Should I Let My British Shorthair Outside?

The outdoor environment could impose a great danger to pets. However, a lot of people are suggesting that you should allow playtime to your British Shorthair outside your home. Whether it’s true or not. As the owner of the cat, you should be the one to decide whether you’ll want them inside or not. But, the question is should you allow your British Shorthair cat outside?

Allow us to persuade you why you should listen to the answer to that important question.

You can allow your British Shorthair Cat to go outside but in one condition. The surrounding environment outside should be safe, secured, and not exposed to dangers such as thieves, aggressive animals, and sharp objects.

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What Does a Safe Environment on the Outside Look Like?

To give you an idea what are the safety precautions you should have before you allow your feline outside, we have listed some factors to help ensure the safety of your pet.

1. Fences

Your backyard should have fences so that no trespassers could get a look at your cat and decide to steal it. It will also prevent your cat from roaming on the street that could get them hit by cars. In addition, by installing fences you can keep wild animals, aggressive dogs, and strangers away from your home and pet.

2. Sunscreen

British Shorthair cats need sun protection too, you must put some of it on the areas like ears, nose, and paws. However, you must remember to only use the products that are suitable for cats. Take note to check the weather first and if it is too hot outside you can skip the day and only keep your cat indoors for protection.

3. Cat Shade

Another way to protect your cat from the sun is by installing a shade. You can put the toys under it so that your cat won’t have to wander away and get sunburn. Nevertheless, you can also level up and build an actual outdoor cat house so that they’ll be protected from the sun and rain. Put a bed inside so that they can sleep whenever they want to especially if the weather is breezy and calm.

4. Water and Food

Whether you are bringing your cat to the park, beach or just to chill outside your house, always prepare water and food. Cat’s will need it when getting thirsty and hungry due to the weather or excessive playing. Furry coat cats will feel the heat right away and they need refreshment so you should always keep it with you at all times. You can buy containers online that include a bowl so that it’s easier for cats to drink.

5. Use Scents To Keep Them From Danger

British Cat owners can make use of the scents that cats can’t stand smelling. In this way, you can keep them away from the hazards around the house. Use citrus fruits and chicken manure in areas where they can climb, ruin plants, or get wounded due to sharp objects.

Can You Leave a British Cat Outside?

No, you still need to keep an eye on your Cat. Schedule the time of them being outside wherein you are not busy or won’t have anything else to do in the house. You can keep them safe by watching them on where they go and what they’re doing.

British Shorthair has a friendly and sociable personality that leaving them outside on their own won’t be good. You have to think that there’s a chance that your feline cat would wander outside your home’s boundary. And when it happens, it’s easy for people to snatch them because they are friendly and love people. Also, there’s a chance that they would go near dogs and other cats. It will be risky since not all dogs and cats are nice, there are breeds of cats and dogs that are rude and aggressive too.

Nevertheless, you can ensure that among all cat breeds, British Shorthair is not jumpy and confident in climbing. They are moderately active cats and would love to have toys and puzzles that can encourage movement in them.

Benefits of Letting Your British Shorthair Cat Outside

If you are not convinced that you should let your cat outside. Here are some benefits that could change your mind.

1. Healthier Lifestyle

Your cat will be healthier because a trip to the backyard would mean that your cat will have exercise. Although they may not be as active as dogs, the fact that they are walking and exploring outdoors is enough for their health and to avoid diseases in the future.

2. Ease Anxiety

If your cat is having anxieties inside the house, going outside can help them ease anxiety and calm themselves. If they find the outdoors fun and entertaining, It will help reduce their stress level and would make them livelier cats again.

3. Happier Lifestyle

When your cat is outside the house, its quality of life will improve. Your feline cat will discover new things that could spark their interest and curiosity. It will also aid their loneliness inside the house when they are neglected or alone inside the house. At least, by being outside your cat can see birds, flowers, and objects that could become their new toy.

4. Clean Litter Boxes

If you let your British Shorthair outside, you won’t need to clean their litter boxes constantly. Your feline pet will be put in the backyard thus lessening the hassle of cleaning litter boxes and buying litter sand.

Disadvantages of Allowing Your Cat Outside

Allowing the British Shorthair breed of cat outside could impose disadvantages too.

1. Your cat might get hit by a car.

2. Feline pets like British Shorthair might get stolen because it is pedigree and can be sold at an expensive price.

3. There’s a chance that your cat might get worms or diseases outside the house.

4. Unplanned pregnancy, if your yard does not have fences or other cats can climb your fence and meet with your female British Shorthair Cat.

Cat Breeds That Are Perfect Outdoor

If you are looking for Cat breeds that are perfect outdoors. We’ve listed some of the breeds that you can choose from and brought into your home:

York Chocolate
Tiffanie
Thai
Somali
Serengeti
Selkirk Rex
Savannah
Pixiebob
Peterbald
Norwegian Forest Cat
Kurilian Bobtail
Korat
Europian Shorthair
Cymric
Burmese
British Longhair
Bombay
Bengal
American Bobtail
Abyssinian

Whether you’ll allow your cat outside or not will depend on your decision as pet owners of the breed. You can know the status of your environment and the dangers that could happen outside. There are advantages and disadvantages to this decision. If you are unsure, you can try to take your cat outside for a couple of minutes and see their reaction. You can do it again and gradually increase the time of them being outside as they get used to the environment, weather, and discoveries outside.