Yes, Abyssinian cats can go outside, but it is essential to consider their safety and well-being before allowing them to do so. Cats that go outside are at risk of injury or death from cars, other animals, and diseases. They are also at risk of getting lost or stolen. Therefore, it is best to supervise your Abyssinian cat when they are outside or to provide a secure outdoor enclosure for them to enjoy.
Things to Consider if You Let Your Abyssinian Cat Outside
Chipped
If you decide to let your Abyssinian cat outside, it is essential to provide them with proper identification, such as a microchip. For example, a microchip is a small, rice-sized chip inserted under the cat’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades.
The chip contains a unique identification number that a scanner can read at a veterinary clinic or animal shelter. This identification number is then linked to the owner’s contact information so that you can return the cat to the owner if it gets lost.
Having your cat microchipped is vital in ensuring that it can be reunited with you if it gets lost. However, it is not a substitute for other forms of identification, such as collars with ID tags, and it’s essential to ensure your cat always wears a collar with an ID tag when outside.
Leave Water
If you’re allowing your Abyssinian cat to go outside, it’s crucial to provide them with fresh water. This can be as simple as providing a bowl of water inside their indoor cat enclosure or as elaborate as setting up a separate outdoor faucet for them. Keep a close eye on your cat, ensuring they are constantly hydrated.
Deworming
Make sure your cat has the appropriate vaccinations and deworming. It’s essential to remember that cats that spend a lot of time outdoors must be vaccinated against common feline diseases. So if your cat is spending time outdoors, it’s best to ensure they are up-to-date on their shots and deworming.
Bath After Going Outside
It is unnecessary to bathe cats after going outside, as cats are naturally clean animals and will groom themselves regularly; however, if your cat has gotten into something dirty or smelly while outside, such as mud or oil, a bath may be necessary to clean them up.
If you decide to bathe your cat, it’s essential to use a mild, cat-specific shampoo and be gentle when washing and rinsing your cat. Cats can become agitated and stressed when bathed, so it’s essential to make the experience as positive as possible by using warm water, speaking softly, and rewarding your cat with treats and praise after the bath.
Others
- Safety: Cats that go outside are at risk of injury or death from cars, other animals, and diseases. They are also at risk of getting lost or stolen. Supervising your cat and ensuring their safety at all times when they are outside is essential.
- Leash or Harness: Use a leash or harness to prevent your cat from running away or getting into dangerous situations.
- Impact on the environment: Cats are natural hunters and may harm or kill wildlife if allowed to roam outside freely. Consider the impact on the local wildlife and surroundings before letting your cat outside.
- Weather: Be aware of the weather; cats should not be outside during extreme temperatures, hot or cold.
- Restriction areas: Restrict your cat’s access to certain areas of your yard or neighborhood, such as gardens, ponds, or swimming pools.
- Limit the time outside: Gradually increase your cat’s time outside, starting with short supervised periods.
- Seek professional help: If you are having trouble with your cat’s behavior, it is best to consult a veterinarian or professional behaviorist about developing an appropriate behavior modification plan.
Risks of Leaving Abyssinian Cat Outside
There are a few considerations to make before allowing your cat outside. Cats typically prefer warm environments, and outdoor spaces should be temperature-controlled. If your cat is used to being indoors, it may not be easy to get used to the new outdoor environment. It is also essential to keep in mind the dangers of predators and other animals in the wild.
There are several risks associated with leaving your Abyssinian cat outside, including:
- Injury or death from cars: Cats that go outside are at risk of being hit by cars, which can result in severe injury or death.
- Injury or death from other animals: Cats that go outside are at risk of being attacked by other animals, such as dogs or wild animals, which can result in severe injury or death.
- Disease: Cats that go outside are at risk of contracting diseases from other animals or contaminated food, water, or soil.
- Parasites: According to the Animal Wellness Clinic of Tamarac, Abyssinians are susceptible to contracting parasites such as fleas and ticks, which can cause health problems and be difficult to get rid of.
- Getting lost or stolen: Cats that go outside are at risk of getting lost or stolen and may be unable to find their way back home.
- Impact on the environment: Cats that go outside may harm or kill wildlife and may disrupt the ecosystem.
- Weather hazards: Cats that go outside are at risk of exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, which can be dangerous to their health.
Taking Care of Your Abyssinian at Home
Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise
Abyssinian cats are a breed of cat that is known for its distinctive curly coat. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them a popular cat breed. These cats require routine care and attention to maintain their health and happiness. To take care of your Abyssinian at home, it is vital to provide them with the necessary nutrients, vaccinations, and health care to keep them in good shape.
In addition to providing your cat with the best possible care, it is also essential to keep it clean, as cat skins are easily prone to developing skin problems. Feeding your cat a high-quality diet that includes meat, poultry, and fish can help ensure that it stays healthy and happy.
What to Watch For
Due to Abyssinian cats’ specific breed traits and differences, they require special care and attention. One of the essential things cat owners can do to ensure their cat’s long-term health is to provide adequate sunlight and outdoor access. Both indoor and outdoor cats live longer and healthier lives when they can bask in the sun.
However, Abyssinian cats tend to be sensitive to sunlight, so they need to wear appropriate cat clothing and outdoor cat furniture when spending time outdoors. Also, cold weather can damage your cat’s skin and respiratory system, so you must provide them with warm shelter during winter.
Emergencies
If your Abyssinian cat becomes ill or injured, it’s essential to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. In addition to providing treatment for your cat’s health issues, the veterinarian can help determine the cause of the problem and recommend treatments to help alleviate it. When dealing with an emergency, it’s crucial to ensure you keep your cat safe and warm by placing them in a warm place.
Call a poison control center immediately if you think your cat has ingested something poisonous. Additionally, it’s best to keep cats indoors during inclement weather. This can help avoid potential harm from outdoor hazards such as debris or predators. Taking care of your Abyssinian cat at home is crucial for its long-term health and well-being.
