Friday, Feb tenth, 2023 | By Dr. Marty Becker
A household of recent cat-owners wrote for concepts on how one can maintain their cat protected. I had some concepts which may assist, and may aid you and your cats, too!
Q: We’re new to cats. What ought to we find out about preserving ours protected?
A: We all the time hear that cats have 9 lives, however my fellow veterinarians and I do know that’s not true. Prevention is essential. Right here’s my finest recommendation on preserving them protected and wholesome.
Don’t let your cat roam outside. Free-roaming cats are prone to getting misplaced or closed in a neighbor’s storage or shed; hit by a automotive crossing the road or run over in your driveway since you didn’t see them; attacked or killed by a coyote or a neighbor’s free canine; or an infection or illness from combating with one other cat. If you’d like them to expertise the pleasures of being outside, construct a catio.
Cats who’ve entry to the storage might climb up into the automotive engine, lured by heat and that fascinating ticking sound made by metallic parts as they cool. Thump the hood each time earlier than getting within the automotive and beginning it to provide a sleeping cat an opportunity to exit. This may additionally get up a cat who’s sleeping beneath your automotive.
Inside the home, all the time test inside your dishwasher, garments washer and dryer earlier than beginning them. Cats like to get inside enclosed areas, particularly in the event that they’re heat, just like the dryer. I do know of too many situations the place individuals began these home equipment with out realizing their cat was inside.
Cats love toys with a lure dangling from a string. They’re nice for offering a cat with train, however put them away when playtime is over. Cats typically swallow strings, yarn, thread and the plastic ties round newspapers, to call just some of the linear objects that may trigger obstructions and require surgical intervention. Don’t pass over knitting, stitching or craft provides which may seem like playthings to your cat — and face it, every part seems to be like a toy to a cat.
There’s extra in Pet Connection, the weekly nationally syndicated pet characteristic I co-write with Kim Campbell Thornton and my daughter, coach Mikkel Becker.
