Page 225 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

INDOORS OR OUTDOORS ? 223

Territorial disputes
Once your yard is cat-friendly, it will undoubtedly attract
other cats. Feline disputes are certain to break out,
because cats are territorial animals. Make sure your cat is
neutered—especially if she is female—to prevent unwanted
pregnancies. Neutered cats need smaller territories, but that
won’t stop your cat from straying or an unneutered feral
tomcat from invading your cat’s territory and picking a fight.
Make sure that your cat is immunized against all diseases,
because fights will inevitably lead to bites and scratches.
Dealing with the neighbors
Appreciate that not all of your neighbors are cat lovers.
Some people are allergic to cats and go to great lengths to
avoid them. Even the best-trained cats have bad habits—they
dig up flowerbeds to defecate, chew on plants, spray, rip
open garbage bags, chase birds, and wander into other
houses uninvited. If your cat has been neutered, tell your
neighbor that neutered cats bury their droppings and that
their urine is less smelly. You can always provide them with
a water gun to squirt at the cat if they really want to deter it. KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH
Cats like to assume elevated positions from which they can
watch over their territory. Shed roofs, fences, and pedestals—
Indoor cats ideally in different parts of the yard—are perfect for this.
Your cat will live a longer and healthier life if it stays
indoors—but it will be your responsibility to keep it happy. to escape. If so, you will have to be vigilant about closing
If you are at work all day, your cat will need a regular windows and doors. Be extra careful in a high-rise apartment—
playtime or, better still, a companion. Bored cats grow many cats have died after falling from an open window or
frustrated and stressed, and can become overweight and jumping off a balcony while chasing birds or insects.
unhealthy if they aren’t exercised. Stress may manifest itself Indoor cats need space to exercise, so they should have
in scratching and biting or urinating outside the litter box. access to several rooms, especially if you have more than
Despite their natural instincts, cats kept indoors from birth will one cat—like us, cats need their own “personal space.”
rarely want to venture out, because they see your home as To give your cat a breath of fresh air, you could screen off a
their territory. Once they get a taste for going out, however, porch, patio, or balcony that
they may want to do it more and more and look for any chance he can access through TOP TIPS
a pet door. Even if you live in ■ With indoor cats, you
an apartment building, allow should always check where
your cat is before leaving
your cat out into the hallway
him alone in the house. Make
for a game that will allow him especially sure you do not
to run around. Ensure that accidentally shut him away
in a confined area such as
any doors leading to the
a closet or cupboard.
outside are closed first.
■ If you have an outdoor
cat, attach a bell to his
collar to warn the wildlife
in your garden of his
presence. Bird baths and
GOOD COMPANY scattered food are a magnet
If they are not siblings, for cats, so avoid leaving
companion cats are best food out and keep bird
introduced early in their lives. feeders well out of reach
They will provide company of predatory cats.
and a playmate for each other
if you are out at work all day.