Many risks await as cat heads outdoors
QAfter keeping my cat indoors for many years, I have decided to let her become an outdoor cat. I have taken her in to the vet about once a month for a long time for regular nail trims, and she has gotten more and more fractious. My vet suggested that I have her vaccinated for feline leukemia, and we are just finishing the initial series of shots, after which I will let her out to explore. She has always seemed to want to go outside. Maybe that’s because she used to be outdoors when she was younger, before I found her. Is there anything else I need to consider or should do for her before she starts this new phase of her life?
APerhaps letting her outside will mellow her out, but that might not happen. Letting your cat now become an indoor/outdoor pet may come with all sorts of new challenges. If she is a battle axe, as you suggest, she may find a way to get into fights with other cats. This can lead to bite wounds, abscesses, other trauma and more. She will also be exposed to various parasites, such as fleas and ticks, as well as intestinal parasites and worms. My guess is that you may not need to worry as much about keeping her nails trimmed because they may be naturally worn down outdoors on their own. Vaccinating for feline leukemia is a wise step, but be sure that she is up to date on her vaccines for rabies, which is required by law, and feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (FVRCP), also called the distemper vaccine. I would suggest you protect her from fleas and ticks using proper preventatives. Your veterinarian can supply those deemed appropriate. I would also suggest that you keep a litter box indoors for those times she needs to go and is in the house, which will also enable you to collect a fecal sample and have it tested once or twice a year for such intestinal parasites as worms, coccidia and giardia. Last, but not least, make sure she is microchipped or has some form of identification should she get lost and picked up by someone else. Remember that there are more risks outside than in your home. Make sure she stays healthy.