Keeping Cats Indoors

Imagine a sick cat. Many people don't realize the daily hazards that outdoor cats face. The average life expectancy of a free-roaming cat is less than five years, while indoor cats commonly live to 12 - 20 years. Cats who roam are in constant danger from:

Cars: Millions of cats are run over by cars annually. In colder climates, cats may crawl into car engines to get warm and are killed or maimed when the car is started.

Disease: In addition to rabies, outdoor cats risk exposure to fatal diseases such as feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). While vaccines are available for some diseases, they are not 100 percent effective. A vaccine for FIV is not available.

Injuries: Abscesses, broken limbs, disease, torn ears, scratched eyes, internal injuries, parasites, and death can result from encounters with dogs, other cats, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, hawks, and owls.

Human Cruelty: Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for animal shelters and veterinarians to have to treat cats who have been shot, stabbed, or set on fire.

Overpopulation: Cats who have not been spayed or neutered are the greatest cause of cat overpopulation. As a result, millions of cats must be euthanized each year because there are not enough homes for them.

Parasites: Outdoor cats suffer from debilitating parasites such as ear mites, fleas, ticks, and worms.

Poisons and Traps: Pesticides, rodenticides, and antifreeze poison and kill thousands of outdoor cats yearly. Cats may be caught in traps set for furbearing animals.

Inclement Weather: Outside cats suffer from extreme weather conditions and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, fires, and tornadoes.

Keeping Cats Indoors Is Good For Birds. Isn't it natural for cats to kill birds? No! Cats are not native to North America or many other parts of the world. Our wildlife did not evolve with this abundant and efficient predator, and thus have few defenses against them. Millions of animals may be killed each year by outdoor, pet cats in the U.S. Stray and feral cats add to the toll.

The Truth About Cats and Wildlife.

* Even well-fed cats kill wildlife. This is because cats are born predators and the urges to hunt and eat are controlled by different parts of their brain.*

Belled cats kill wildlife. Cats quickly learn to silently stalk their prey. Wild animals don't necessarily know a ringing bell means danger.* Once caught by a cat, few small animals survive the ordeal. Even if the animal escapes, infection from a cat's teeth or claws, or internal injury usually result in death.

Tips for Happy Indoor Cats.

Kittens who are kept indoors from the start usually show no desire to go outside as adults. With patience and time, most outdoor cats can become happy indoor pets. The following tips will help:

* Play with your cat for at least 15 minutes each day. Paper bags and cardboard boxes provide places to play when your cat is alone.

* Provide window shelves and bird feeders to keep your indoor cat entertained.

* Give your cat a nutritious diet, including constant access to clean water.

* If your cat must go outside, train him to wear a harness and leash or provide a safe outside enclosure such as a screened porch or cat run.

* Plant kitty grass in indoor pots so your cat can safely graze.

* Keep the litter box clean.

Indoor cats can slip out, so remember to:

* Spay or neuter your kitten as early as eight weeks old, before it can breed. Your cat will be healthier and won't contribute to the overpopulation problem.

* Attach an ID tag to your pet's collar or get a microchip implanted containing your contact information.

* Provide routine veterinary care, including an annual check up and vaccinations.

Cat ownership is a responsibility, so please do your part. For the Sake of Cats, Wildlife and People:

Never abandon cats. If you are transferred and can't take your cat with you, find a good home or contact a veterinarian or local humane society for help. Do not feed stray cats this only increases the cat overpopulation problem. Take them to a local shelter or call your base animal control officer for help.