Cat safety is an essential part of cat parenting, especially if your cat enjoys a daily dose of fun exploring the great outdoors. And with outdoor cats facing more potential threats compared to their indoor counterparts, the best way to strike a balance between keeping your cat safe and allowing them to enjoy the great outdoors to their fullest is to learn how to keep them safe when they're out in the open.

Luckily there are plenty of ways to marry the two. Here are some of the most important tips on how to keep your pet safe when outdoors.

1) Ensure your cat wears a collar and tag, or a microchip

Unsurprisingly, a cat without any form of identification is harder to find than one with proper identification. Ensure that your feline friend wears a safe collar with an ID and GPS tracker and that they are microchipped so you can find and easily identify them should they get lost.

Proper identification also helps your cat not to be mistaken for a stray and taken by animal control.

2) Ensure that your cat’s vaccinations are up to date

Pets, like people, need vaccinations to protect them from certain diseases. Frequently, take your cat to the vet for a checkup and ensure they are current on their vaccines. Should they contract a sickness, their immune system will be able to fight it off.

PRO TIP: Regular veterinarian visits are critical for an indoor/outdoor cat.

3) Don’t declaw your cat

If a cat is declawed, it is considerably more difficult for them to survive outdoors. Declawed cats are particularly vulnerable to the perils of the outside world and should therefore be kept home at all times.

4) Spay or neuter your cat

The ASPCA estimates that 3.4 million cats enter shelters each year as there aren't enough homes for them. Neutering and spaying are simple surgical procedures that carry lots of benefits for population control. More importantly, these procedures provide health benefits for your cat, including preventing diseases such as feline AIDS and cancer while improving cat behavioral problems.

Neutering your cat reduces or eliminates the risk of your outdoor cat roaming too far and risking getting lost. It also helps keep your home cleaner, eliminating the urge to for cats spray or pass bodily fluids to mark territories or when in heat.

5) Let your neighbors meet your cat

As your cat goes out and about the outdoors, they could very well wander into your neighbor’s property, so you should let them know they’re yours! What’s more, if any of your neighbors have any questions or concerns, they are welcome to contact you.

6) Administer regular parasite prevention and deworming medication

Regular parasitic treatments are the purr-fect way to ensure your furry friend stays free from parasites all year round while they comfortably explore the great outdoors.

Left untreated, these blood and nutrient-sucking creatures such as fleas, ticks, etc. may cause health issues ranging from anemia, malnutrition, Lyme disease, and Anaplasmosis to skin and coat issues when. Besides, external parasites could spread from your cat and cause havoc in your house.

To protect your beloved pet from internal and external parasites, invest in good parasite prevention treatment, such as medication or flea collars. If you're unsure about which treatment method is best for your cat, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.

7) Train your cat to come back inside before dark

Cats who are allowed to roam free at night are more likely to engage in risky behavior, such as crossing roadways (45%), consuming substances away from home (25%), Encountering strange cats (25%), investigating storm drains (20%), and entering crawlspaces where they could become trapped 20%.

To avoid this, teach your cat to return home before nightfall when cats are most vulnerable to predators and other dangers. As soon as your cat returns home, reward him with a tasty treat. Cat flaps can also be installed to make it easier for them to enter the house.

8) Get them an outdoor house or build them an enclosure

Outdoor cat houses are a great investment for those with a backyard or garden area, as they allow your pet to enjoy all the joys of nature without having to worry about any potential dangers, like predators.

Your feline friend's safety and enrichment can be ensured with the help of safe outdoor housing. They can also assist with keeping your cat indoors during times of excessive heat or cold.

9) Train them to walk on a leash so you can take them for walks outside safely

If you’re not confident in your cat’s safety outdoors or ability to return, you could use a cat harness and leash to take them for a walk. Walking your cat on a leash is also a great idea if you have little to no space available for an outdoor cat area.

It's also a terrific opportunity for you and your cat to spend quality time together.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're new or already acclimated to letting your cat enjoy the outdoors safely, these top tips will ensure your furry friend safely explores the great outdoors while affording you peace of mind.