garden football netting

Leaving unattended football netting in the garden, especially at night, can pose a serious risk not only to wildlife but also to cats. 

The mesh-like structure, although seemingly harmless, can become a potential entrapment hazard for your feline friend. If your cat accidentally gets tangled, it can cause them to panic leading to more entanglement around their limbs, which can sadly cause a serious injury or blood circulation to be cut off. 

It’s important to regularly inspect your garden for any loose or unused netting and remove it where possible. If you have children, ask them to put the netting away after they play.

Suspicious activity towards cats

If you are concerned about any suspicious activity towards cats in your area, Cats Protection and Neighbourhood Watch advise the following:

  • If you believe someone is acting suspiciously towards cats in your area then alert your local Neighbourhood Watch, neighbours and report your concerns to the local community police officer and/or the RSPCA
  • You may want to consider working together with your neighbours to set up additional monitoring in the area and publicise this to help dissuade anyone from antisocial or criminal behaviour

If you can, safely make note of the following:

  • Description of the individual
  • Times when suspicious activity took place
  • Number plate/description of car (if relevant)

You may also want to make notes on any CCTV cameras in your area which may have captured images and could be accessed.

There are things that cat owners can do to help minimise the chances of your cat becoming a target. These include:

  • Keeping your cat indoors at night
  • Ensure your cat can be identified – either by quick release collar or ideally by microchip
  • Help to avoid unwanted litters and reduce roaming by ensuring your cat is neutered
  • Consider taking out pet insurance to give you peace of mind and the financial means to treat your cat should anything
    unexpected arise
  • Take photos of your pet so you can put up posters if they go missing

Download this as an advice sheet

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