Sometimes those of us who are owned by cats feel guilty about making them stay indoors. However, the fact is that indoor cats live longer and healthier lives, and indoor cats can be perfectly happy as long as you provide a stimulating environment for them.
Here are some really good reasons why you should consider keeping your cats indoors:
- Diseases – Cats who roam outside are more likely to get infectious diseases such as feline leukemia (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline distemper, and a variety of zoonotic diseases and parasites.
- Predators – Even though cats are prey animals, they are fairly low on the food chain and can easily become prey to coyotes, hawks, dogs and other predators. Even with a full set of claws, outdoor cats are at a disadvantage when they encounter predators, and declawed cats are at even greater risk.
- Car Wars – Cars kill more cats per year than the number of cats that are killed in U.S. animal shelters. Cats in crowded cities are at the greatest risk, but even cats in more rural areas are not safe, and are typically not as “car savvy’ as cats who live in urban areas.
- Lost and Abused – Even though accidents happen, indoor cats have a much better chance of never getting lost or stolen. Sadly, outdoor cats are often a target for cat haters and abusers.
- Exercise – Keeping cats indoors doesn’t mean that cats can’t exercise! While it’s true that a cat usually REALLY owns it’s person, it’s up to us as their minions to provide a stimulating environment with plenty of cat trees, window perches and scratchers. Playtime is important and it is also a wonderful way for cat and their human to bond.
Are your cats indoor cats, or do you let them out? What are your reasons for letting them outside?
Call Paws Pet Care Pet Sitting, Dog Walking and CAT sitting at 502-802-5052 or visit us online to find the PAWfect way to pamper your kitty INDOORS with our award winning cat sitting services. We’ll put your kitty at ease every time!
By Betheny Buster, Chief Motherpupper
Owner at Paws Pet Care Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
Founder and Director of My Dog Eats First
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