Welcome | The Bengal Cat | Our Bengals | The Savannah Cat | Our Savannahs | Cats/Kittens for sale

Latest news | Future pairings | Advice | Customer feedback | Contact

Indoor V Outdoor

Some people are of the opinion that it is cruel to keep a cat indoors and that you are robbing them of their natural habitat and natural behavior. Often people justify allowing their cat outdoors based on living in a safe and quiet area or away from busy roads. However cats will roam far and wide and today's concrete jungles are just too dangerous for vulnerable and trusting cats.

Below are just some of the dangers posed to outdoor cats:

Parasites	The risk of infestations with fleas, ticks, intestinal worms and other parasites.
Diseases	Contact with wild animals and other cats can result in the transition of life threatening diseases such as Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Likewise, if your cat gets into a fight with another cat and gets bitten, it could result in the spread of disease or a painful abscess.
Predators	In certain areas, wild animals are potential predators to cats.
Injury or cruelty	Unfortunately not all people like cats and many cats have been known to be purposely injured by intolerant neighbours or bored juveniles. Opposite is a photo of my blue Bengal Beta. When I retired Beta from breeding, she went to live as an indoor cat but her new owner allowed her to sunbathe in his yard. A group of youths with dogs saw her and purposely let their dogs attack her. Of course she died from her horrific injuries and the youths were not prosecuted. RIP Beta x Opposite is a photo of a Savannah boy called Willow. Willow went to live as an indoor pet but sadly he managed to escape his home. He was found in a neighbours garden having got caught between their fence. He broke his neck and did not survive his injuries. RIP Willow x
Poisons	Your cat may be exposed (accidentally or purposely) to toxic substances such as anti-freeze or pesticides.
Harsh weather	Weather conditions can suddenly change and your cat could experience frostbite in the winter or dehydration in the summer. Cats seeking warmth often climb into car engines where they can then sadly be maimed by fan blades.
Vehicles	An outside cat darting across the street is a perfect target for a moving vehicle. Cats involved in road traffic accidents rarely survive and shockingly, it is not an offence to drive away after hitting a cat in the road (as it is with dogs), leaving families missing a cat and unable to grieve. Opposite is a photo of a Savannah girl called Anya. Anya went to live as an indoor cat but was allowed outside (under supervision) to climb the trees in her garden. Unfortunately this gave her a taste for the outdoor life and she went on to escape. Not being streetwise, she was sadly knocked over and killed by a car. RIP Anya x
Theft	Unscrupulous thieves will look for friendly cats who they can lure, capture and then sell on. Many cats are stolen for dog baiting and some even for laboratories where they will suffer incredible pain. Opposite is a photograph of Bengal brothers Ted and Sumo. They went to live as indoor cats but their owners decided to allow them into their garden unsupervised. They were stolen and never to be seen again.
Getting lost	Cats can easily become lost and end up shut in a building, stolen, taken to a rescue facility or adopted by others, resulting in loss.

For details of how to keep a cat safe and happy indoors, please visit the Recreation page. However, indoor cats can also now safely access the outside world in the following ways:

Catio

A cat enclosure (also known as a catio/cat patio) is an outdoor space that provides safety and enrichment for indoor (and outdoor) cats.

A catio offers a protected space for cats to enjoy the fresh air whilst exercising, watching the birds and other wildlife and lounging in the sun. Allowing them to indulge in their natural behaviors and feel safe and secure leads to a happier and healthier cat and that is what we all want!

Catios usually sit in a porch, patio, deck or yard and can be accessed through a window, door or cat flap within a wall or door. They are available in a variety of sizes and designs from small and simple to large and luxurious.

Whilst there are many companies who design, construct and install catios, this is also something that you can do yourself. There are lots of free DIY plans on the Internet such as on Catio Spaces and a wealth of inspiration on social media sites such as Pinterest.

Below are some photographs of my own catio:

Below are some photographs of my cats and kittens enjoying the catios that my customers have installed:

Walking with a harness

Taking your cat for walks can be a fun way to give them the mental stimulation and physical exercise that so many cats crave and need, without subjecting them to the dangers that outdoor cats face.

Make sure to buy a properly fitted harness. A harness is much more secure than a lead attached to a collar as cats can wriggle out of these. Harnesses can be made to measure and fit close to the body. I can highly recommend Mynwood Cat Jackets.

Before you walk your cat on a harness, be sure to train them indoors first. Start the process by letting the cat explore the harness. You can also touch the cat with the harness. When you feel the cat is comfortable around the harness, start to put it on them. Provide treats to reinforce the idea that wearing this harness is a good thing! You could also spritz the harness with a Feliway spray which releases calming pheromones.

When the cat is comfortable wearing the harness, go for little walks indoors. Let them wander around the house whilst you hold the lead. Be patient and don’t force them. Remember to treat them when they walk alongside you wearing the harness.

Once you are happy with your cats progress, you can start to move outdoors but try to do this within the comfort and space of your own yard or garden. Only when you and your cat are comfortable with these escalating challenges, should you attempt to venture further afield.

Please be aware of the danger of plants and flowers whilst outdoors. A quick lick of a poisonous plant or flower can send your cat into a fatal acute kidney failure. Have a look at the out ASPCA’s list of plants and flowers that are toxic to cats for more information.

Also please remember that whilst adult cats can be trained to walk with a harness, it is much easier for kittens to adapt to.

Below are some photographs of Sittingpretty cats wearing a harness:

Cat proof fencing system

Cat proof fencing is a system that is installed within the parameters of your garden or yard. It allows your cat to safely enjoy the outdoor space whilst preventing them from escaping it.

The system is comprised of a set of fence posts with angled brackets attached to them which are covered with mesh/netting. The mesh/netting used is flexible which is designed to deter a cat from climbing but if they do, they should not be able to escape the arched tops.

Cat proof fencing can be adapted to work with the most complex of gardens. There are several online retailers that supply the components needed to install a system yourself but I would highly advise using a professional service. Companies such as ProtectaPet offer a complete service from an initial consultation to design and customisation to manufacture to installation.

Below are some photographs of my customers and friends cat proof fenced gardens:

Below is an example of a DIY cat proof fenced garden: