Written on September 23, 2009 – 5:28 am | by maxine |

Just over one year ago Princess and I (Gracie) came to live here in a small town, having moved from a country home where our caregiver, Tom, died in the spring of 2008.

You might recall that some time back one of us told all about the dangers cats face when they are allowed to roam unattended outside.  (Read our “Indoor or Outdoor – BIG Considerations” article.) I was personally allowed inside at my former home but I spent a lot of time outside, especially when dear Tom was in the hospital for extended periods of time during the last ten years of his life.  During my first 14 or so years the worst experiences were when it was winter outside or on rainy days.  Many of my friends were hit with cars, carried off by hawks and coyotes, and died at the hands of terrible diseases.  Princess, who is now about eight or nine years old agrees with me 100%.  You can’t MAKE us go outside.  Not on your life!!  We know a good thing and we run away from doors that open to the outside  Trust us – we KNOW what goes on out there.

Just the other day we kitties in the household heard about a cat who didn’t make it home.  Someone hit him with a car right at the end of his driveway and didn’t even stop to help or to report what had happened.   The cat had slipped out the door when a family member opened it and he was allowed to stay out.  After all, he had been out many times before so they figured he would return.  Unfortunately, tragedy struck.  May I remind you that it is not cruel for your feline friend(s) to be indoors, well cared for, fed, free from predators, and out of harm’s way so they can live to be twenty or more years of age.  While outside roaming can be pleasurable, it IS CRUEL for them to have unsupervised time outside which allows exposure to the wheels of vehicles and the jaws of other animals such as dogs, other cats, hawks and coyotes.  The outdoor lifestyle generally ensures a much shorter life span, often ending in very painful death. 

Did you know that some disgusting people aim their vehicle at a cat, dog, squirrel or other small animals with the intent to kill?  Just watch the roads – seldom do you see a dead cat or dog in the middle of the road, but they are often on the shoulder of the road right beside tire tracks.

Most cats just can’t stand closed doors and they have a burning desire to see what is on the other side, but that does not mean they want to be outside.  It is up to you, their caregiver, to keep them safe just as you do with young children.  Sometimes NO is the most responsible and loving command you can give!  So, the next time your precious kitty tries to run outside when the door opens, go after her immediately, scoop her up, and get her right back into the house.  Just because they run out the door does not mean they are missing being outdoors.  It might only mean that they had thought they were going into another room, or they got so excited about following you that they forgot what they were doing!  Smokey did that just yesterday.  The door opened, he went out and immediately, as soon as he realized where he was, he frantically dashed back in!  It really was rather funny and fortunately, for him it ended happily.

Well, it is getting late and long past due for my next cat nap.  Next week one of us will give you some ideas on ways to protect your cat friend and even some ways to get them outside sometimes.

Until then, have a purrrrrfectly purrrrrfect and safe week.

Gracie