Keeping Cats Inside

Lenawee Humane Society

705 W. Beecher St.

Adrian, MI 49221

Phone: 517-263-3463

Fax: 517-265-3837

Email: ilovepets@tc3net.com

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KEEPING CATS INDOORS:
HUMANE PRACTICE OR PRISON SENTENCE?

Many of us who love our cats feel it is an inherent right of a cat to roam outdoors, to explore the natural environment his ancestors ultimately came from. It seems cruel to some owners to deprive their cats of this freedom.

But if an owner truly loves his cat, he must also consider the danger this freedom imposes. Most cat lovers agree that the danger owners subject their outdoor cats to is a greater cruelty than that of confining the cats indoors. The average life span of an outdoor cat is four years, while the average for an indoor cat is 16.

Cats allowed outdoors are highly susceptible to disease. One of the greatest risks is contracting contagious diseases like Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). There is not vaccine yet to help prevent FIV, and the immunization against Feline Leukemia, like any vaccine, is never guaranteed 100% effective. Both diseases are always fatal. Cats allowed outdoors can also contract respiratory viruses that require veterinary care.

In suburban areas, cats allowed outdoors also face the dangers of traffic, insects, spilled antifreeze, other domestic animals, and unfriendly neighbors. Don't forget, too, the unpleasant "friends" a cat can bring into the house from outdoors, including rodents, fleas and ear mites.

To ensure a healthy, happy indoor cat, try to bring the "outdoors" to him. A kitty condo or climbing tree helps the indoor cat explore his sense of adventure. Scratching posts and toys such as cardboard boxes, empty paper bags, and laundry baskets provide great fun for curious indoor cats. Many attentive cat owners provide a perch near a window overlooking a bird feeder, where cats can spend hours watching the action.

Making sure an indoor cat gets enough exercise is very important. Toys like hanging catnip toys consisting of a fishing rod-like design with a stuffed "mouse" at the end (available at the Lenawee Humane Society), is one of the most popular toys on the market. Taking the time to play with your cat daily will keep him both stimulated and in shape.

It may take up to a few weeks before a cat adjusts to life indoors, during which time an owner may have to endure a little crying and pacing. However, once the transition is made, the owner can enjoy peace of mind that his cat will live not only a life that is safer, but also one that can be just as exciting and fulfilling as the life of an outdoor cat.

15 REASONS TO KEEP YOUR CAT INDOORS

Cats are less likely to be hit by a car when crossing the living room than when crossing the street.
You're less likely to bite your cat than are free-roaming animals.
Your cat is less likely to get rabies from you than from free-roaming animals.
You are not as likely to have fleas, fungus or worms as are free-roaming animals.
You won't transmit fatal, contagious diseases like Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
There is little chance of your cat's leg getting caught in a steel-jaw trap in your living room.
When it is ten o'clock at night, you'll know where your cat is.
Birds will like your cat better.
Crotchety neighbors will like your cat better.
Cats sleep most of the time anyway.
Your cat will never come home looking like something the cat dragged in.
It will be more difficult for people to steal your cat.
Your cat will not disappear as often.
You will never have to bail your cat out of the local shelter.
Cats live longer, happier lives.