Indoor Cat or Outdoor Cat

Indoor Cat or Outdoor Cat?

Are you thinking about allowing your cat to go outside?

The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 15-18 years. For a cat allowed outdoors, the average lifespan is only 2-5 years. A cat who has never been outdoors will possibly never develop the urge to enter the outdoors. There are many dangers that can harm or kill an outdoor cat, there's also the danger that cats pose to birds and other prey animals, including endangered species. Free-roaming cats are superb predators who will kill many millions of songbirds and other feathered friends every year. If your cat goes outside, be prepared to deal with dead or worse, dying birds and small mammals (mice, voles, baby rabbits), snakes and other wounded creatures that your cat may leave on your doorstep or bring into your home.

For those who really want to give their cats the outdoor experience, without the risk of being run over. Cat-fencing or building an outdoor cat enclosure is ideal for those who need to let their cat outside. It doesn't have to be big, but it will keep your cat confined to their own safe area, out of danger from predators and you can find some great ideas on designs on the internet.

When your outdoor cat just doesn't come home one day, you may never know why, and you will only be able to hope his death was quick and painless. Worse than mentioned above. They could be sold for ransom back to the owner in pieces..
Or sold to..
Kitten mills
Fur trade
vivisection
dog baiting
The Urban Fox is also on the increase and may attack your cat along with any viscious domestic breed.
A cat was run over by a steam roller at the age of 1 year.
I helped to rescue a white Persian that had been skewered with a garden fork by a local because it ventured into his garden.
A youth chased a cat into someone's garden firing an air rifle and then proceeded to fire through the cat flap.
Some youths chase and batter them and worse.
Cats are skinned alive and they are chased as in fox hunting by people with terriers and torn to shreds. Some cultures still have cats on the menu. The news of the outside gets worse for the Cat...Or we are more aware of the dangers?
On the other side of the coin. Your neighbour may decide they like your new cat and keep it safely tucked away in their home denying any site of your cat.

Spaying/Neutering/Castration will stop your cat from getting any 'wandering bug' to find a mate and keep your premises clean. It will detract from attracting cats that are allowed to free roam marking your territory as theirs.

If you love your cat protect it as much as possible...Certain breeds of cat can be taught to walk on a Harness/leash. This is a good idea for those that really feel their cat needs an off premises experience. Never forget... You may love your cat but the neighbours may have other ideas and will not take kindly to cats on their prize Dahlias.
Copyright © 2009 Showkitty.co.uk. All rights reserved.