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We want healthy and happy cats, just like you!
Health Risks for Outdoor Cats
Health Risks for Outdoor Cats
This isn't just about wildlife! We want you to know the risks to your cat's health before letting them free outside. Outdoor cats are frequently hit by cars, can be eaten by predators, get into fights with other cats and raccoons, pick up deadly disease like FIV, get secondary poisoning by eating rodents that have been poisoned by rodenticides. The average outdoor cats lifespan is just 2-5 years, whereas indoor cats can easily exceed 10!
Effects of Cats on Wildlife
Effects of Cats on Wildlife
Research suggests that cats can have an extraordinary impact on local ecosystems. One study suggests that 1 out of 3 outdoor cats kills wildlife and many don't bring these prey back to their houses or even eat them! Cats are estimated to kill 1.3-4.0 billion birds per year in the US and 6.3-22.3 billion small mammals (many of which are native!) per year in the US. On top of this, domestic cats spread Toxoplasma gondii, a protist that can be dangerous for immunocompromised and pregnant people, as well as a threat to wildlife. This protist has recently killed multiple endangered sea otters off the coast of California!
Outdoor Alternatives
Outdoor Alternatives
We want your cat to be happy and healthy too! We recognize some cats love to be outside and that this adds to their quality of life. However, we believe there are ways to do this that ensure the health of your best friend while also protecting the wildlife in our neighborhoods. Consider harness/leash training, installing a catio, or providing supervised outdoor time to ensure the safety and longevity of your cat.
Feeding Domestic Cats Inside
Feeding Domestic Cats Inside
We encourage people to feed their cats indoors or in a catio! Outdoor cat food can easily become an attractant for all kinds of critters such as raccoons, coyotes, and rats! When larger animals such as raccoons and coyotes start to associate your home with food rewards, those animals will be in your space more frequently and are more likely to become habituated to people. Having coyotes and raccoons near your house and domestic cat may also increase the risk of your cat getting injured or contracting pathogens that these wild animals carry which may then be able to transfer to you!
Have questions about domestic cats & wildlife? Click below to see if it's already been answered, or submit a question to be answered!
Have questions about domestic cats & wildlife? Click below to see if it's already been answered, or submit a question to be answered!
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