Whether you buy into the idea of ‘fur babies’, or prefer to treat your cat a little more like a roommate than a dependent, it’s incredibly easy to fall into an endless spiral of worry. When we decide to open the door and let them roam free, we worry for their safety, their sense of direction and their ability to steer clear of danger – but, when we decide to keep them inside, we worry for their mood, their weight, and their routine.
In essence, it’s hard to know how much control we should be releasing, and how much we should be restricting our cats’ movements.
Fortunately, it is possible to strike that balance – and it’ll be very healthy for both of you. Read more below.
Read up on the benefits of outdoor time
While it’s true that some cats simply prefer staying behind locked doors and closed windows, there are a lot of benefits to some time away from the armchair.
The outside world offers a lot of stimulation. There are new things to see, hear, smell and rub against, and simply being out there, surrounded by it all, will give your cat completely different things to focus on. Slight movements from the wind, or birds flapping high in the trees, will awaken senses that might have gone a little dormant in doors, and give them a lot more to get excited about.
Plus, they’ll get some exercise – great if you think you’re picking up on the signs your cat might be overweight.
Simply knowing this can make you feel more positive about the thought of letting them out.
Reinforce the garden
If you’re nervous about letting your cat outside, there’s every chance that they’re going to be a little hesitant, too. Remember that you don’t need to give them the world – after all, they’re only small.
Eventually, you could consider giving them the whole garden to move around in but, until then, you might both feel more comfortable with a cat patio. From that space, they can enjoy the outdoor experience without feeling exposed on all sides – and you can be sure they won’t stray too far.
Enjoy watching, but from a distance
It can be tempting to try to coax your cat to come and sit next to you, or even on your lap, when you spot them venturing into your outdoor space, but it may be a better option for you to simply let your cat come to you if and when they decide they want to.
It is, after all, a widespread belief that cats are highly independent animals and that if they wanted to come close to you, they would. It can also remind your cat that you respect their boundaries and would never do anything to upset them or put them in harm’s way.
They’ll know you’re there, and they’ll be more than happy to return to you when it’s time to wind down again.
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