Life of cats on the street - what difficulties our pets face, features of the street life of cats and kittens

Many cat owners want to go for walks with their tailed friends, but are afraid of the dangers they might encounter. I, as the author of this blog, a felinologist and the owner of a cat and a Scottish cat, as well as a dog, advocate walking with animals. But I'm not trying to convince those who don't want to walk their cats that they need to change their minds. This approach also has its place and I don’t see anything extremely bad in it. This blog is for those who want to walk with a cat, but are afraid after hearing enough horror stories. Below I will explain why I am for walking, what difficulties you may encounter and how to overcome them.

Outdoor dangers for cats

I'll start with the horror stories that, in fact, prompted me to write this blog. Recently, in one of the professional felinological groups, I came across an absolutely, in my opinion, crazy post about why walking is contraindicated for cats. The arguments were given such that hearing this from the lips of a colleague was scary and strange. Each of these arguments could be smashed to smithereens with even minimal knowledge. I will give the highlights below.

Article continues after advertisement

Of course, we cannot turn a blind eye to the dangers that await cats on the street. You'd have to be a fool to deny their existence. However, my motto in this regard is: prepare, take action, and then relax and have fun.

Is it just the fur coat?

The temperature at which cats freeze depends not only on external factors and the thickness of their fur. For example, a cat that is accustomed to life on the street can tolerate the cold more easily than a pet that leaves a cozy apartment only for short trips. In addition, many cats are heat-loving from birth, and even if the owner does not spoil the sissy, they freeze at the slightest frost. Such pets, even when the room is well heated, always huddle close to the radiator or try to crawl under the blanket, sit with a ruff, sleep a lot and move little, dreaming of a warm summer. Of course, it is unlikely that cats are afraid of the cold in the same way as people, but the belief in nine lives and extreme resistance to any disasters is a clear delusion.

Animals, in particular cats, are not as sensitive to temperature changes as people, thanks to their fluffy and thick fur coat.

Many pets that their owners let out for walks ask to go outside in any weather, and a cold frosty winter is no exception. But, if in the warm season the owners do not worry about the health of their furry pets, then in the bitter cold they are a little afraid to let them outside.

Are there any grounds for such fears and what sub-zero temperatures can cats withstand without freezing or frostbiting their paws or ears?

Cars and people

Many people are afraid to let cats outside because... there they may be hurt by other animals, people, or run over by cars. And they are right to be afraid. Therefore, there can be no talk of free-ranging without an owner.

Moreover, you can only walk your cat on a leash. Even if you are nearby, the animal may be frightened by some sudden sound or another animal and begin to run wherever its eyes look. Therefore, a leash is required.

It is better to walk with a cat in uncrowded places. And if you see that a dog has appeared somewhere, take the cat in your arms. Although there are cats that are not at all afraid of dogs.

A separate problem is intrusive passers-by. Such people, when they see a domestic cat on a walk, immediately strive to come up and touch it. And children also try to do this without asking. Each owner decides for himself whether to allow this or not. Personally, I don’t allow it, because... my cat doesn't like hugs, and anyway, it's my cat. If they want to cuddle cats, let them have their own. But for most people, the fact that a cat doesn’t like hugs is not an argument - they still climb, because the cat’s opinion is of little interest to them. Therefore, immediately say that she bites and scratches. This is usually sobering.

Are there freezing cats?

The owners of such pets confidently answer – yes! Of course, pampered animals who only look outside from the window and then with longing, dreaming of the summer sun, freeze more often. In addition, some breeds are naturally thermophilic, especially if their origin is associated with warm regions. Such cats will huddle close to heating devices and ask for a blanket, even when there is no question of cold. Owners of such pets note that in winter their pets sleep more and move much less.

Another factor influencing the “freezing” of cats is their age. Kittens tolerate low temperatures less well due to imperfect thermoregulation mechanisms. A similar phenomenon is observed in elderly animals - their body, alas, no longer works “like a clock.”

In addition, unhealthy cats begin to freeze faster - those suffering from a disease, recovering from an illness or surgery, having a weak immune system or being very thin and lacking body fat.

Infections

One of the arguments against walking cats in the article I mentioned above was the fact that outdoors a cat can encounter fungi, in particular Histoplasma capsulatum. It is a soil fungus that forms mycelium in the environment and transforms into a yeast form in the host. Infection occurs through inhalation of dust.

Sounds scary. But a smart owner, when told such horror stories, will definitely make inquiries and find out that this fungus can infect not only animals, but also people. Therefore, logically, everyone, not just cats, needs to stay at home to be afraid of it. But we are not sitting. So why should cats?

In addition, this kind of fungi is part of the world around us and affects only weakened mammals. You encounter these and other fungi literally everywhere, but have any of you or anyone you know gotten sick? Such cases are rare. And all because our immune system does not sleep: for a healthy body, such fungi, like most bacteria, are nonsense. Even the fungi that cause ringworm are mainly dangerous only for children and small kittens: adult animals and people easily crush these fungi with their immunity.

Article continues after advertisement

But the factor of dangerous infections is worth taking into account and you need to prepare for it. However, it is not fungi that need to be feared most of all, but primarily panleukopenia (distemper), calicivirus infection and rabies. These are, indeed, dangerous infections, and therefore domestic cats that do not have vaccinations do not need to walk outside. In addition, they should not have contact with other animals that do not live in your family.

Unvaccinated pets have every chance of getting sick, even while at home. The same plague virus can be brought home on shoes along with particles of dirt. In general, vaccinations are needed in any case.

In addition, even if a vaccinated cat is currently weakened, for example, she has recently been ill with something, is pregnant or nursing kittens, and is also in heat, there is no need to take her outside yet.

LiveInternetLiveInternet

Quote from Aleks-N

Read in full In your quotation book or community!
Should a cat be allowed outside
? Should a cat be allowed to walk outside from time to time, and if so, for how long? This is one of the very important questions, the answer to which every cat owner must find on their own. There are many pros and cons to consider on this topic, and these pros and cons will need to be weighed more than once before making a final decision.

Cat on the street: arguments for

The main argument of those who regularly let their pet out for a walk and consider it right is simple: cats are very independent natures, and on the street they feel freer, because their space and actions are not limited. Moreover, a cat on the street can also feel happy because:

1. there are more opportunities for active activities - outside you can run to your heart's content, climb trees, hunt and do other things cats love,
2. there are many relatives living on the street with whom you can sort things out or, on the contrary, “start a family”,
3. there is sunlight, a moderate amount of which has a beneficial effect on the health and sleep of the animal,
4. on the street, a cat will be able to satisfy its natural curiosity - many different phenomena that will need to be learned can significantly expand the horizons of your pet,
5. the street allows animals to demonstrate all their behavioral habits, which are laid down at the level of instincts - scratching various objects with their claws, marking their territory, etc.

Moreover, veterinarians believe that cats need walks because they can add variety to their daily lives. This is very important, because boredom can subsequently become a catalyst for various deviations in the animal’s behavior, which can begin to scratch wallpaper or furniture, intensively lick fur, destroy indoor plants, etc.

This is why animals that are picked up on the street and brought into the house very often want to come back. And if a cat asks to go outside, it is better to either let it out or find something for it to do indoors. Otherwise, she will either be sad or throw out all her energy inside the house, which is sometimes dangerous for the integrity of the things located there.

Cat on the street: arguments against

Even if the cat asks to go outside too persistently, you should think carefully before opening the door for him. First of all, it is necessary to take into account that such a change will qualitatively change the pet’s life and will directly affect how and how long it will live. And with the wrong approach, you can significantly shorten the life of your pet!

This is possible because:

1. On the street, a cat is exposed to many infections, including rabies (this is why it is so important to give your pet all the necessary vaccinations on time),
2. a cat unprepared for the hardships of street life can accidentally eat poison that is spread by animal fighters and become seriously ill or even die,
3. on the street it is very difficult for cats to avoid injuries and injuries, and they are harmful not only in themselves: through wounds during fights, feline AIDS viruses can enter the blood of animals, which affects 14% of animals,
4. while walking, a cat will inevitably encounter parasites (worms, fleas, ringworm, etc.) - most of them have vaccinations or other preventive measures, but be prepared for the fact that even a healthy walking pet can bring them into your home , infecting other pets or even yourself,
5. outdoor cats are often attacked by wild animals, which can either infect them or seriously injure them,
6. if the cat is purebred, it can simply be stolen,
7. Pets that go outside are more likely than others to die under the wheels of cars or be subjected to cruel treatment by people - they are used to trusting people, so they are often careless.

And, of course, a pet “unprepared” for the hardships of the street can easily catch a cold: temperature changes greatly contribute to this.

Taking this into account, experts say: releasing a domestic cat outside is not a solution to the animal’s behavioral problems. Moreover, this may even be a threat to his life: according to statistics, cats that live on the street or are often there live on average 3-7 years. Domestic cats live to be 14 or more.

What should you think about when letting your cat outside?

If you decide that your pet will walk outside or even live there permanently, you will need to prepare for this. This can be done by taking into account several important aspects:

1. the cat will need to have all the necessary vaccinations (against infectious diseases, various viruses) and antiparasitic fur treatment (so that your pet does not suffer from fleas, lice, ticks, etc.),
2. the cat needs anthelmintic drugs, and if the animal walks on the street, it will have to be given them once every 3-4 months, regardless of whether you notice symptoms of worms,
3. you should think about whether you want the cat to bring you offspring: she is able to do this already at 6-7 years of age (to avoid this, you should think about castration or sterilization of your pet),
4. When releasing a cat onto city streets, it is better to provide the animal with a collar with your address and telephone number or a tag printed on it - this will help if the cat gets lost, and will also indicate that it is domestic.

How to accustom a cat to the street?

This needs to be done gradually. A kitten should be taught to walk from the age of 3-4 months, when it has already received the necessary vaccinations. The sequence of training is as follows:

1. rehearse a walk down the street with your pet - put a harness and leash on the cat and accustom him to this accessory by leading the cat around the house,
2. when your pet gets used to such unusual equipment, introduce him to the yard,
3. then show him the street with all its dangers,
4. after this, the kitten should be shown the way to the entrance of the house, and from there to your apartment (the opinion that cats easily find their way home is wrong - only those who have already adapted to the street do this).

At the first stage, you will need to accustom your cat to a leash and harness. A collar for cats is not suitable because they have a more delicate and thin neck than dogs, and the collar can seriously damage it. Harnesses (special straps that cover the pet in the area of ​​the shoulder blades and fasten on the neck or tummy) are not capable of this and, in addition, they do not allow the cat to slip out of them.

To help your cat get used to the harness faster, you should choose an accessory made of lightweight material (cotton or nylon), and also make sure that both the harness and the leash are as light as possible. You can use roulette leashes for small breed dogs.

If your pet is already a year old or more, and he has never been outside, it is better not to let him out at all. Such a walk will be a real stress for the animal. On the other hand, the younger the kitten, the greater the chance that it will quickly adapt to the street.

Also, if you are wondering how to tame a cat outdoors, remember: an adapted animal may not appear at home for several days, especially if it is March! But at the same time, if the cat has been gone for more than 2-3 days, it is better to independently visit the places where these animals gather (basements, certain areas of courtyards, entrances) and look for your pet there. Also, do not be surprised if one day your pet returns home bitten, hungry and scratched - such are the hardships of street life, and if you have chosen it for your pet, all that remains is to care for it afterwards.

How to wean a cat off the street?

If you suddenly decide that you need to stop walking (or you picked up a cat from the street and don’t want her to return there), you will definitely have to think about how to wean the animal from “free life”. This is very important, because a cat that is used to living outdoors will have a hard time adapting to the house. However, this problem is completely solvable. You just need to follow a few instructions:

1. give the cat her own territory where she can walk and play as much as she wants,
2. arrange places on which the animal can calmly climb and on which it can sharpen its claws, and you will satisfy its habits, which are easily implemented on the street,
3. for a domestic cat, you can purchase a special gaming complex that allows you to satisfy all the needs of the animal,
4. let your pet go for a walk on the balcony (provided that it is fenced and the cat will not run away),
5. protect the vents and windows with nets or bars so that the cat does not intentionally or accidentally leave your house,
6. prepare the cat litter by filling it not with litter, but with sand or earth - this will be more consistent with the living conditions to which your pet is accustomed,
7. diversify the life and nutrition of your pet - cats that have been outside are more active, and more domestic ones need various useful and nutrients, and to provide them with them, try growing grass for cats at home and buying vitamins,
8. Pay more attention to your pet, playing with him as often as possible.

And remember: you should never transfer your emotions to the emotions of animals. If you see that a cat is sitting sadly on the windowsill and looking outside, this does not mean that it is eager to go there. Typically, such “get-togethers” only mean that the animal is simply observing what is happening: for cats this is a great way to relax. And if animals receive sufficient physical activity and a balanced diet, they have no need to walk outside.

Little tricks

The life of a cat on the street is full of various rules, and compliance with some of them depends on the owner.

Neutered cat and the street

Owners of neutered cats should pay special attention to organizing walks for their pets. According to experts, castrated cats have no smell, so other animals cannot understand whether it is a cat or a cat, and do not touch such a “newbie”: cats simply do not see him as a rival.

However, if a neutered cat behaves aggressively on the street and encroaches on someone else’s territory, a fight cannot be avoided. At the same time, both male and female cats will fight - for the latter, a castrated relative is not at all understandable and is considered something foreign. However, the castrated cat himself will not remain in debt - for him, both male and female cats are the same “border violators”.

When and where to go for a walk?

Another important rule concerns the place and time for walks. It is best to take your pet for a walk in quiet places (for example, in a park), where there are not large crowds of people and there are few stray animals that can scare a domestic cat. This should be done during the day, and if secluded places are occupied at the height of the day, you can go for a walk in the morning or early evening. In this case, you should avoid that during your walk:

1. you did not come close to any thickets - the leash could get tangled in them,
2. you did not let the cat go for a minute - a frightened animal can run away,
3. a cat sitting in your arms or in a carrier walked on the ground only when it wanted to (it is best to take the cat outside in a carrier, put the carrier on the ground and wait until the pet wants to go out and look around).

Pet call

When the cat has already learned to walk on its own and is not afraid of the street, think about how you will let your pet home and let him out for walks. For residents of private houses, those who live on the first floors have the easiest time - the animal can leave and enter through the window. The rest will have to do this through the door, and in this case it is best to train the cat to meow in front of the door (this is easy to do - at first you need to take the cat one or two floors down, and then call it to you and give a treat when it comes). In the first days of such walks, you can keep the door ajar all the time so that the cat knows that behind it is its home. Finally, for very smart cats, the owners make a special bell at the bottom of the door - a cat that starts scratching at the door, returning home, presses it with its paw and lets you know that it has returned.

How to get rid of... prey?

A cat that walks outside has a particularly pronounced hunting instinct - the animal happily hunts birds or rodents and then brings them into the house with no less pleasure. The cat perceives all this as an ordinary game, and is very happy that it can play like this on the street, because at home it is completely deprived of this opportunity. However, why does a cat show its prey to its owners?

According to experts, there are several answers to this question:

1. firstly, your pet wants to show you who he managed to catch while hunting,
2. secondly, he expects praise for it.

Taking this into account, you should under no circumstances scold a cat for such behavior, because the animal will not even understand what’s going on! In such a situation it is necessary:

1. remain completely calm and affectionately thank and praise your pet,
2. then carefully remove the bird or rodent from its mouth (if you do this carefully, there is a chance that the “prey” will still be alive, and you can simply release it into the wild),
3. After this, you need to pet the cat a little, and then still let her understand that this behavior does not cause you delight (the animal will understand this if you release the prey right in front of its eyes).

In any situation, never raise your voice at your cat or scold it. When hunting, your pet is simply realizing its instincts, and you should not embarrass it by the fact that you do not understand cat nature and are dissatisfied with it.

Winter and summer

And, of course, when taking your cat for a walk, it is very important to remember the season! In cold weather, animals get seriously cold, and a cat outside in winter can get a serious cold. In cold weather, it is better not to let your pet out alone, and if you decide to take him for a walk, keep the walks short and provide a blanket for the cat in which you can wrap it, taking your pet in your arms.

On the other hand, a cat outside in the summer may suffer from the heat, so in the heat it is better to hold off on walks. The best option is to let your pet out in the evening or early in the morning and make sure that he does not overheat in the hot sun. Also, on the hottest days, you can simply leave the cat at home, no matter how much it asks to go outside.

By following these simple rules, you can ensure your pet’s “street” life in accordance with all the rules. Such a life will certainly be comfortable for your cat, and will also be as safe as possible for her. And the more you think about the health and life of your pet, the greater the chance that everything will always be fine with him.

Source

...and another video on the topic:

Wild mice

If the cat is not free-ranging, but follows you on a leash and, moreover, sits in your arms, there is no point in worrying that it will eat a mouse, rat or bird: you simply will not allow it. And you will do the right thing, because... wild rodents can be infected with rabies and other infections.

Yes, most cats that have free access to the outdoors are alive and well, despite eating mice and birds. But it’s still better to be careful. If you want to feed your cat mice, you can buy special laboratory mice for it.

At what temperature does a cat start to freeze?

Cats are one of the hardiest representatives of the fauna. They live on almost all continents, so most of them are adapted to the harshest conditions. However, one should not overestimate the ability of a cat’s body to easily tolerate sub-zero temperatures.

Thick fur, dense undercoat and a thick layer of subcutaneous fat allow these animals to walk outside without freezing when the thermometer drops to 5–10° below zero. They feel quite comfortable even at minus 15–20°, provided that the walk is short. If you stay outside for a long time in such frost, your cat may become hypothermic. In addition, she can freeze her ears and paw pads, which are devoid of fur.

It is believed that representatives of the cat family are able to survive at temperatures of -30°. However, in reality this is not at all the case. In such frosty weather they are not only cold, they can die from hypothermia.

Fleas and ticks

Fleas and ticks are a real threat worth talking about. Even cats sitting at home sometimes need protection from them, because, again, flea eggs can be brought home on shoes. Another thing is that completely domestic cats need minimal protection, and often they can do without it.

Those who go outside, as well as cats living in the same house with dogs, need protection in 100% of cases. These can be special collars, sprays, drops on the withers and even tablets.

A cat that walks decorously with you on a leash, and does not run around basements and neighboring yards alone, will have enough of one means of protection. If for some reason the cat is free-range (which felinologists and veterinarians do not approve of), he will need a combination of two means of protection, for example, a collar and drops on the withers or a spray.

In addition to the fact that you will apply protection to your cat, I recommend choosing places where there are fewer ticks during tick activity. For example, we have three main places for a walk: a square with lawns and sakura trees, a forest park and a field behind the forest park. We have never seen ticks in the park, so we walk there calmly. There are ticks in the forest park, but we have never caught them there, so we consider the park a place of moderate danger. But during tick season we try to walk there carefully. And we don’t go out into the field at all, since we are guaranteed to catch someone there. Explore places nearby and find the best ones!

Winter is coming: how does a cat’s body prepare for the cold?

These animals prepare in advance for cold weather. To avoid freezing in the cold, they gain weight. Modern cats store fat for the winter, following the example of their wild ancestors, who were forced to survive in harsh conditions.

In addition to increasing body weight, cats' fur becomes thicker and longer in preparation for cold weather. Moreover, in winter they practically do not shed. With the approach of cold weather, these animals wash themselves less often than usual, because wet fur is not able to warm them when necessary.

Worms and poison

Anything that can get into a cat's mouth on the street is potentially dangerous. Worms are found in the soil and grass, but you shouldn’t be particularly afraid of them. We constantly bring worm eggs home on our shoes, so the cat is already familiar with them in any case. If you carry out periodic deworming, then there is no need to worry.

Article continues after advertisement

But the food scattered on the ground, poisoned by dog ​​hunters, is worth attention. Never allow your cat to take food from the ground! If a dog can be trained not to do this, then with cats the problem is easier to solve with the help of a leash and your attention.

Positive side.

• The cat is a curious animal; it likes to watch movement, listen to different sounds, and smell. There are a lot of insects, birds, and other animals outside, so the cat’s curiosity will be fully satisfied. The animal's brain must work, constantly engage in useful and interesting work.
• Movement. When the cat gets used to an unfamiliar environment, there will be a desire to play, walk, jump, and run. Moderate movement will have a positive effect on the prevention of excess weight, strengthen the cardiovascular system... Physical education, without fanaticism, is good for everyone.
• You will be able to take your cat with you for a walk or on a trip, that is, you will spend more time with your pet. You will receive a lot of positive emotions and become more positive, which is good for you and those around you.

Stress

All cats experience negative experiences on their first walks. This is fine. If you sat inside four walls all your life and didn’t know that there was a world around you, you would be scared too. In addition, cats have a heightened sense of hearing and smell, and therefore new sounds and smells of the street seem stronger to them than to us, which is also frightening and stressful at first. But over time, everything changes - and the cat, who hated the street, suddenly begins to love it, because he understands: it’s interesting, it smells nice, it gives new vivid impressions.

With the right approach, which starts with taking the cat in a carrier or in a special space backpack out into the yard for 5 minutes, almost any animal can be taught to love walks. To do this you will need from 1 to 10 outputs. But there always remains a small percentage of those who are against it, even despite regular appearances. It’s probably better to leave them at home and not force them: if the animal experiences negative stress every time during a walk, this will not bring anything good - then let it breathe the air while sitting on the windowsill.

Cons of keeping cats indoors

After reading this long list of potential outdoor hazards, it may seem obvious to keep your cat strictly indoors so you can keep her safe.

But living entirely inside can bring challenges for cats, including::

• Boredom
• Lack of exercise
• Weight gain or obesity
• Inability to express natural behaviors such as hunting, climbing, scratching
• Lack of mental stimulation
• Excessive meowing/howling
• Stress, anxiety or depression
• Behavior problems (urine marking, litter box avoidance, destructive scratching)
• Fights among domestic cats
• Aggression towards people

The biggest problems for indoor cats are a lack of mental stimulation, lack of exercise, and an inability to express the natural behaviors that make a cat a cat. This can cause cats to become bored, stressed and depressed.

Bored cats often lie down most of the day, and the fun part is going into the bowl again and again for a snack. Inactivity and overeating lead to weight gain, which can contribute to health problems such as diabetes and arthritis.

Cats that are stressed and depressed may develop behavioral problems such as litter box problems, destructive scratching, fighting with other pets, or even aggression towards people.

Does a cat's fur keep her warm?

Sphynx cats definitely get cold, but what about cats with fur? Pets with a dense, well-developed undercoat are most fortunate in terms of insulation. It is designed to retain natural heat, maintaining the animal's normal body temperature for a long time.

But, as in the case of human clothing, such protection does not last forever: if a person, even warmly dressed, after spending some time in the cold, begins to feel cold, the same happens with cats. If we talk about the temperature at which animals begin to freeze, then everything depends not only on the thermometer readings, but also on other factors:

• whether the pet is in motion or sitting still;
• what is the air humidity;
• is there any wind;
• whether the sun is shining or cloudy, etc.

In “dry” frost, cats do not feel the cold longer, and if the pet does not move, it begins to freeze quickly. With increased humidity, the pet freezes even faster. Practically, in this aspect, everything happens the same as in humans, but with one clarification - cats are superior to people in endurance.

Representatives of hairless breeds and breeds without undercoat are less resistant to low temperatures than cats with “shaggy” coats. Streams of cold air quickly penetrate the skin, but the heat is not retained. When such pets freeze, their ears and limbs become cold, even if the walk does not last long and the thermometer shows a temperature of at least -15°C.

But Maine Coons, Siberians and other cats with good coat protection, especially if they are not too pampered, can safely walk even at -25 - -30°C.