Keeping Your Cat Indoors During Summer

Traditionally, most cat owners would let their feline venture around the neighborhood during the day and let their feline in at night, but a majority of veterinarians and pet wellness experts believe this is doing your cat a disservice. If you don't know which decision to make, the following reasons may convince you to keep your cat indoors where he's safe and sound all year long.

Parasites
While indoor cats are still susceptible to parasites like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, they are far less likely to run into an infested animal or carry one of these insects inside when they are indoors 24/7, reports the AmericanHumane.org. Worse yet, your feline could also contract diseases like feline leukemia, infectious peritonitis, distemper and a variety of other potentially life-threatening ailments if he comes in contact with another animal.

Safety concerns
While passing cars may seem like the most obvious threat to your feline, there are a variety of lesser-known concerns that you may not have thought of. If you live in a heavily-wooded area, large animals like coyotes, raccoons, foxes and badgers could cause your feline serious trouble. Even if you live in an urban area, the threat of loose dogs or less-than-friendly feral cats could be another potential danger for your feline.

Outdoor toxins
The summer weather comes with its own share of concerns for dog and cat owners alike. Many homeowners are putting down fertilizers and other chemicals that could be potentially poisonous for your cat. Additionally, foreign substances like antifreeze, motor oil and other harsh substances could be ingested and could also prove to be fatal.

When you really get down to it, there's no real reason to let your feline roam around outside when he has everything he needs indoors. The Humane Society of the United States suggests starting young with your indoor cat and give him plenty of stimulating toys and furniture to help him get used to his new confines. Keeping your feline indoors is one of the best ways to ensure cat wellness throughout your feline's life, and you may just be lengthening his life span in the process.