views the best pictures
Sphynx cat is strictly an INDOOR cat. Most hairless cat owners will keep their companion indoors with them all the time, as they recognise that the world outdoors can be a very dangerous place for the Sphynx cat. If you do want to take your Sphynx outside, you should be careful to supervise him or her at all times and preferably put it on a harness or leash so as to avoid any dangers.
Outdoor Threats
Theft - One of the biggest threats to a hairless cat from going outside comes from the hands of other humans. Because Sphynx cats are so rare, unique and valuable, there is a risk that they will be stolen.
Cars - There is also the possibility that your Sphynx's curiosity about motor vehicles could lead them to being in the wrong place at the wrong time and getting run over. This is a truly tragic situation that you should avoid at all costs.
Children - Children are not always gentle or kind to animals, and unfortunately some of them can downright cruel. The boldness and friendliness of a Sphynx cat means that they are not shy about introducing themselves to the children in the neighbourhood and there is always the possibility that these kids will be abuse or mistreat the loving Sphynx. The unusual appearance of the hairless cat is not likely to endear itself to children and it could make the Sphynx the object of ridicule and harm.
Unexpected threats - There are many other dangers in the outside world that have the potential to injure or even kill a pet. Broken fences can get hooked on the animals collar leading to scratches or strangulation. Rubbish (such as broken glass or tins) can injure the animal, particularly if they are trying to get food out of a receptacle and then they get their head stuck.
Other cats and dogs - Cats and dogs can be very territorial, especially if there is food or young involved. If your Sphynx happens to stray into someone else's territory, then it is very possibly that the resident pets will attack it. Attack from another cat or a dog can result in scratches, cuts to the eyes or ears, abscesses and even death.
Attacks from Wild Animals - Depending on the neighbourhood where you live, there may be wild animals living outdoors that pose a serious threat to your Sphynx cat. Foxes, coyotes, snakes, squirrels, bears and hedgehogs have traditionally lived on the outskirts of towns and cities, but they are gradually making their way into the more suburban area in search of food and shelter. This is a huge risk to domestic pets.
Collection by Animal Welfare - An animal welfare agency may be called in to collect your Sphynx if it is found on someone else's property or wandering around the public streets. This can put a great deal of stress on the animal, and you if you are unable to find it. There is also the risk that if your hairless cat is not able to be identified, then the authority may put it to sleep if it is not collected within a particular time period.
Poisons - There are several elements in the outside world that pose a risk of poisoning your Sphynx if they are eaten. These include:
- Fertilisers - your neighbours or local park authority may use poisonous fertilisers on their gardens which can be poisonous if consumed by a cat.
- Pest control - Some pest control methods include poisons and traps which kill rodents. If your Sphynx finds a rodent that has been poisoned and it eats it, then this poison can also enter the body of the Sphynx. This is known as secondary poisoning.
- Antifreeze - Antifreeze products containing ethanol glycol are so poisonous that even a small amount can kill a large cat very quickly. The worst thing is that these products are have a sweet smell and taste that animals find very appealing. In some neighbourhoods it might be quite easy for a Sphynx to sniff out these products in a neighbour's garage.
- Cocoa Mulch - Cocoa mulch can also be lethal if ingested by a pet.
- De-icing salts - Ice and snow melting salts can irritate the cat's paws as well as being poisonous if ingested. If your Sphynx does go out into snow which you suspect may have been salted, then you should immediately wash and dry its paws thoroughly.
Ideally, hairless cat should stay in the home with you and the family. The Sphynx cat is unable to recognise the potential hazards of the outdoor environment, and due to its naturally inquisitive nature, this can be a recipe for disaster. The outdoor dangers can even be life threatening for the Sphynx.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_D
No comments:
Post a Comment