Your Cat In The Garden

Cats like being in the garden, and although cats can swim they do not like water and are not very good at it. To protect your cat against drowning you should cover ponds and swimming pools with a very fine mesh to stop your cat from falling in.

Cats generally land on their feet but if they land on an uneven surface, they are likely to hurt themselves. To stop cats from climbing on areas where they may fall and hurt themselves place wire netting around the area, cats do not like to climb wire netting.

Cats can also get stuck in dangerous substances, sheds and garages. A cat will live if its trapped for 10-14 days with no food or water as long as the temperature is not too hot, but as a result of this the cat can have severe problems with the liver and kidneys and will find it hard to shake off infection. If you haven’t seen your cat for a while, check in the cellar, cupboards, sheds and garages. If you are going away make sure the person looking after your cat has access to everything, just in case it gets stuck.

Cats enjoy exploring dark places, but there can be dangerous substances in them. A cat can be poisoned by eating or drinking poison or eating another animal that has been poisoned, and a lot of common poisoning comes from licking poison from the fur or paws.

To help prevent poisoning keep household cleaning products in cupboards with cat proof doors, antifreeze and weedkiller should be locked in the shed. Read the label of your products, if they are dangerous to children then they will be dangerous to cats as well. If you spill a toxic substance, clean it up thoroughly. And if you are decorating keep the cat out of the room, as some smells can also be toxic.

Cats instinctively avoid plants that are poisonous to them, but they might eat a bird or small rodent that has eaten a poisonous plant. Cats eat grass for its mineral and vitamin content. It also helps to get rid of fur balls. If you have a cat that cannot tell the difference avoid having those plants in the house or garden. A local garden centre can help you with this.

If there is anywhere in your house you don't want your cat to go, then use child locks on the doors or draws, these are available very cheaply from hardware stores or baby stores.