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Humane Education
The Indoor vs. Outdoor Debate
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. |
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