OUTSIDE CAT OWNERS!!
PLEASE READ: On June 3rd of 2023 I was finally on my way to get my first kitten, but I ended up leaving that house with two instead. Since that day everything about my life changed, my morning routine changed for the better, my mood was brighter, I watched them fall in love with me while I fell in love with them. They gave me a whole new purpose in life, and the ability to see more good in other things in life because all I see is good in them. I think it’s obvious animals deserve a lot more than us humans do. They’re pure, loving, a companion and a friend. I couldn’t imagine where I’d be physically and mentally if I didn’t have them laying by my side every night, or running to the front door when I get home from work. I had a crisis moment one time by letting my self believe that what I was providing them wasn’t enough, that I’m too young to be a cat mom and that they’re unhappy because they’re home alone for at least 8 hours 5 days a week. I reminded myself of their living situation before hand and then I thought about all the cats on the street, all the ones in the woods, and then ones being dropped off on the side of the road no longer wanted or loved. The little things you do for your pets matter.
My downstairs neighbor leaves one of her cats inside and the other outside 85% of the time. It’s summer in New Jersey and right now it’s over 80 degrees out. I can’t fathom the type of people who leave their pets, their friend and companion outside on the hot side walk crying to go inside. Our pets cannot communicate with us they way we communicate with each other. They could be telling us a million different things, she may be crying because it’s too hot outside, or they’re too hungry, or too thirsty, or afraid of something, or hurt themselves or they simply just want some love from their owner. Having a cat is like having a kid, and you need to give them your full undivided attention multiple times a day in order to fulfill your duty as a pet owner. That includes not leaving your cats outside at ALL. If you’ve adopted a cat, you should never have the intentions of making them an outside pet. Especially when you forget about them and then they go hungry and thirsty until it’s convenient for you to let them inside.
The American Feral Cat Coalition estimates that there are approximately 60 million feral and homeless stray cats living in the U.S
Here’s a list of reasons why you should never make an outdoor cat:
-animal attacks or your cat attacking another animal
-unwanted pests crawling into your feline’s fur
-car’s (yes cats have good instinct, but this is real life)
-target of mean people (we know how nasty people can be…)
-cats carry diseases that could be passed onto your cat if they come into contact with each other
-parasites!!!
-unwanted pregnancy
-accidentally drinking poisonous fluids, such as gasoline, antifreeze or rat poison
-cats also have a negative impact on our environment!! (cats have caused local instinctions of species)
-THEY GET LOST!!
If you’ve “adopted” an outdoor cat in your neighborhood here are two ideas.
* Build a catio: Create an enclosed space where your cat can be outdoors, but not exposed to other cats or potential risks. There are tons of great ideas on Pinterest for catios.
* Make sure Kitty is up-to-date on shots: Make annual veterinarian visits to make sure your cat has the latest vaccinations and is checked regularly for parasites or other potential hazards.
If you plan on adopting a cat, please avoid making them an outdoor pet at all costs. And thank you to the pet lovers who go out of their way for outside cats and leave food and water for them to come back to 🫶
#gettingakitten #cat #girlswithcats #fostercats #neighborhoodcats #lotsofcats #rescuedcats #kittenchronicles #advicefromcats #catlover
Following up on my initial thoughts, I truly believe this message to outside cat owners needs to be heard. It's not about judgment, but about equipping ourselves with the knowledge to protect our furry family members. While our cats might seem independent and resilient, the outside world holds far more threats than many of us realize. Let’s dive a little deeper into some of the ‘dangers of outdoor cats’ that keep me up at night. Beyond the obvious traffic risks, which are terrifying enough, there are countless hidden hazards. For example, diseases like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are highly contagious and often spread through bites during fights with other cats. These can lead to chronic health issues and significantly shorten a cat's lifespan, costing thousands in vet bills. Then there are parasites – fleas, ticks, ear mites, and internal worms like roundworm and tapeworm. Even with preventative treatments, outdoor cats are constantly re-exposed, and these can cause discomfort, illness, and even be transmissible to humans in some cases. My vet once told me a sad story about a cat that contracted giardia from drinking contaminated puddle water outdoors, leading to weeks of diarrhea and distress. Poisons are another huge, often unseen threat. It's not just antifreeze or rat poison, though those are lethal. Think about common garden chemicals like slug pellets, weed killers, or even pest control sprays used by neighbors. Cats are curious; they’ll walk through these substances and then meticulously groom themselves, ingesting toxins. Many common house and garden plants are also toxic to cats. It makes me anxious just thinking about the possibilities. And let’s not forget about other animals. While some cats are tough, they are no match for aggressive dogs, coyotes, or even larger birds of prey in some areas. A friend's cat had a horrible encounter with a raccoon, resulting in severe injuries and a hefty emergency vet bill. These fights don't just cause physical trauma; the stress and fear can impact a cat's overall well-being for a long time. Even skirmishes with other cats can lead to painful abscesses and serious infections. Then there's the human element, which sadly isn't always kind. There are instances of cats being intentionally harmed, trapped, or even stolen. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s a risk we take when we allow them unsupervised access to the world outside our homes. The emotional toll of a missing pet is immense, and while microchipping helps with identification, it doesn't prevent them from getting lost in the first place. Finally, the weather itself can be a silent killer. In summer, extreme heat can lead to heatstroke and dehydration. In winter, hypothermia and frostbite are real dangers. Our cats rely on us to provide a safe, stable environment, and leaving them exposed to unpredictable weather conditions goes against that fundamental responsibility. Ultimately, this isn't about judging anyone's choices, but about providing a comprehensive message to outside cat owners: understanding these dangers allows us to make more informed decisions for our beloved companions. Providing a safe, stimulating indoor environment, perhaps with a catio, is the best way to ensure they live long, healthy, and happy lives.