If you’re a cat parent, you’ve probably heard the debate about outdoor cats versus indoor cats. You may need clarification on what’s best for your pet. It may be helpful to understand the debate’s pros and cons. Our goal at Delightful Pet Sitting is to help cat parents know how to best care for their pets. So, we’ve gathered information to help you know what’s best for your pet.
Pros of letting your cat outdoors
Proponents of allowing their cats outside list these reasons for their view.
- Stimulation of being outdoors-Some suggest that being outdoors gives a cat more stimulation than being indoors and that cats like the sounds and smells of nature.
- Exposure to live prey-People who put their cats outdoors says that cats need to get in touch with their natural hunting instincts.
Cons of letting your cat outdoors
Individuals who feel that cats should not go outside list these reasons for their point of view.
- Exposure to predators: Many cat owners who let their cats outside only realize how dangerous it is for their pets once it’s too late. Here in St. Petersburg, it’s not uncommon to see Florida black bears, coyotes, or Florida panthers around residential areas. With these predators lurking around, it’s unsafe for a cat to be outside.
- Toxic critters: It’s not just the predators that can cause harm to your cat; Florida is known for its venomous snakes, toads, and lizards. Some of the most dangerous include bufo toads, Geckos, skinks, coral snakes, and pigmy rattlesnakes.
- Dangerous bugs: In Florida, you find bugs everywhere. Some of the most dangerous bugs for cats are fire ants, recluse spiders, stinging caterpillars, and widow spiders. Many of these bugs can make your cat sick or even cause death.
- Toxic plants: Cats are curious. If your cat nibbles on the wrong plant, it could make your kitty sick or worse. Some Floridian poisonous plants include azaleas, oleander, foxglove, Sago palms, elephant ears, peace lily, and dieffenbachia.
- Getting hit by a car or bike: Cats can dart across the street unexpectedly. St. Petersburg has many busy roads, and it’s unsafe for cats to wander around. When your cat is outside, they risk getting hit by a car or bike.
- Cats are prey animals: Cats are also predators. The St. Petersburg/Tampa area is home to unique birds, lizards, and turtles. Left outdoors, cats can attack or kill these animals, causing upset in the area’s ecology.
What is a safe alternative for a cat to get some outdoor time?
We at DPS don’t advocate keeping a cat outdoors. The risks are too high. If you would like to expose your cat to an outside experience, there are safe ways to do it.
- Catios: A catio is an enclosed structure attached to a window or door where a cat can safely walk, sleep, or play outside. These catios look like a small screened-in porch with a floor and sometimes hanging toys for cats to play with or climb. Your cat can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature without danger.
- Harness or leash walking: Another way to allow your cat outdoor exposure is to train them to walk with a harness or leash. A leash or harness lets your cat be outside under your watchful eye.
Delightful Pet Sitting can help care for your indoor cats.
Sometimes when you need to be away from home for work or travel. Even though your cat seems independent and happy on its own, it’s always good to have an extra set of eyes to check in on them. DPS offers professional cat-sitting services in the St. Petersburg area. All our staff have received background checks and are trained in pet first-aid and CPR certified. DPS is a licensed and bonded business, so you have peace of mind while away from your fur babies.
What if you don’t have a pet? That’s okay! We also offer home visits for non-pet homes as well!
Drop-In Petting Sitting Visits
DPS provides individualized at-home care for your pet. Our professional pet sitter will stop by your home and do various things for your cat and your home, including:
- Water
- Feed
- Clean up any accidents
- Clean the litter box
- Play with your cat
- Bring in the mail and any packages
- Water your plants
- Change the thermostat if needed
- Put out the garbage
- Pick up trash cans at the curb
- Turn on or off lights
- Close the blinds
Home Check-in Visits
We also offer home visits even if you don’t have a pet! We will water your plants, get your mail, check the thermostat, or bring in your trash cans. You’ll have peace of heart knowing your home is in good hands with DPS.
Conclusion
You love to protect and care for your cat. Part of the care you give your pet is to decide what is safe for them. We at DPS don’t encourage cat parents to let their cats outside. It’s just too risky for your kitty to be alone outdoors. DPS offers pet sitting to keep your cat entertained and happy. Please get in touch with us if you’d like to schedule a visit.
