Freedom is dangerous for cats

A cat needs to live indoors and spend the nights in the warmth of its own bed. According to the law, a cat must not wander around unsupervised. On densely populated areas, a cat should not be left out alone for its own safety, because it might get hit by a car and even be left by the roadside to suffer, or it might get tormented by people. Houses or other buildings do not provide shelter for wandering cats.

Get your cat a harness and get it used to them little by little. Start by wearing the harness indoors for a short time, while the cat is doing something that it likes, such as playing or eating. As soon as it is used to the harness, you can safely start taking it to walks outdoors. A cat, however, does not learn to walk beside you like a dog, but instead walks its own ways and pays attention to interesting things around.

A cat living in a detached or a row house might also need a cat pen with high fences, many places to hide and spend its time and many activities for it. In its own pen, the cat enjoys its time and keeps safe, and you will keep good relations with your neighbors. Cat pens can also be bought ready-made.

If you nevertheless decide to let your cat wander around freely, keep a collar on it. It is good to also have spear collars, in case one gets lost.

For identification, get your cat a microchip or a tattoo from a vet. Check the local animal protection league for a register for cats, or make up your own series of numbers for the tattoo. A number tattooed on the ear lets everybody know that the cat has an owner somewhere, and in case the cat gets lost, it will be easier to find it. A microchip placed under the skin is a secure way for identification, but it cannot be seen and can only be read with a special device that not even all animal shelters have.

A lost cat should be asked from local animal shelters. You might also want to inform other shelters nearby, and of course put a notice in a local newspaper.

A cat is its owner’s property, just as a dog is. It is illegal to kill a house cat wandering outside its home yard, and only a person with a hunting license is allowed to kill stray cats with methods allowed by the law. A house cat does not become a stray just because it follows its instincts by hunting. Killing a house cat is a crime and can be reported to police.