Cats and Road Safety

Why did the cat cross the road? We’re not sure, but for those of us who live with cats, that thought is terrifying. While we can’t exactly teach them about road safety, let’s talk about how to keep our beloved kitties safe and what you, as their guardian, can do to ensure their safety while maintaining a high quality of life. 

Is your cat identifiable?

In this situation, we don’t mean cute markings or the colour of their fur. Have you microchipped your cat? If the answer is yes, make sure your contact details are up to date. This is important just in case your kitty decides to go exploring without your permission and gets lost. A microchip increases their chances of returning safely to you.

Read more about microchipping here.

Grogu, adopted thanks to Home2Home

Keep your cat indoors.

The most efficient way to keep your cat safe from the busy road is to keep them indoors. If you decide to do this, make sure their environment is mentally and physically stimulating. This means lots of enrichment toys, scratching posts and regular play sessions with their human. This might help reduce their desire to roam around and explore the outdoor world. If your cat is allowed to wander its neighbourhood, a compromise might be to keep them inside at night time.   

Read more about enriching cat activities here.

Desex your cat

Have you desexed your cat yet? Desexed cats are less inclined to roam around, which means they may not want to venture out on the road by themselves. There is also a likelihood that they will adapt to life indoors better. This is a win-win situation for you and your cat! They are enjoying a life of luxury indoors, and you have peace of mind that they are safe. 

Read more about why desexing your cat is a good idea here. 

Guy, adopted thanks to SAFE Karratha

Create an outdoor enclosure

Every cat deserves their own ‘catio’, right? If you have a backyard or balcony, you might want to consider creating an enclosed space for them to roam around. This gives your cat a bit of freedom to investigate life outside their home. It can also be a space where there are more enrichment toys or other activities for them to enjoy. This is a great way for you to be aware of your cat's location while still allowing them to enjoy nature. 

Miss Lillypilly, adopted thanks to Perth Rescue Angels

Consider leash training

Yes, you can walk your cat! This can be a great solution to give you and your cat some quality time outside the house. Living indoors can sometimes give your kitty a case of boredom. While this might sound exciting, keep in mind not all cats respond to harness and leash training, but it is worth a shot. Before you go any further with this, invest in a specially-made harness for cats to ensure both comfort and safety when outside. 

Read more about leash training here. 

Keep an eye on your cat

Have you considered AirTags attached to your cat's collar? If your cat goes for a wander without your permission, this may help. AirTags can be used as a tool to systematically search your neighbourhood, which gives you a better chance to find your scared, lost or injured cat.

Read more about cats and AirTags here. 

Images sourced from Pexels: Image One, Image Two, Image Three, Image Four, Image Five, Image Six, Image Seven