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If you are considering bringing home a new cat, then you may be debating where to keep her:  indoors or outdoors.  When answering this question, consider your cat’s wellbeing; since, cats are fairly easy to take care of.  Most favor keeping cats indoors, because of the disadvantages associated with outdoor living, but the decision is up to you.

Many people debate that cats are outdoor animals; and, therefore, should live outdoors.  Others, however, claim that since humans have domesticated cats, we should not throw them out into the wild.  It is true that indoor cats live much longer than outdoor cats for a variety of reasons.

Outdoor cats are faced with dangers that indoor cats are not.  Neighborhood dangers include cars, dogs, other cats, and annoyed neighbors.  If you live in a more secluded area, then your cat will still face other animals that can often transmit disease.  Neighbors become a problem if your cat begins to beg for food or torments their caged dog.  Even if you are feeding your cat properly, she may still seek snacks from neighbors as she passes through.  There are many poisonous plants outdoors that your cat may be interested in.  Often, chewing on these plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or death.  Pesticides are also deadly to cats.  Your outdoor cat can also get lost or stolen.

If you want to keep your cat outdoors, then make things as safe for her as possible.  Never expect a cat to stay inside a fence; she will escape.  You must keep your cat up-to-date on vaccinations.  Other animals can transmit diseases that could harm your feline.  Have your cat spayed or neutered to discourage roaming and to discourage the presence of other cats.  Your cat should be properly identifiable.  She should wear a collar with your contact information.  Another alternative is to have a microchip embedded under her skin.  When scanned by a veterinarian or shelter, the microchip will display your information.  The presence of the microchip should still be identified on the collar.  Never declaw a cat that will spend time outdoors.  She will not be able to properly defend herself in a dangerous situation.

Keeping a cat indoors is safer than keeping her outdoors.  There are fewer dangers inside your home that could damage her health or take her life.  If you keep a cat indoors, then still keep plants in mind.  Poisonous indoor plants are just as toxic as poisonous outdoor plants.  Always keeps chemicals and food stored away in a cabinet.  Keep windows without screens closed at all times.  The smallest distraction outside will cause your cat to leave your home!  Tightly close all doors behind you to make sure she doesn’t slip through the crack. 

An indoor cat should also be able to enjoy the same freedoms an outdoor cat enjoys.  To keep her entertained, make her a special play area with a scratching post and toys.  Also, provide her a place where she can lay in the sun.  Setting a small table in front of the window seal and covering it with a blanket is one way to achieve this.  If you have a sunroom or a screened in porch, then allow your cat access to those areas.  She will feel like she is outside without the dangers; remember cats love to bird watch!

If your cat insists on going outdoors, then you may want to consider leash training.  Cats are stubborn, so leash training can be tough, but it is a way to control your cat.  If you allow your cat inside and outside, then try to practice additional safety precautions.  For instance, only allow your cat outdoors when you are home, and bring her indoors at night.  Also, try to provide her an outdoor place to play, so she will be less likely to wander.

Leaving a cat outdoors can be a danger to her health, but many cats insist on living outside.  An indoor cat will be safer but may still long for the outside world.  If this is the case, then allow your cat access to a sunroom or provide her a nice, comfy spot by the window.  The indoor versus outdoor debate is ultimately decided by you. 

About the author:
This article was provided by Pet-Super-Store.com a pet website featuring dog crate pads, electronic pet doors and desginer dog carriers.

If you live in a neighborhood or even an apartment complex, you probably understand the value of being on good terms with your neighbors.  Come on, they live next to you, right?  Apartment and neighborhood living are different (you can be kicked out of an apartment much easier than a neighborhood), but you should still show respect to the people living around you.  You can easily keep your pet in check without taking away his freedom and keep your neighbors happy!

Noise is a big problem that neighbors have with pets.  Complaints include the dog barks all day long, the dog barks all throughout the night, or the dog barks at every car that drives by.  If you have an animal and you live near others, then try to keep the noise under control.  If you are unsure whether or not your pet is unruly when you are away, then ask your neighbors.  They will tell you the truth!

If you are considering getting a dog but you still have not brought one home, then seriously consider a breed that will fit your lifestyle.  A yapper in an apartment is not a good idea, since more than likely he will yap whether you are home or not.  And, many apartment complexes make sure that their residents are happy and noise-complaint free.  At the same time, a close neighbor in the neighborhood may not like the fact that your huge dog can jump the fence and make his way into the neighbor’s yard.  Yes, it is your dog, so it is your decision; but, it’s always nice to take the pooch’s living environment into mind.

The number of dogs you have can also be a factor; but, sometimes this is out of your control.   Many cities and communities have laws controlling the number of dogs per household.  The main complaint associated with multiple dogs is normally the noise.  Whether they are playing, fighting, or carrying a tune, a pack of dogs can be loud, especially when left outdoors for a long period of time.  If you leave any number of dogs outdoors, make sure you are providing ample attention throughout the day.  You may be able to adequately care for fifteen dogs in your home that never make a peep, but you still must follow the rules like everyone else. 

If you must leave your pet or pets outside, then make sure you are providing extra care for them.  Just because they are outdoors does not mean you can get away with not providing daily exercise opportunities.  Keeping a pet happy means providing him with the essentials:  food, water, and mental and physical stimulation.  A bored dog will resort to howling, barking, biting, or digging; behaviors that many neighbors cannot tolerate.  Also, keeping your pet outdoors means providing appropriate housing for your pet and protection for you neighbors.  A small chain on a wimpy pole may make your neighbors a little fearful of your Rottweiler (not to mention how much your Rottweiler will hate it!).  Installing traditional or electric fencing around your yard will protect your pooch and your neighbors.

When you go out for a walk, even if it’s just around the parking lot of the apartment, your dog should always be on a leash.  This is for the safety and security of your pet and those around you.  A six-foot leash is great for public areas, because it give you enough control over your pet.  Six-foot leashes are also required in many public areas, so you are taking care of multiple situations with one tool.  Another public-must is cleaning up after your pet!  Everywhere you go, even your own yard, should be taken care of like it was the hardwood floors in your kitchen.  Nobody likes to step in or smell dog mess!

Neighbors are great, but they can have problems with your pet.  Take noise into consideration at all times; your neighbor probably doesn’t care to hear your pooch bark all night long.  Other things to take into consideration include your environment, the number of pets, the protection of the pet and the neighbors, and the way you and your pet behave in public.  Respect the others around you, and make sure you are being a responsible owner. 

This article was provided by pet super store a pet supplies site featuring pet doors, pet crates, and dog crate pads.