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Expert: - 2/4/2012


Question
Hello, I would be grateful if you could give me some advice and instruction on training a cat to roam the outdoors in as safe a manner as possible. I am thinking of adopting a cat. My previous cat friend passed away a few years ago and he was an indoor cat.

My views have changed drastically on this issue and I now believe it is ideal for the cat to be able to roam in freedom as he pleases.

The area where I live is a generally safe. There are no predators and no busy roads within at least a 200-400 meter radius of my abode.

How would I ensure that he establishes a safe territory ideally around my house (in case that he needs medical attention, shelter and food)?

Apart from him wondering near busy roads, the only other glaring problem is that my neighbor has a colony of his own outdoor cats that are already familiar with each other that roam the general area around my house.

If I release a cat of my own outside, will my cat face deadly conflict with the colony? Will they actively work to oust him? Can he integrate into their territory around my house without having to fight them and risk heavy injuries?

Answer
Hi Michael,

I'm not one who approves of keeping a cat outdoors. First off there are predators around. You just haven't seen them. And a road doesn't have to be busy for a cat to get killed on it. My road gets about 10 cars a day and yet two cats have been killed on it last year. If there is a feral colony around be prepared for your cat to come home with some nasty cuts and bite marks. Not to mention some cat diseases, parasites and a possible personality change. And if he is very timid they could just chase him away. If you want him to have an outdoor experience then make him an outdoor shelter. This will give him his outdoor life but also will keep him safe. Here's a good link that can give you some ideas on what you can do.

http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat-enclosures.htm

Or you can use this.

http://www.purrfectfence.com/outdoor_cat_enclosures.asp

This way you can keep him safe and he have the use of the outdoors. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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