Here's a big controversy: should your cat be indoors or out? Contrary to what most vets will tell you, I believe cats should be allowed outside. I have two cats of my own and I know they are much happier being able to play outside. On the other hand, they come home with worms and scratches from other animals. But still, whenever I see cats who are kept indoors, they are always looking remorsefully out a window and trying to escape every time a door opens. Anything can happen to your cat while it is outside, but there are ways to keep Fluffy safe and happy:

*Get a fence. That's my best suggestion. There are contraptions you can put on your fence so the cat can't jump over. You can find those in pet catologues.

*Get a leash and harness. Careful though! I know someone who leashed his cat to a tree only to come how and find it had strangled itself to death! But I like to take my cats outside on leashes and let them wander around as I follow.