Second Chance: Outside or Inside Cat + 9/20 Event!

17 Sep Second Chance: Outside or Inside Cat + 9/20 Event!

Since 1994, the Animal Resource Center and the Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been dedicated toserving animals in Southwestern Colorado. Adoption hours are every day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The facility is located at 177 County Rd 10, Ridgway, CO. View shelter pets and services online at secondchancehumane.org.

View shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org..

Donate here or mail to: PO Box 2096, Ridgway, CO, 81432. 

Go here for more about Second Chance.

Sitting in the window, tail twitching, eyes darting- yes, cats yearn for the great outdoors. For your cat’s safety, health, and longevity, we highly recommend keeping him indoors.

You know the indoor/outdoor cat debate :“Outdoor cats are in danger and decimate the bird population” vs “cats are meant to hunt and be outdoors.” While we are firmly on the “indoor only” side, we understand that some may disagree.

Whichever side you land on, you know your kitty’s environment can affect their behavior, health, and lifespan. Indoor cats live longer, are healthier, and are less likely to be lost. Outdoor cats have more stimulation and are more active. If you choose to have an indoor cat but understand the lure of the world beyond the door, you can try some creative ways to help your cat scratch the itch to be outside.

Yes, you can leash train your cat. First, get a harness that fits your cat well. Put it on and take it off immediately, then give the cat a treat. Do this over time, leaving the harness on for longer periods until the cat seems comfortable. The next step is to introduce the leash. Feed them treats while they are adjusting to being tethered. Practice walking with them in the house.

When you first go outdoors, start with shorter periods of time. The great outdoors can be overwhelming at first. Your cat may hunker down next to you for the first few outings. Keep walks short and be patient (keep working on leash walking indoors). When your cat starts to relax, let her choose where you walk by keeping pressure off the leash. Do this until your cat enjoys walks.

A catio is a great way to let your cat be outdoors within the safety of a contained area. There are a variety of catio building plans online, or you can buy one ready-to-assemble. Visit Second Chance to see how our cats enjoy the catios we have outside of our cat rooms.

A less construction-oriented idea is to open windows as much as possible. Cats love to watch what’s going on outside. Give your kitty a window seat or perch or position a cat tower next to the window. Put a bird feeder outside the window to keep your cat entertained for hours.

To keep your indoor kitty busy and stimulated, provide toys, a scratching post, and a cat tower with hiding holes. Also, consider providing an indoor planter of grass. You can buy cat grass kits in your local pet store. Cats instinctively know that cat grass will help move their digestion along.

If you choose to let your cat outside, please microchip, keep vaccinations up to date, and of course, spay/neuter your pet. Our vet clinic offers all of these services at low cost. We also strongly encourage you to bring your cat inside before dark, as that is when our predators are most active.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a beautiful, blue-eyed cat who has some visual impairment. She should always be an indoor-only pet. Cantaloupe is a bonded pair with her daughter, Watermelon, a seven-month-old tabby cat. They must be adopted together.

Update:

SEPTEMBER 20
Survival Games
Ouray County Fairgrounds
10 AM to 4 PM
“How Not to Get Bitten
by a Dog”

Presented by
Christine Furrey
Community Outreach Supervisor
Second Chance Humane Society
Bob Hennessy
Dog Behaviorist
Second Chance Volunteer