Have a cat safe garden

Many of us have cats who like to be outside, and wander around a little - it's part of the cat nature. But we also worry about what can happen while they're out and about. Because of this concern, some people keep their cats indoors, in order to be safe. This is absolutely fine if yours is an indoor cat and very happy to be (and I've met some cats who are positively fearful of the outdoors), but such a shame to restrict a cat who'd really love to be outside.

I can't imagine ever keeping Bella indoors. She doesn't always want to go out, but when she does there's nothing stopping her. Even when it's a miserable, wet, cold evening, and all she wants to do is to sit under the car for 2 hours!!

But mostly cats like to be outdoors to smell all those exciting smells (the most important sense to a cat), watch the birds, listen to everything, and feel the breeze and sun on their fur. They like to stalk bugs and whatever else they imagine they can see, chew grass, and wander around their territory to see which other cats have been around. Bella can spend hours sitting at the foot of a fence having a loud argument with a magpie or a squirrel who's sat on top!!

She's a climber so although the garden is fairly well contained, she's often up and over the fences - sometimes into neighbour's gardens, but other times into the front. I try not to worry, as what's that going to do, but sometimes when she's been out for longer than usual I do get a little concerned.

I live in a quiet cul-de-sac, so don't have the problems that living on a main road can cause. I can totally appreciate that if you live on a main road you're less likely to let your cat out if it's possible for them to get to the road. And the statistics show quite strongly that cats who go outdoors tend to have shorter lives than those who don't - but mostly if they live close to main roads.

There are some alternatives to consider though........ You could consider creating a safe cat run within your garden, so that your cat can go outdoors, but still be safe. It needs to be enclosed at the top too so that they can't climb out, and should also be quite high, as cats do like to climb. Make sure that there are some nooks and crannies for them to snuggle into, and some high places to climb up onto so that they can watch the world go by and sun themselves. Think of it almost as an outdoor activity centre, and have some fun with it. I've seen some where people have linked it to the back door by means of a corridor, with a door into the run and another into the garden for the humans.

This option can be fairly cheap to construct, as mostly all you'll need is some timber, fixings, and wire netting. Obviously you'll need to ensure it's strong and well built, and of course there's also what you put into it for the cat. Oh, and if you're like me and not particularly handy, someone to erect it for you!

Another option can be to surround your whole garden, and there are companies who specialise in this - so possibly a little more expensive, but very effective, and often not obvious. Fences are built higher, and tend to have an overhang or lip which prevents escapees, and other cats from entering.

The cat magazines such as Your Cat and Cat World regularly run features demonstrating these options, and carrying advertising from suppliers.

One other thing to consider is the plants in your garden. There are a number of plants that are poisonous to cats, and there are plenty of websites where you can find this information. However, in my experience, as long as cats always have a plentiful supply of grass to chew on, they tend not to bother other plants. I've got a lovely Fatsia (Castor Oil Plant) that Bella barely even notices. It's a personal view, but I think you have to strike a sensible balance somewhere. Clearly though, if your cat is outside and has eaten something they shouldn't, or is showing any signs at all of being unwell, always take them immediately to the vet (with a sample of the offending plant if you have it).

Just to finish, going back to indoor cats...... You can always find ways to connect them with the outside. Ensure they have access to windows where they can sit and look out at all the activity, where perhaps a window can be locked in a slightly open position so that they can also get the smells without being tempted to jump out. Make sure there are plenty of hidey-places in the house, and lots of activity. And again, think about the plants you have. Most of us love to have lillies in vases, but these can be extremely toxic to cats. Personally I've not seen a cat bother a vase of lillies (probably because instinctively they know), but they will chew on other plants that may give them upset tummies - so make sure they've always got a tray of cat grass to chew on. This will keep them happy for hours!