Do You Have a Cat Safe Yard?
It’s the perfect time of the year to enjoy the dappled sunshine and flower-scented breezes. This is when nature comes alive again, and the instincts to play, frolic, and explore wake up from a long winter’s snooze.
While some felines prefer to enjoy spring from the comfort of a window perch, others simply can’t wait to get outside and explore in their very own cat safe yard. But what does that look like, exactly?
A Suggestion
Spring is always a great time to bring your cat in for a wellness exam. This can help you chart a healthy course of warm-weather care. Parasite preventives and vaccinations are important for cats in all living situations, but if you’re preparing for your cat to enjoy the great outdoors, this is even more important.
Think Like a Cat
One of the best ways to protect your cat while outside is with secure fencing. Of course, most fences are no match for agile, daring felines, but there are great cat fences out there. This not only keeps your cat safely within your yard, they also keep other animals out. Win-win!
You could also entertain the idea of a large cat run or “catio” to offer the best of both worlds, especially if you live in Georgia or the South East.
Plants and Flowers
There are some amazing pet-friendly plants perfect for Georgia’s climate, and creating a garden bed just for your cat (catnip, anyone?) will probably score you major points. Keep in mind, however, there are an equal number of toxic plants out there. Before allowing your cat access to what’s in your yard, remove toxic plants, such as:
- Sago palm
- Lilies
- Morning glories
- Oleander
- Cocoa mulch
- Certain fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides
Please call us asap if your cat is vomiting, has diarrhea, tremors, drooling, respiratory problems, coordination issues, or other worrisome signs. Also consult the Georgia Poison Center for more information.
Warm and Toasty
Cats love to sleep in the sun, but exposure to excessive heat can be dangerous. Always keep fresh, cool water in your cat safe yard, and make sure there’s a cool, shady spot to rest. Tarps, umbrellas, sun shades, or even cat tents are all fabulous additions. Know the signs of heat stroke, and call us if you need help.
Know the Go Spot
Keep an eye on the indoor litter box. If quantity goes down, you can expect to find feces in your yard. Some cat owners may install an outdoor litter box for your cat to use while enjoying the fresh air. To avoid the presence of strange cats or raccoons, bring this indoors at night.
A Fun Cat Safe Yard
Depending on what your property looks like and how much space you have for a cat safe yard, you could create a bona fide playground. Tunnels, platforms, large rocks, or other perches will help your cat connect with primal instincts. Sit back, get the camera ready, and enjoy the show!
Other Elements
With a mix of creativity and effort, you can make a cat safe yard that your pet loves. If you have any questions about your cat’s outdoor environment, please give us a call.
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Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.