Cats just love to be outside in the garden and to watch them exploring every nook and cranny and pounce on flyaway leaves is just a delight. However not every garden is the safe and fun place you would want your pet to play in and you may even be nervous of letting your cat outside by it's self in the first place. By taking a few simple measure's you can turn your garden in too a place where your cat will want to stay and relax in rather than roaming too far from home and where you know they will be safe.
Take a walk around your garden, even better get on your hands and knees and see it from your cats point of view. See if any of the following might be a problem in your garden. Cats are not renowned for their swimming skills and although they can swim a little it is best to make sure that garden ponds and swimming pools are safely covered. Wire mesh is the best solution for your pond. You will still be able to see into the pond but if kitty tries to go fishing, both your fish and your cat will stay safe.
Another famous cat trait is their love of climbing and garden trees often prove just too tempting for your pet. You can't stop your cat from climbing and generally they are safe doing it. The problem arises when you have a very tall tree and a cat that gets too involved in chasing the bird. It's all too easy for them to misplace their footing and fall. Every year many cats suffer horrible injuries from falling from great heights on to hard surfaces. If at all possible you should place netting around the base of the tree to break the fall, especially if you have a cat that just loves to climb.
Garden sheds and garages are great places to explore, but they can also be dangerous places for your cat. Toxic substances can easily be transferred onto fur and then licked off, leaving your cat very ill or worse. They can also be places where your cat can become trapped. Many a cat goes missing, just to be found days later inside your neighbours shed, looking rather sorry for it's self. Keep all shed and garages secure, repair any broken windows and make sure there are no cat-sized gaps. Also keep all toxic substances in closed containers and clean up any spillages straight away. It's better to be safe than sorry.
So how can you make your garden more appealing to your cat? Firstly make sure that there are plenty of places for your cat to find shelter from either the sun or the rain. Cat houses come in all shapes and sizes and it should be easy to find one that's suits not only your cat but your garden as well. As already mentioned above, cats love to climb and be up high to survey their territory. Why not build or buy them a climbing post with a place to perch on top.
Provide plenty of water trays for your cat to nap from, that way they won't have to go looking for a drink elsewhere. It's also essential during the summer months to help prevent heat stroke. Place them in various spots around your garden to make it more interesting for your cat. Also plant some catnip in your garden, but make sure you place it in an area you won't mind being rolled in. Cats can go crazy with catnip, the scent will make them want to roll around, scratch and even eat the catnip, so be prepared for a well trampled area.
It's always a good idea when planting in your garden to remember that not all plants are cat friendly and some can be very poisonous. Examples of cat friendly plants are, Rose, Lavender, Coriander, Buddleia, Lovage, Rosemary, Violet, Pansy and Begonia. Whereas some plants to avoid are, Aloe Vera, Weeping Fig, Geranium, Ivy, Lily, Daffodil and Clematis. Your garden centre should be able to advise of any others.
More cat health and cat care tips can be found at our site http://www.our-happy-cat.com A feline friendly community full of helpful advice and fun things to do to make sure you have a happy cat and a happy you.
Copyright 2007 Kate Tilmouth
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