Letting stray cat outside
One of my cats, Yeti, was a stray. He lived outside for a year or so, we think, before we were forced to take him in because of an injury. He was quarantined for 6 months. After that period, he seemed to have adjusted, so we kept him in. Recently, after 2 years, he has gotten out a few times. I have always been able to bring him back in, but I think he is really missing being outside. I brought him out on a harness recently, and he broke out of it (he has a lot of fur, so I apparently didn't put the harness on tight enough, but he had to pull hard and fast), and after bringing him back in, he just hasn't been the same. He seems so sad. He isn't acting as he used to. So, I am considering letting him out. My question is not whether or not to let him out, as that is a raging debate in itself. The question is, what could be the ramifications to my other two cats, who I intend to leave as indoor-only because they are both extremely skittish and I don't believe they would do well with automobiles and any other sudden noises. I'm concerned about fleas/ticks, diseases, and just their well-being, as they will be watching him from the inside. Do I try to make Yeti happy (even though I'd rather he were happy inside), or should I try to keep the status quo, so that I don't end up opening a can of worms with the other two cats? |
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Dog limping after jumping on owner
About a week ago when I came home from work I let my dog (2yo female neutered German Shepherd) Sophie out of her kennel and she jumped up on me(as she always does)to greet me and her right foot was caught in my sweater for just a few seconds. Later on in the day I noticed she was favoring that foot or leg. She doesn't whine or yelp like she has pain, but she has been limping for a week now. What could she have done to her leg? A sprain maybe? I touch up and down from shoulder to foot and it doesn't seem to bother her. Please help me. She wants to play with my other German Shepherd and I don't know what to do or what is wrong.Thanks for your time.
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