Planning spring walks with your cat? Or maybe you’ve already opened balcony-and-terrace season and are wondering how to keep your feline friends safe in the great outdoors? Don’t worry, fabCat – we’ve got you covered with a quick checklist to help you prepare your cat for the season of walks and garden adventures, minus the stress and unexpected hiccups. So nothing important slips your mind once the sun starts peeking through the patio doors.

The health of your furry explorer – what should you check?

Before letting your little adventurer roam the lawns, beaches, or forest paths, make sure your cat is tip-top shape, fabCat. Cats are masters of hiding discomfort or illness, so it’s up to us – their humans – to secure that fluffy butt ahead of time and prepare for all possible outcomes. How? 

• Vaccinations are key. Open your cat’s health booklet and check the date of their last booster shot against infectious diseases. If it’s been over a year, book a vet visit to refresh their immune system. While you’re at it, ask your vet if any additional vaccines are recommended in your region.

• Deworming is a must. Your cat doesn’t have to be a hunter to catch parasites – those little nasties are everywhere, and you can bring them home on the soles of your shoes. Before you deworm, a stool test can help determine if immediate action is needed.

• Tick off the ticks. Those pesky critters are lurking everywhere. If your cat has any outdoor access, protect them regularly. Drops, tablets, or a collar – choosing the best solution depends on your cat’s lifestyle, so ask your vet what’s best.

• Microchip it and check it. If your cat is microchipped (which they definitely should be!), double-check that your contact info in the database is up to date. If they ever get lost, a vet can scan them and get in touch with you right away.

It’s also worth getting a basic health check-up for your cat. Bloodwork, ultrasound, a heart check, and dental care – make sure your cat is truly adventure-ready, both physically and health-wise.

Safe walks: Does your cat need a leash?

Short answer? Yes. If your cat’s outdoor time doesn’t happen in a fully enclosed, escape-proof garden, then a harness + leash combo is your first line of defense. Cats have a strong prey drive, endless curiosity, and the speed of light when startled. One second of panic, and they’re gone.

Does your cat come when called? Run to you the second you crouch down? Weak for the sound of a can being opened? Good job! But these tricks rarely work in a high-stress situation – a scared cat’s only goal is survival. A leash and well-fitted harness will keep them in your sight no matter what.

But what if your cat only goes into the garden?

There’s plenty of danger there too – toxic plants, stinging bugs, tiny creatures, plus loud noises or movement behind the fence. Even a fenced or netted area isn’t 100% safe, but you can minimize risks:

Remove toxic plants. If you don’t, your cat definitely will… straight into their mouth.

Secure the area. “My cat would never…” isn’t a valid strategy. Even the calmest couch potato might surprise you with their ninja moves.

Keep an eye on them. You don’t need to hover like a hawk, but check in regularly. Quick action can save your kitty if, say, they eat something bad, get stung, or get stuck climbing something they shouldn’t.

And one last reminder: if you’re taking your cat on a walk or letting them into the garden, always give them access to shade, fresh water, and a way back into the house or carrier if they feel overwhelmed.

Now go on, fabCat – may your outdoor adventures be fun, safe, and full of fabulous feline moments!