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PETS Keeping them indoors
AWARENESS is gradually increasing that allowing domestic cats to roam free outdoors poses a series of problems for both the cats and the environment.
Experts warn that it can be hazardous to their health as it exposes them to numerous diseases, the risk of being run over or suffering other accidents, poisoning and aggression by other animals.
In addition, their access to the outdoors increases the risk of the cats becoming transmitters of zoonotic diseases, and owners are feeling increasingly responsible for the effect their pets have on wildlife, mainly through hunting.
A team of British investigators carried out a study of 355 domestic cats with access to the outside over a period of four weeks and within four groups without restrictions, with nocturnal restrictions, wearing collars with bells, and wearing collars with ultrasound technology to reduce their hunting activity.
The research showed that preventing the cats from going out at night had the best results. However, the investigators added that suddenly restricting a cat’s movements could be harmful for its wellbeing, and advise owners to adapt their homes to cover the requirements the animals look for outside.
These include using interactive toys that mimic the movement of prey, creating hideyholes and elevated platforms, grass for them to sniff and cardboard boxes to hide.
