Please Keep Your Cats Inside!, danger to outdoor cats Options

[Ken Albin]

This may be somewhat graphic and I apologize for that, but I feel that I need to share this with those who have cats outside.

I teach high school Anatomy. Most of my students plan on pursuing a medical career. Part of our curriculum involves an extensive dissection of cats that have been euthanized at various shelters. These cats would wind up in landfills otherwise so at least they are providing a learning platform for future doctors and vets. I would imagine that many of these cats were rounded up from neighborhoods by animal control when people complained. These appear to be your typical cats who people feed outdoors.

This term we found that two of the cats had been shot. One had a pellet lodged in his hind leg. Another cat had a .22 bullet in her back. Both wounds had healed over, though there were signs of systemic infection. That was probably the reason why they were euthanized instead of being treated and then adopted.

If you have outdoor cats please consider bringing them in. There are a lot of cruel people in this world who do not hesitate to inflict pain upon any animal who comes into their yard. I have heard the argument that cats belong outdoors and are only happy there. I can only tell you that we have 9 indoor cats who are extremely happy. Most of ours are semi-feral and were trapped before being domesticated. Yes, it did take a lot of effort, scratches, and time for us to tame several of these guys but I am convinced that with patience and effort almost any cat can be acclimated to a happy life indoors.
Many people simply do not want to put forth the effort to do this. Even our Freddie, who to this day goes wild when we take him for a vet visit, is very happy inside. He sleeps next to me most nights and plays with the others. He will always be very shy and you have to pet him when he allows it but he has acclimated very well to home life.

My intention in writing this post is not to cause any dissention or hard feelings. Based upon what I have seen I know the hardships that cats can experience when they interact with some people outdoors. One of our cats, Daddy Cat, had a .22 bullet removed from his side by our vet when we took him to be initially checked out. Please consider taking the time to work with outdoor cats and bringing them inside. They will live happier and much safer lives.

[LoveThem]

Thanks, Ken. That's about what we are doing but it hasn't been a lot of time. Who knows what Lucky did for 2 years while abandoned? I don't expect him to listen to something new after only a couple of months but he just loves to challenge me..just like a kid.


Gillian: I believe people should do with their animals what they feel comfortable with and are willing to accept any consequences. Outside or inside...that is their choice and I would NEVER tell them not to do it. Just a note because of your reply...you might be interested in knowing when I was very young...I had a cat and we let him be outside. One day he was missing for 3 days. He came home with maggots in his head..apparently from being in a fight. My parents said we had to kill him because the maggots would eat his brain. I was the only one who could touch him and my father made me put him in a barrel that my father had attached a hose to from the car and I heard my cat frantically trying to escape while dying. I swore I would never have a cat outside again. I hate that reminder and I have never spoken of it until now but reading all your words about it is cruel to keep them inside...I decided to tell you my story.
That's why I never judge indoors or outdoors even though I see others have done so before in the forum. I also read where their cats were killed by other animals and again I don't say keep them inside. It is up to the owner. I wouldn't want anyone telling me what is best for my babies. I am comfortable with the choices I have made.