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Forbes
11 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Letting Your Cat Outside: How To Safely Give Them Time Outdoors
Welcome to Pet Peeves, a monthly series that aims to provide pet care solutions and expert advice for challenging scenarios that involve your beloved animal companions. If you have a cat, chances are you've noticed their propensity for trying to escape out of any open door or window possible—and perhaps you've considered giving them a little taste of the outdoors to satisfy their natural instincts to explore. While it might be tempting to give your cats free rein to the outdoors, letting your cat outside without supervision exposes them to a host of risk factors: predators, the potential of being hit by a vehicle, getting into fights with other cats and many other dangerous situations that can lead to serious injuries, disease or death. Letting your cat outside safely may require being patient with harness training until they're ... More comfortable wearing one. Illustration: Forbes / Image: Getty 'There's a lot of evidence that [cats] live longer, healthier lives when they aren't given unrestricted access to the outdoors,' says Annie Valuska, principal scientist on Purina's pet behavior team. 'That said, if we're not going to give them unrestricted outdoor access, the burden becomes ours to make up for what they're missing by not getting to go out.' There are plenty of ways, however, to safely give your cat experiences outside. 'I think being outdoors can be an amazing source of enrichment,' says Jennifer Van de Kieft, owner of Cat Advocate, a feline behavior consulting company. 'Most of what I see in my practice are behavior issues, and so much of it is related to just boredom. Boredom is stressful.' Allowing your cat outside so they can smell and see novel things—under supervision—can be a huge benefit to their overall well-being. I chatted with Valuska and Van de Kieft, as well as relied on my own expertise (as someone who has lived with cats for nearly four decades) to provide some insights into how you can indulge in your cat's natural desire to adventure outdoors while also minimizing risk. If you've thought about using a harness to allow your kitty to explore, look for one that's easy to put on your cat but difficult for them to get out of, like this Kitty Holster cat harness . When it comes to actually getting the harness on your cat's body, don't expect to simply place it on your cat and be ready to go within minutes, as you would with a dog. You'll need to be prepared to take things slow in order to successfully get them used to the idea of wearing one. Valuska notes that it may be easier to harness train a kitten than an adult cat, but either way: 'It's going to be really important to go at that cat's pace. You might have to start just by showing them the harness.' Van de Kieft echoes that it's all about breaking things down into baby steps and creating positive associations along the way. This means giving them treats when you show them the harness, or using any kind of positive reinforcement that they prefer; that could include brushing them, petting them or giving them playtime if they're not a treat-motivated cat. After reinforcing your cat's every interaction with the harness, you might want to just touch your cat with the harness, doing this on several different occasions and again pairing that with something positive. Once you're ready to try actually putting the harness on, do so for short intervals at a time, providing treats or other reinforcements along the way. Some cats will comfortably wear a harness in a couple days and others may need a few weeks or a month-plus to get there. The safest place for using a harness on your cat is within your own backyard or outdoor space, and you'll of course want to make sure any plants or flowers within reach are nontoxic to cats as well. While this still leaves them vulnerable to aerial predators, or even animals like coyotes that can make their way into your yard, if you're supervising them at all times that is much less likely to happen. Public spaces like parks come with additional risk, but if that's your only option, you'll just want to be vigilant. 'What I worry about if you're taking the cat into a park … is dogs that are not being properly supervised,' says Valuska. 'If you're going to do that, I think it's possible to still do it safely. You just have to be aware of the risks, and scanning at all times and really keeping that in mind—so that you're ready to act and get the cat up and with you away from a dog or any other terrestrial animal.' Bringing a carrier along with you if you're taking your cat beyond the confines of your home can also be valuable for added safety. Van de Kieft likes to use a carrier for several reasons: 'Maybe there's a big dog who's a little bit out of control. Getting your cat in a carrier and kind of having them in a safe space is so much better than your cat freaking out and maybe Houdini-ing out of the harness," she says. 'I really feel strongly about taking some kind of carrier with you that your cat's familiar with.' (I've had the EliteField carrier pictured below for years, and it's not only comfortable to carry but it has also held up very well after frequent use.) She recommends that instead of walking your cat out the door while wearing a harness, like you would a dog, that you instead place them in the carrier and then head off, taking them out of the carrier when you've reached your destination. This also allows them to have access to a safe space if, for instance, you're bringing them to a park and there's too much stimulation for their liking; they can always just retreat back to the carrier. Before giving your cat any access to the outdoors, even if it's just a private catio, you'll want to make sure they're up to date on their vaccines as well as on flea, tick and heartworm preventatives. (Most veterinarians will likely encourage you to keep them on these preventatives even if they're an indoor-only cat, as mosquitos, fleas and ticks can make their way inside your home too.) If you've adopted your pet from a shelter or rescue, your kitty will probably already be microchipped, but if they aren't, it's imperative to go ahead and get that done as well. If your cat ever gets lost, their finder can easily bring them to any local veterinarian or shelter to scan them for a microchip and ensure a safe return home. The Case For A Catio Truly committed cat guardians may want to consider installing a catio (that is, an enclosure for their cats) if they have adequate outdoor space to do so. 'I think the absolute safest option for cats to have outdoor access is some sort of fully enclosed catio,' says Valuska. 'That is going to keep them safe from any potential predators, and they're going to be close to you so you can supervise them at all times.' While one option is to hire a local business to build a custom catio, depending on how handy you are, you may want to craft one yourself; a variety of DIY catio plans are available across the internet. 'In an ideal catio, you would have vertical space, you would have hiding spots, comfortable resting spots, maybe scratching options,' says Van de Kieft. There are also plenty of premade options , from window perches if you're not working with a ton of space to larger, walk-in setups you can purchase from sites like Chewy. Is A Cat Stroller Right For You? Another option for giving your cat a taste of the outdoors without requiring them to walk around on the ground is a cat stroller. I use a stroller to take my cats to vet appointments, and it's a handy way to not only transport them longer distances by foot but also to let them view and smell the world around them while being enclosed in a safe space. While some of my cats have absolutely loved their stroller rides, others have been a little more hesitant or nervous. Van de Kieft corroborates this, noting that going outside isn't necessarily for every cat. As enthusiastic as some cat guardians may be to provide this experience to their pet, 'I think you really have to evaluate whether or not your cat's personality is a match for it,' she says. The Tavo Pets Maeve + Roscoe 3-In-1 Pet Stroller is a high-end option I love that doubles as a carrier and car seat. If you aren't yet sure if a stroller is for you and you don't want to invest too much in one, Pet Gear strollers are also quality products with a lower price tag. Whether you're taking them outside on a harness or in a stroller, be attuned to your cat's body language throughout the process to ensure that every step of the way is a positive experience for them. For instance, if they exhibit fearful-type behavior like dilated eyes, a stiff body with their tail tucked or hiding, don't force them to do anything further. On the other hand, if your cat seems excited, with their tail up and a loose body, you can feel comfortable continuing. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted home team covers a wide range of pet products, from litter boxes to the best cat food , as well as pet care topics, like how to make traveling with pets less stressful and guidance for keeping your dog comfortable on rainy days . Our tips and recommended products are expert- and editor-backed, to help our readers make the smartest decisions for their pets. Emmy Favilla , the author of this story and our monthly 'Pet Peeves' column, is a 20-year media veteran who has spent the last eight years professionally testing and reviewing products, including a variety of pet care items, from dog food delivery services to dog beds to toys. She has worked in a volunteer capacity with both cat and dog rescues and at New York City-based animal shelters for the greater part of the last 15 years, and has cared for dogs, cats and rabbits for most of her life. , the author of this story and our monthly 'Pet Peeves' column, is a 20-year media veteran who has spent the last eight years professionally testing and reviewing products, including a variety of pet care items, from to to toys. She has worked in a volunteer capacity with both cat and dog rescues and at New York City-based animal shelters for the greater part of the last 15 years, and has cared for dogs, cats and rabbits for most of her life. This piece was edited by TKTKT. We consulted Annie Valuska , PhD, principal scientist on Purina's pet behavior team with over 20 years of animal behavior experience. Valuska is also an animal shelter volunteer and board member at Friends of the Animal Shelter. She regularly shares animal behavior tips and guidance for pet guardians via TikTok and Instagram . , PhD, principal scientist on Purina's pet behavior team with over 20 years of animal behavior experience. Valuska is also an animal shelter volunteer and board member at Friends of the Animal Shelter. She regularly shares animal behavior tips and guidance for pet guardians via and . We also chatted with Jennifer Van de Kieft, CAFTP, FFCP, PNCC, owner of Cat Advocate , a feline behavior consulting company. She is certified in feline behavior and pet nutrition and provides cat guardians with the strategies, tools and knowledge needed to address their cat's behavior issues. Have a question for us? Email efavilla@ with the subject line 'Pet Peeves.'
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How To Minimize Pet Odors In Your Home
Welcome to Pet Peeves, a monthly series that aims to provide pet care solutions and expert advice for challenging scenarios that involve your beloved animal companions. Anyone who lives in a household with pets knows that keeping odors at bay is a never-ending challenge—from smelly litter boxes to dogs who just came in from a rainy-day walk to the occasional accident in the home. While the not-so-pleasant scents are a small price to pay for the unconditional love your furry friend provides, dealing with them can be frustrating and time-consuming. With the right products on hand, though, minimizing pet odors immediately becomes less of a headache-inducing struggle. As someone who has lived with dozens of dogs, cats and rabbits throughout my life, I've done my fair share of cleaning up messes, including learning which tactics and products are the best pet odor eliminators for various jobs. And with summer on the horizon, as temperatures rise, unpleasant scents may be heightened; you'll want to be especially prepared in order to keep your home clean, smelling fresh and comfortable for guests. I also chatted with two veterinarians, Dr. Zonram Liao, with Sunshine Veterinary Care in California, and Dr. Lisa Lippman, with Bond Vet in New York, about how to ensure anything you're using is pet-safe—plus what sort of odors may warrant medical advice from your vet. One of the quickest and easiest ways to cover up lingering pet odors is to use an air deodorizer or another scented product like a candle. But if you go this route, 'pet safety should be a top priority,' says Dr. Liao. 'Some ingredients commonly found in these products can be harmful to pets, especially essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint and citrus, which can be toxic if inhaled or ingested.' Artificial fragrances and aerosol sprays can also be irritating to your cat's or dog's respiratory system. If you tend to turn to scented candles, choose ones made from soy or beeswax with nontoxic scents and cotton wicks, advises Dr. Lippman. If you prefer air fresheners, go for water-based and non-aerosol products, and make sure you always use them in a well-ventilated area. One of my favorite candle brands is One Fur All Pet House Candles (the lavender green tea scent is my top pick), whose candles have a long burn time for an affordable price and actually are effective at mitigating pet odors. West Coast Candle Company is another option for those who prefer a more minimalist-looking candle. Additionally, these Arm & Hammer deodorizing gel beads, which use baking soda to neutralize odors, get rave reviews for their effectiveness. Sometimes a scented product is no match for stronger or consistent odors, and you may also want to address the source of the smell before it becomes an issue. If you have a cat, the litter box is likely a primary source of odor, even if you clean it regularly. For those willing to make a long-term investment, a self-cleaning litter box does a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of controlling the mess (and the smells) that come along with your kitty doing their business. These can be pricey, though, and if you're not yet ready to spring for a high-ticket item, there are still plenty of simple ways to ensure your litter boxes and the surrounding areas are clean and sanitized. First, look at the litter you're using. Dr. Liao says that 'strong artificial fragrances can deter cats from using the box,' so to decrease the likelihood of accidents, opt for unscented clumping litter. Our editors recommend Dr. Elsey's Ultra as the best kitty litter overall based on long-term testing; senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold has been using it for eight years as her go-to. For a natural kitty litter, we like sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat Natural Clumping Wheat Cat Litter, an especially great choice for multi-cat households. Litter box liners and mats can help to contain messes, too, and it's smart to keep litter boxes in well-ventilated areas. Dr. Lippman recommends washing the entire box with warm, soapy water at least once a month. I've also found Skout's Honor Litter Box Deodorizer to be effective at neutralizing smells in between cleanings, and I spritz the litter with this spray every time I clean. As an even simpler (and still pet-safe) option, you can also sprinkle a little baking soda on the litter to absorb odors. If your cat is having accidents outside the litter box, an enzyme cleaner for cat urine is essential, since this type of odor eliminator works to break down odors rather than just mask them. I like Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator, which works well for dog accidents too. But more importantly, if your cat is urinating outside of their litter box, contact your veterinarian to determine if a medical or behavioral issue is at play. (And if they are an intact male cat, you want to make sure they're neutered as soon as possible; unneutered male cats often spray urine to mark their territory.) Unlike cats, who typically do an efficient job at grooming themselves without needing much human intervention, dogs require a little more effort to stay clean. Most dogs will benefit from a bath every four to six weeks, says Dr. Lippman, using a gentle, pet-specific shampoo; she and Dr. Liao both note that oatmeal-based formulas are especially good for sensitive skin. Our editors recommend this Buddy Wash shampoo, or this DermAllay option for an oatmeal shampoo. Because I let my dogs sleep in my bed and on other furniture, I also make sure their paws and butt are clean after they've come in from a walk. I like to use these Earth Rated unscented dog wipes so there isn't anything lingering around after they've done their business. (The wipes are great for freshening up my pups' coats in between baths too.) I also regularly use this Nature's Miracle Laundry Boost when washing my bedding for extra protection against both stains and odors—I've used it for years now, and it has never let me down. 'Certain persistent or strong pet odors can indicate underlying health issues,' says Dr. Liao. For instance, while the occasional bad-smelling stool is normal, if your pet's poop is chronically foul-smelling, he says, it could be a sign of digestive issues, food intolerance or infections, especially if you notice a change in consistency. Make sure to check in with your vet if this is the case. A specific odor to look out for is a pungent fishy smell, which 'often means the anal glands are full and need to be expressed,' he adds. In my experience, this odor is often much stronger and more common in dogs, but cats can also experience anal gland issues. This may be accompanied by scooting (dragging their bottom across the floor) or licking excessively, and you should see a veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms so they can be addressed accordingly. Something I've found helpful for this issue, which my American bully Gizmo experiences often, are these Glandex soft chews, formulated with fiber and probiotics. I give them to my dog daily, and they seem to work well at combatting the problem. And while regular baths should help keep your pup smelling fresh and feeling comfortable, if you notice a persistent musty, yeasty or foul smell from their coat, this could indicate a bacterial or fungal infection, allergies or seborrhea, says Dr. Liao: 'Watch for signs of itching and changes in skin color to accompany this, especially if bathing doesn't resolve the issue,' and contact your vet. Zonram Liao, DVM, is a Southern California-based veterinarian who currently practices at Sunshine Veterinary Care. He grew up in Los Angeles and returned home after veterinary school to give back to his community; during the pandemic, he launched a pet supplement company to help pet parents when vet visits were scarce. He uses social media to educate and spread positivity in the veterinary field, remaining a pillar of support for people and pets in his Lippman, DVM, is a New-York based veterinarian and director of virtual medicine at Bond Vet who earned her degree in veterinary medicine at Western University of Health Sciences. She also sits on the board of Animal Lighthouse Rescue, whose mission is to help the homeless dogs of Puerto Rico, and is the co-host of podcast We Don't Deserve Dogs. She has been featured as a veterinary expert on Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, Inside Edition and Favilla, the author of this story, is a 20-year media veteran who has spent the last eight years professionally testing and reviewing products, including a variety of pet-care items, from dog food delivery services to dog beds to toys. She has worked in a volunteer capacity with both cat and dog rescues and at New York City-based animal shelters for the greater part of the last 15 years, and has cared for dogs, cats and rabbits for most of her a question for us? Email efavilla@ with the subject line 'Pet Peeves.'
