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The Outdoor Cat

More Ways to a Safe Outdoor Experience

By Franny Syufy, About.com

Outdoor Pen by GalensGranny

This is an inexpensive, hand-crafted pen for feline outdoor experience

GalensGranny

A Personal Carrier

Soon after adopting our kitten, Billy, we decided we'd like to make him our "travelling cat," and to that end, purchased a personal vest-style carrier, called "Pet Pocket 2," manufactured by Global Pet Products. We bought the basic version, with a black mesh "pocket" that comfortably held Billy safely with a drawstring adjustment and a metal clip that attaches to his harness. Billy accompanied us on several outings, and became quite accustomed to being 'oohed' and 'aaahd' at by strangers.

The PetPocket 2 is not intended to be used as a car carrier, because of the hazard of air bags. However car seats for pet travel are available in some large pet supply stores.

Wheeled Walker or Stroller

TheKittywalk Stroller provides both a durable nylon netting "cage" so kitty can enjoy the outdoor experience, and a water-resistant canva shade for protection from the sun. The Wheel Away converts to a backpack, car carrier, and bed.

Outdoor Enclosures

For cats who would prefer to "free-roam" (within limits), outdoor enclosures are ideal.They can be built from scratch, with your own or purchased plans, or assembled as modular enclosures.

Feline Funhouses provide a roomy enclosure suitable for patio, balcony, or deck, using black nylon mesh netting for fresh air, sunshine and view.

The outdoor enclosure pictured above was constructed by GalensGranny of About Cats Forum fame. You can find more photos here, along with links for more DIY Outdoor Enclosures.

Your experiences may vary with any or all of these means of providing a safe outdoor experience for your cats, but I think you've been given enough alternatives here to get you started. Your feedback, as always, is appreciated.

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