Dear Critter Corner: As the weather starts warming up from winter, my cat is excited to get back outside in the yard and start exploring. Any tips on getting my yard ready for her playtime?
As the weather warms up and the birds and squirrels are more active, it can make the outdoors seem exciting to indoor cats. A few things to prepare first are ensuring that you have a secure fence that is cat proof around the yard, meaning that your cat won’t be able to escape the yard by climbing the fence, going through gaps between the fence, or digging under the fence. Some fences have curved ends on both sides of the fence, preventing other animals from coming into the yard as well as preventing your cat from climbing out. You may also need to install a fence a few feet into the ground to make sure that your cat cannot dig under the fence.
It might be a good time to start clearing the yard for any fallen branches that might be jagged, rusty yard furniture, trash that may have blown in with the wind, and anything else that might be unsafe for your cat to interact with.
If you have trees in your yard, be sure that these also have a cat proof fence around them to ensure that your cat won’t be able to climb them and potentially become stuck and unable to come down. Check your yard also for any unfamiliar weeds or plants that may have started growing from pollen that drifted in, as these plants may be unsafe or toxic to your cat.
Once your yard is ready, be sure to provide your cat with a cat bed or a table that they can lounge on, and some toys that they can pounce on. It is best to supervise your cat while in the yard, and if possible, keep your cat on a harness and long leash. This way in case it starts raining or for some reason you need to rush inside, you will be able to quickly gather your cat and head back inside. Alternatively, if setting up your yard and supervising your cat during her excursions may be too difficult, consider installing a “catio” either on a patio or attached to your home. A catio creates a safe enclosed space for her to enjoy the outdoors and fresh air.