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Why Keep Your Cat Indoors?
From Karen A. Tucker
Telling a cat guardian that his or her cat should stay indoors often invokes such responses as, "But it's natural for a cat to go outside", "How could I deprive them of fresh air and sunshine?" or "Cat's aren't like dogs, they can take care of themselves".
The fact is, none of the above are a good reason. Cats allowed to roam freely often pay with their lives.
I should know. Growing up, we always had indoor/outdoor cats and I can name a very long list of cats - and dogs - who perished because of it. We had only one cat, Mysty, who died from natural causes and lived to what we considered the "old" age of 8.
I am now the proud Mom of four very content indoor cats and would never have it any other way. I love them far too much to lose them prematurely.
While the average outdoor or indoor/outdoor cat lives 2-3 years, an indoor only cat's average life is 12-15 years. The threats outside are many, whether you live in the city or on a secluded road in the country. Before you let your cat venture outside, please consider what she'll encounter.
Traffic: Most outdoor cats die from being hit by cars. Cats are not "streetwise" - they are intelligent, but stand little chance against a motor vehicle.
Disease: Two diseases that kill many cats each year are feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Both diseases are highly contagious and may cause death.
Other animals and predators: Other cats, dogs and wildlife (such as fisher cats and coyotoes) are dangerous and can kill or seriously injure a cat.
Poisoning: Poisons can be found on chemically treated lawns, bait left out to kill other animals and antifreeze.
Disturbed people: As a shelter volunteer, I can recall several terrible stories of cats being tortured by cruel people. An outdoor cat is also a likely target for those who steal animals to sell to research labs. Outside pets are at the mercy of the people that they meet.
Leghold traps: An estimated 100,000 cats are caught in traps each year. Those who aren't killed may suffer for long periods of time and often lose limbs.
Outdoor cats can also unwittingly cause problems for the environment around them:
Pet overpopulation: It is irresponsible to allow unaltered pets to breed, adding to pet overpopulation problems which result in millions of deaths annually.
Endangering wildlife: Not only is an outdoor cat's safety at risk, but other animal's lives are at risk as well. Outdoor and indoor/outdoor cats are responsible for killing millions of birds, mice, chipmunks and squirrels each year.
Cats can have a devastating affect on these wildlife popuplations, even while they're "just being cats". For example, Cats Magazine estimates 5 to 10 million song birds are killed by cats each year.
Indoor Cats Can Be Happy Cats
With some attention to what a cat likes and needs, you can create a home that keeps your cat active and happy. Most cats love to play and it keeps them healthy and fit.
Be sure to provide plenty of safe toys to keep your cat entertained. In addition to toys, cats may also enjoy games of chase, capturing non-toxic soap bubbles, or chasing light spots created with a flashlight or relective object. Most cats also thrive with other companions.
A cat's need to scratch and climb is very important. A sisal scratching post at least two feet high is essential. A floor to ceiling pole with perches or a kitty condo is even better.
Just because a cat will be staying indoors doesn't mean they should be declawed! Declawing is unnecessary, painful and above all inhumane. Provided with proper scratching facilities, most cats will happily leave your furniture alone.
So please, be kind to your cats (and area wildlife) by keeping them safely inside. With love, attention and plenty of playtime, indoor cats can be extremely happy, well adjusted members of your family. And you'll enjoy each others company for many years to come!
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