Living in the United Kingdom, we often revel in the beauty of our surroundings; busy neighbourhoods and friendly communities. However, for cat owners, there's a hidden danger - the risk of our beloved feline getting hit by a car. In this blog post, we'll delve into the factors that contribute to this risk and introduce a practical solution: cat fencing.
Understanding the Risk
- Traffic Density in the UK: The United Kingdom has a dense network of roads and traffic, which inevitably poses a risk to outdoor cats. Understanding the likelihood of your cat encountering traffic is crucial in taking proactive measures to ensure their safety. A recent report from PetPlan revealed that approximately 230,000 cats are run over each year, equating to 630 every day, and that 35% of drivers admit to having hit a cat.
- Nocturnal Wanderings: Cats are crepuscular by nature, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. Unfortunately, this aligns with peak traffic times, increasing the chances of an accidental collision.
- Curiosity and Exploration: Cats are naturally curious creatures, often drawn to exploring their surroundings. While this is a healthy behavior, it can lead them into potentially dangerous situations, especially near roads.
What are the chances of a cat getting hit by a car?
Approximately 4% of veterinary appointments for cats are attributed to injuries sustained in road traffic collisions. Cats face an increased risk of injury under certain conditions, such as having black fur, making them less conspicuous to drivers. Additionally, cats under two years of age, who are less experienced in crossing roads, and unneutered cats, which are more prone to roaming, are at a higher risk of being involved in such incidents.
The Solution: Cat Fencing
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Creating a Safe Outdoor Haven: Cat fencing provides a secure outdoor environment for your cat or clowder of cats. By enclosing your garden or yard with cat-proof fencing or a catio, you give your cat the freedom to explore without the risks associated with traffic.
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Preventing Unwanted Intruders: Cat fencing not only keeps your cat safe but also prevents unwanted intruders, such as other animals or strays, from entering your cat's territory. This reduces the likelihood of cat fights and the spread of diseases.
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Easy Installation and Maintenance: Modern cat fencing solutions are designed with ease of installation and maintenance in mind. Choose from a variety of options, including DIY kits or professional installation services, to create a custom solution that suits your needs.
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Built To Last: All ProtectaPet components undergo rigorous testing and trialing, using the highest-quality materials to ensure quality and longevity in use.
Conclusion:
As responsible cat owners, it's our duty to provide a safe and enriching environment for our feline companions. With the increased risk of cats getting hit by cars in the UK, investing in cat fencing is a practical and effective solution. By doing so, you not only protect your cat from potential harm but maintain happy relationships with neighbours. Take the proactive step today to ensure your cat's safety and enjoy peace of mind knowing they can explore the outdoors in a secure and controlled environment.