Check your cat's teeth regularly. When you go away for the weekend and have to leave your cat home, place unwashed clothes that you recently wore in your cat's favorite napping spot. Your cat will be able to smell your odor and feel less lonely even when you are gone. Outdoor cats can have sexually transmitted diseases and bring fleas, fungus, ear mites, and ticks into your home to your family. Outdoor cats often get hit by cars.
Outdoor cats are more likely to be the target of abuse inflicted by some children.
Outdoor cats can be easily poisoned by certain plants, antifreeze, and foods. Never let declawed cats outdoors unless it is done under your supervision and with a harness. If your cat goes outside, make sure it has been sterilized and has had its vaccinations. It is estimated that there is about ninety thousand feral cats in Montreal alone. Many of the cats who live outside are not ferals but abandoned cats who can easily be domesticated.