There's no doubt about it, we love our outdoor spaces! Nature can be so healing, calming and relaxing, not to mention all the added health benefits of spending time outdoors and getting some fresh air. Having a garden or outdoor space to unwind in can be so good for the mind, body and soul - and it's no different for animals either! Your pets will love a good frolic in the grass, but is it safe for them to do so? Here we outline the best and most important ways to make your garden as safe as possible for your furry friend, so everyone can make the most of the lovely weather!
Safety first!
The most important thing is to make sure your garden or outdoor space is secure. This will most likely entail (haha, geddit?) ensuring there are no gaps or holes in any fences, walls or gates your cat could squeeze through, into or out of. And remember that if your cat can get out, then something else could get in. Dog and cat duos are very cute online, but the reality is that most canines and felines aren't going to be the best of friends. So do your furry friend a favour and ensure that your outdoor space is only for them.
Choose your greenery carefully!
This may come as a surprise, but anything from buttercups and daffodils to avocados, tomatoes, peaches and apricots can in actual fact make your kitty rather unwell. Ailments can include sickness, fatigue and lethargy, as well as rashes or redness on their skin. For your peace of mind as well as the safety of your cat, make sure you're all clued up before you buy a new houseplant or sow some new seeds in the vegetable patch. Cats Protection have a great guide on which plants might be of danger to your furry friend, as well as key warning signs if ever they were to ingest anything harmful from the garden.
Be mindful of your little ones!
Kids love to play outside, and so tend to leave their toys lying around too - anything from a full-size swing set and slide to a football, tennis racket or plush toy could be out there, lying in the grass. Make sure there's nothing left out in the garden that shouldn't be. Keeping your kitty safe is very important, and children don’t take kindly to having their toys moved, taken, stolen or broken.
Build from the ground up!
Make sure that all potted plants and garden ornaments are firmly weighed and anchored down, and can't be budged by even the most inquisitive of kitties. The same rules apply to any outdoor structure you might have, be it a trellis, gazebo, pergola, canopy or lattice. Tidy up regularly, and make sure there’s nothing sharp sticking out - we all know how much cats love to rub up against things!
Garden maintenance?
Make sure your kitty steers clear! Cats are far from the biggest fans of loud noises or mechanical, fast-moving things. But, still, they can be very curious and inquisitive, so if you're using a lawn mower, edger or spreader, edging iron, shears or scarifier, lawn or leaf rake - make sure your kitty is nice and safe inside. Even if you're just using the hosepipe, the same rules might still apply. Cats are not fans of getting wet!
Enjoy!
We hope this short guide has been helpful, and that both you, your family and your feline can relax and unwind outdoors safely this summer, and make the most of any sunshine that might be thrown your way - it’s usually fleeting!
