Help
You can reduce the risk by:
- Using a collar with an identification tag
- Having your cat microchipped
- Considering a GPS tracker for cats that frequently roam
- Providing safe opportunities for outdoor exploration
2. The Mating Instinct
If a cat has not been spayed or neutered, hormones can strongly influence its behavior.
Cats may leave home in search of a mate, particularly during mating periods.
Male cats are especially likely to travel considerable distances when searching for females.
Unfortunately, roaming increases the risk of:
- Getting lost
- Being injured
- Fighting with other animals
- Being exposed to infectious diseases
- Getting involved in traffic accidents
Spaying or neutering your cat, when recommended by a veterinarian, can help reduce roaming behavior.
3. Conflict With Other Animals
Cats are highly territorial.
If another cat enters their territory, particularly an aggressive or dominant cat, your cat may decide that leaving is safer than fighting.
Dogs and
