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.

[goliath]

Hi Ken..............LOL I loved your list of "things to do" to occupy your furry kids indoors. I know it brings me great happiness and joy to play with my furry kids.

What you said in your first suggestion made me laugh pretty hard. Those youngins definately have the prize for being little pests and send their over abundance of energy all around them. One of the reasons we are considering a new and young addition to our family is that since my Goliath passed away my Gidget isn't nearly as active as she was. We hope a new youngin in the house will put a little pep in her step.

Also in your 4th suggestion I loved the idea of playing with the laser. It is fun for both a furbaby as well ourselves to engage in lots of playtime. They stay healthier and happier and so do we.

When I kittysit next door for Brunis and Cherokee we play the whole time I am there. I use a flashlight that they love to chase around. When they get tired of the flashlight both of them like to get into my yarn. I don't get much knitting done when I am over there. But I sure get a lot of fun and pleasure out of the time spent with them.

Thanks Ken for your deep and true caring of others as well as the suggestions you offered.