Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats (Repost) (article) by Mr. Ed on AuthorsDen

Dangers Abound

After Reading AD Author Susan Spark�s

Tragic and Heartfelt story about her beloved cat, Kittmandu,

I felt compelled to re-post this article.

Having worked in animal shelters and having live-trapped feral felines, I�ve seen first hand the horrific tragedies that can befall an outdoor cat.

I�ve seen brutalized cats missing eyes and limbs; I�ve seen burned cats, victims of someone�s childish pranks or viciousness; and I�ve seen cats riddled with disease, fleas, and mange.

In my opinion, the outdoor dangers far outweigh the advantages of letting cats roam free.

Vehicular Traffic: It is a myth that cats are �street savvy.� I�ve personally seen many dead cats needlessly run down on our streets and highways.

Other Animals: A cat is usually no match for a dog or a raccoon in a brawl. Coyotes are increasingly turning to felines as a new food source since their normal food sources are rapidly declining.

Cruel Humans: Cat hating humans do all sorts of vile things to torture felines; including setting rat poison out for them, shooting them, and setting them on fire with gasoline.

Outdoor Hazards: Chemically treated lawns present health risks to felines that spend a lot of time on them, and antifreeze, which drips from many vehicles, is often relished by parched street animals. Antifreeze is extremely poisonous to all animals.

Disease: Outdoor cats can catch rabies, feline leukemia, or feline immunodeficiency virus from other outdoor animals.

Parasites: Outdoor cats will inevitably become infested with fleas, ticks, and other nasty little parasites. These parasites can eventually kill them or at least induce unnecessary suffering and infections; and these parasites can also infest your home when your outdoor cat briefly comes indoors.

The latest feline addition to my household was a tiny feral that I live-trapped. She was riddled with fleas, and had severe eye and respiratory infections. Tuffy is now healthy, happy, and living indoors.

Hunting Small Critters: Your well-fed outdoor pet cat will still hunt even though it does not need the food; it�s just following its natural instinct. I would rather let my cats �hunt� indoor toys than chipmunks, salamanders, squirrels, and lovely little song birds.

Lifespan: Statistics reveal that homeless cats, or cats kept outdoors, have an average life span of 2 to 5 years, while cats that are kept indoors can live to be well over 17 years old.

As a responsible cat owner, you must make the right choice for your furry feline friends, as I think I did for mine.

For more information on this subject, please visit the Humane Society webpage listed below:

Web Site: The Humane Society of the United States

Reviewed by Claywoman (Reader)

Reviewed on June 16, 2004

the guys I live with have two cats, and orange tabby named Cosita, and a black and white named Sprocket. Cosita was once an outdoor cat but because they once lived in an apartment, Cosita became an indoor cat. However since we've moved to the house, Cosita keeps trying to sneak out the door, he's managed twice so far. the first time, we discovered a hole under the house where the cat decided to play the whole day. As you can imagine, this 'hole' is for someone who is very skinny and likes crawling around with black widows and other assorted and nasty stuff. Cosita was caught early that evening when he decided he was hungry and came out to snack on the doggie crunchies! The second time was today and boy, was he pissed when he discovered his 'hole' was plugged and he had no place to go!

He sits and waits for his opportunity to get himself killed on the busy highway we have out in front of the house. and I'm afraid I will lose a great bed pal that won't let me go to sleep until I've petted him for at least a half an hour!

Both cats are miffed because the guys brought home two puppies. They didn't seem to mind the small one, since Sprocket could dominate that one, but they brought home Tasha, a Rottie/Border Collie Mix...Now Sprocket has taken up total residence under my bed from which you can here kitty growls anytime the dogs should even think of coming into or passing my room! what I need is valium...anyone have a few extra?

Reviewed by Susan Sparks (Reader)

Reviewed on June 10, 2004

Ed, as you know, I've painfully learned my lesson about letting my cats outdoors. My new kitty, when I get him, will only be let out on the back patio, which is enclosed with no way to escape (at least not for Kittmandu--a little kitten might be able to squeeze through the gap in the gate.) We're installing a pet door on the back door so he can freely go in and out. Kittmandu loved being out there--the patio is quite big and also covered. He even went outside when it was raining. The neighbor's back yard adjoins our back patio, so my new kitty will be able to watch birds, etc. Just won't be able to roll in the grass. Thanks for posting this.

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Reviewed on June 9, 2004

Thanks for sharing Ed!!

I feel like those cats locked up...and home alone Geesh!!

Love Tinky-Pooh-Cat

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

Reviewed on June 8, 2004

good advice in this informative write! my cats were all indoor cats, but i would let them outside only if i was watching them. i made sure my cats didn't get into trouble; and if they did, i was not far behind to rescue them!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :(

Reviewed by George Carroll

A wonderful informative write.