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Blog - cat health
How Outdoor Time Benefits Your Cats' Mental and Physical Health
Posted by Danny MacDonald on 2023 Oct 28th
Cats love freedom and have a deep connection to nature. So, they naturally enjoy the outdoors, which can enrich and heal their mental health.
In this blog, we'll explore the profound impacts of outdoor time on your cat's well-being and provide practical tips for safely and responsibly incorporating the outdoors into your cat's life.
1. Nature's stress reliever
Like humans, cats can experience stress and anxiety. The outdoors allows your cat to experience a sense of independence, which can boost confidence.
Being outdoors can allow them to explore, unwind, and connect with their natural cat instincts.
Allow your cat to explore the outdoors under your supervision. Start with a secure and enclosed space like a backyard, outdoor cat shelter or leash training. This ensures their safety while benefiting from the outdoor atmosphere.
2. Sunlight and fresh air
Cats, like other cat family members, love to bask in the warmth of the sun. Exposure to natural sunlight helps them regulate their internal clock and supports their overall well-being.
Create comfortable sunbathing spots for your cat in your outdoor environment.
If you have a safe outdoor space, consider allowing your cat to roam and bask freely within the confines of your home. Be cautious and ensure the area is protected from potential dangers. Also, ensure there is access to shade and fresh water.
3. Physical exercise
The outdoors offers ample space where cats find natural objects like trees or shrubs to scratch and climb on and engage in natural behaviors such as hunting.
Encourage playful activities for your cat through interactive toys that make them chase, climb, stretch, or stalk things.
Scratching, stretching, and climbing opportunities are great exercises for their muscles and claws.
You can also consider providing a secure outdoor enclosure or catio that allows your cat(s) to experience the benefits of the outdoors.
Introduce toys specifically designed for outdoor play: feather wands, scratching posts, laser pointers, and treat-dispensing balls, which engage your cat's mind and keep them active.
Alternatively, you can supervise outdoor playtime on a leash or take your cat for supervised walks.
4. Social interaction and playdates
If you have more than one cat, outdoor time can promote their social interaction and reduce feelings of loneliness or boredom.
Moreover, if your cat gets along with other cats, arrange playdates with friends or neighbors who have cats. Social interaction can boost their mood and reduce cat stress.
5. Mental and health stimulation
Outdoor environments are brimming with new scents, sights, and sounds that can pique your cat's curiosity and stimulate their mental faculties.
Bottom Line
Cat owners should not underestimate the healing power of the outdoors when it comes to improving your cat's mental health.
Regular outdoor time has been linked to reduced anxiety, lower levels of stress and an overall improvement in mental health for cats.
Include outdoor time into your cat's routine to increase its happiness and overall well-being. Always prioritize safety and ensure a secure outdoor environment for your cat to enjoy the great outdoors.
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