Pets

Training your New Kitten to be an Outdoor Kitten. Is it the Best thing for your Kitten?

Many people believe that kittens and cats are happier outside, wandering the yard or neighborhood. Although people do not seem to feel this way about their dogs, for many people they want to know if they should train their kittens how to be an outdoor cat.

Training your kitten to be an outdoor cat would involve ensuring the kitten stays within a safe area, like your backyard and comes to you when you call them. Cats typically do not stay in the confines of their backyard, because they are territorial animals and have a certain radius, perhaps one-half a mile, that is their territory and in which your kitty will roam around in. Since it is very likely that your kitty will roam in its "territory," this means that it will be difficult to impossible for your kitty to come when called, unless they happen to be within hearing distance when you call them (and they feel like coming to you at that moment).

Should Your Kitty Be an Outdoor Kitty or an Indoor Kitty?

While many people believe their cats will not be happy if they are not permitted to roam outdoors, statistics show that cats live longer if they are kept as indoor pets. If cats are permitted to roam outdoors they are subject to predators (an awful possibility), getting into fights with other cats or even getting struck by an automobile.

If you let your kitty out when they arrive at your home, they will expect to go outside and you will then have to deal with a cat that darts to get out the door every time you open it. Cats learn habits quickly, and this includes going outdoors. However, if your kitten has never been let outside, they will not likely be interested in going outdoors, because they will be content with the indoor life you have provided to them.

Keeping Your Kitty Stimulated

If you keep your kitty indoors, you can still offer stimulation to them. Position cat trees by windows. Place window perches on the windows so your kitty can look outside at the birds, butterflies and bees. They will be fascinated observing the outdoors without the dangers associated with being permitted to roam freely outdoors.

In addition to providing your kitty with access to observe the outdoors, it is important that you spend time each day playing with you kitty. Cats love anything that simulates hunting activity, so cat teasers are an ideal way for you to interact with your cat, keep your cat from getting bored and also provide healthy exercise.

Some cats actually will play fetch with you, so if you have toy fur mice or a similar toy, you can toss it to them so they can fetch it and bring it back to you. Most cats will not fetch as eagerly as dogs, but even the action of having a toy (your kitty's prey) tossed, so they can chase it and catch it, will keep your kitty entertained.

Indoor Cats are Healthier and Safer Cats

While you may be under the impression that you are depriving your kitty by not letting them roam outdoors, you are actually keeping them safer and they will live longer, healthier lives as a result. They will be very happy kitties as long as you provide play time and give them the love and attention cats really do crave.

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