Is your cat an avid outdoor explorer?
Find out what health risks cats face outdoors daily, how to keep them safe, and help boost their immunity from within.
As cat owners, we love to see our furry friends enjoying the outdoors. Whether they are playing with toys or just soaking up the sun, it is always a joy to see our cats happy and engaged. However, while our cats may be enjoying their time outside, they are also exposed to many health risks that we need to be aware of.
Health Risks Cats Face Outdoors
Cats are susceptible to many health problems when they are outside. Some of the most common include:
- Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can cause serious health problems for your cat, including skin irritations and infections.
- Injuries: Cats are at risk of being hit by cars, getting into fights with other animals, and being exposed to toxic substances when outdoors.
- Illnesses: Cats are also exposed to diseases that are commonly contracted outdoors, such as feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, and feline infectious peritonitis.
As a responsible cat owner, it’s advisable to keep your cat indoors. This reduces their exposure to outdoor health hazards such as car accidents, fights with other animals, and toxic substances. Additionally, indoor cats are less likely to contract outdoor illnesses and parasites.
Transitioning a free-ranging cat to a stay-at-home lifestyle can be a challenging but rewarding experience for both you and your feline friend. To start, gradually reduce the time your cat spends outside by a few minutes each day until they are spending most of their time indoors. Provide plenty of interactive toys, scratching posts, and comfortable resting spots to keep them entertained. You can also make the transition more gradual by creating a cozy outdoor area, such as a screened-in porch, where your cat can still enjoy some fresh air and natural light. It’s also important to adjust their food and water supplies to accommodate their new indoor lifestyle. Consistency and patience are key to a successful transition, and be sure to reward your cat with treats and affection to help them feel more comfortable in their new home environment.
Boosting your cat’s immune system is also a great way to help protect your cats from outdoor health risks. This will help them to better fight off infections and illnesses, and stay healthy and happy. You can do this in three ways:
- Make sure your cat’s vaccines are up to date, as this will help prevent them from getting sick.
- Take your cat for regular check-ups with a veterinarian to catch and treat any potential health issues early.
- Give your cat a diet that is rich in key nutrients to support their immune system.
Boosting Your Cat’s Immune System With The Proper Diet
When selecting food for your cat, look for these three features that support their immune system:
- Natural Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E, among other natural antioxidants, help protect your cat’s cells and keep their immune system strong. Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells.
- Prebiotics: Flaxseed and inulin, among other prebiotics, improve gut health and support your cat’s immune system. A healthy gut microbiome helps the body absorb and use nutrients efficiently and serves as a first line of defense against harmful pathogens.
- High-Protein: A diet that is high in protein is essential for optimal nutrition and supporting your cat’s immune system. Protein is the building block of cells, including immune cells, and is needed for the production of antibodies and other immune components.
If you are looking for a diet that will support your cat’s immune system and keep them healthy, we highly recommend our Chicken Supreme Recipe for Adult Cats.
- Made with premium New Zealand chicken meat as the #1 ingredient, providing 40% protein for optimal nutrition and irresistible rich flavor.
- Enriched with our Immune Boost formula, a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients formulated by feline nutritionists to help support your cat’s overall health.
- Contains prebiotics from Flaxseed and Inulin to promote good digestion and gut health, keeping your cat’s digestive system in top shape.
Formulated by a feline nutritionist, this recipe is perfect for adult cats that need to maintain a strong immune system. Learn more about Chicken Supreme Recipe for Adult Cats here.
Remember to consult with a veterinarian before changing your cat’s diet.