Indoor pets are what most people think of when looking for one. Before you take on the responsibility of owning a cat or dog you need to take the time to consider their living arrangements. While most people keep pets indoors many people adopt pets with the idea that they will be raising an outdoor pet.
Let's dive right in.
Why Indoor Pets Are Better Off
How many people in your neighborhood keep their dogs or cat’s outdoors at all times? The fact of the matter is, outside is not a safe place for a cat or a dog.
When you adopt a pet you need to make sure that you are ready to allow your pet into your home as indoor pets.
Pets Love Being Outside
It is true that cats and dogs both love being outside. It is their natural environment. Cats delight in chasing birds, climbing trees and hiding in shrubs. Dogs adore barking at the neighbors, chasing squirrels and digging.
Time
However, there are many dangers to keeping your pet outside at all times. While being primarily indoor pets, dogs tend to get more outside time then cats.
Owners take their dogs out for walks and in some cases allow their dogs unsupervised access to the backyard from time to time. Cats are usually either indoor pets or outdoor pets.
It is more common nowadays for owners to keep their cats indoors as they begin to realize the dangers of allowing their cat to live outdoors all the time. It is highly recommended that you keep your cats and dogs inside.
Instincts
For cats, you can help them explore their natural instincts inside by giving them plenty of places to run and play inside your home.
Buy your cat a good scratching post with a high perch and install a window seat so they can gaze at the birds outdoors while being indoor pets.
The Dangers Of Being Outside
The number one danger to your indoor pets when they go outside is other animals. You never know when your dog or cat will encounter a stray or strange cat or dog from down the street.
You know that your pet is properly vaccinated but you do not know the health condition of other animals outside. In addition, if your dog or cat gets into a fight with another animal your pet can be seriously injured or harmed.
Unless you supervise your indoor pets at all times when they are outside you never know when your cat or dog will encounter a strange animal.
Cars and People
Other dangers of allowing your pet to live outside are cars and other people. A cat darting across the street late at night is a recipe for disaster. What if your dog gets loose from your yard and encounters a child?
How will your dog react? You hope that your dog will be good and stay friendly. However, what happens if the child begins to taunt or tease your dog or poke a stick at them?
If your dog bites or scratches another person chances are you will be responsible for your pet's actions.
Many pet owners have found themselves in a serious situation when their dog or cat has acted aggressively when outdoors.
Fleas and Ticks
When your cat or dog stays indoors you can also help control fleas, ticks and the exposure to heartworms. This is not to say that you should not treat indoor pets for these problems.
Indoor Pets and Heartworms
All dogs, whether they are indoors or outdoors, should be on a monthly heartworm preventative.
Both cats and dogs should also be treated with monthly preventative measures. It is important to remember though, if your cat or dog lives outdoors you will have many more problems when it comes to fleas and ticks.
Reasons for Indoor Pets
As you can see there are many reasons why you should keep your dog or cat indoors. Pets that are indoor pets live longer and healthier lives than pets that live outside.
This includes all pets. Once you make them indoor pets you need to protect them from anything that might happen if they get outdoors. They now depend on you to provide a home for them.
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