The Myth ofThe Outdoor Cat
HE GOOD NEWS IS THAT CATSdon’t need to wander to leadfulfilling lives. The bad news is thatmany cat caregivers believe the opposite.Free-roaming cats get a dangerous tradeoff:freedom to roam in exchange for the vastlyincreased likelihood of a premature, painful death.The Humane Society of the United Statesestimates that the average lifespan of a free-roamingcat is about three years, compared to 12–18 yearsfor the average indoor-only cat. Even cats in “safe”suburban neighborhoods can meet untimely fatesand never return home.Safely confined cats avoid these hazards:
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TRAFFIC.
Collisions with cars and othervehicles are common killers. It is a myth that cats are“streetwise” about cars. Cats are intelligent and alertbut, like most other animals, stand little chance againstfast-moving vehicles.
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DISEASES.
Rabies and otherdiseases that canbetransmitted to humans are a serious public healthconcern. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, as many as 15 percent of sick cats are infected with feline leukemia or felineimmunodeficiency virus (FIV)—and many catshave both. These viruses are fatal and transmittedthrough contact with other cats.
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POISONS.
Poisons exist on chemically treatedlawns, in bait left out to kill rats or mice, and inauto antifreeze—which has an appealing taste—that leaks from cars.
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OTHER ANIMALS.
Other cats, dogs, and wildpredators such as coyotes, raccoons, and foxes arepotential enemies of cats and often engage in fightsthat leave cats injured or dead. Outdoor cats cansuffer torn ears, cut eyes, abscesses, and otherinjuries requiring costly veterinary treatment.
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CRUEL PEOPLE.
Many shelter workers seecats who have been burned, poisoned, or otherwisetortured by disturbed children and adults.
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