In urban areas, owners walk their pets on a leash, and some cat owners believe in the benefits of such walks, but there are compelling reasons not to do so.
The cat will "feel" the will
Domestic cats typically feel quite comfortable indoors and show little desire to go outside, but some are outdoor enthusiasts who constantly try to escape. Pets who have never ventured outside the apartment are initially reluctant to go for walks, but their innate curiosity and instincts take over, and they begin to actively explore their surroundings. Over time, these cats develop a strong interest in walks and may wait outside the door for long periods, loudly meowing their desire.
The most difficult situation is with unneutered cats. Once they reach adulthood, they begin to frequently and noisily ask to go outside, and at the first opportunity, they try to search for a mate. Sometimes cats wander too far from home and get lost, and the city street is a big, complex world full of dangers for a pet.
The cat may be poisoned
While walking, all felines actively explore their surroundings, sniffing and sometimes tasting various objects to gain vital information. However, if an owner doesn't keep an eye on their pet, it could lick or swallow something deadly. In addition to the various chemicals and technical fluids often found on city roads, dangerous objects and substances, carelessly discarded or even intentionally scattered, can also be found in the grass.
Even short contact leaves traces of poison on the cat's fur, and the cat can become poisoned while washing itself in its usual way.
Certain plants that are poisonous to animals, such as lilies or poinsettias, also pose many dangers. These plants are unfamiliar to cats, especially those raised indoors and introduced to the outdoors for the first time. Cats can also become poisoned, sometimes severely, when exposed to these plants.
The cat can catch parasites.
Without preventative treatment against parasites, you shouldn't let your pet out for a walk at all, but even this doesn't guarantee 100% protection against parasites. Your pet's clean, fluffy fur can quickly become a haven for ticks and fleas. Furthermore, the risk of worm infestation is extremely high outdoors. Unfortunately, a simple walk can lead to a wide range of infections.
Besides fleas and other parasites, there are a variety of infections that even vaccinated animals can contract. Some bacteria and viruses are so resilient that they can be transmitted from an infected animal even without direct contact. A cat only needs to walk in the same areas where an infected animal has been. Some diseases are often transmitted to humans, for example, ringworm through casual contact with fur, and the dangerous rabies through bites.
The health of a pet that regularly spends time outdoors requires increased attention from its owner. In this case, thorough inspections for fleas and ticks, regular deworming, and vaccinations against common infections are essential.
The cat will be worried
Sudden sounds and movements, unfamiliar objects and people can greatly frighten our furry friends. In such stressful situations, a cat in a familiar home environment may quickly hide in a secluded spot to regain its composure. At the beginning of a trip outside, a walk alone can cause significant anxiety, and if something else suddenly frightens the cat, this greatly increases the stress, especially when the poor purr-fect doesn't even know where to hide. In such a situation, trying to escape danger, the cat may panic, break away, run away, and get lost, or climb high up a tree, from where it will be extremely difficult to retrieve.
It's no secret that frequent stress has an adverse effect not only on a pet's mental health but also on its physical health. Stress can exacerbate existing or latent illnesses, weaken the immune system, and alter behavior: cats become nervous, fearful, scratch excessively, bite, refuse food, and generally behave inappropriately.
Regularly ventilating the room will provide your pet with fresh air, and active play in a calm environment will definitely be a joy for them, benefiting their health and bringing a wealth of positive emotions to their owner.
