Inside vs. Outside

Would you allow your dog or children to run free in the streets and hope they are safe and come home? No…  So the question is: Why do some people think it is okay for cats?

Many people think it is cruel to have an inside only cat. This is false. It is proven that you will have a healthier and happier pet if you keep your pet inside. We have domesticated these animals, and given the proper care, attention and stimulation in the home they can lead a much healthier life without any aspiration to go outside. Just provide lots of play time and stimulation for your cat with a nice window to look out of and they will be “purrrfectly” happy.

Inside Cats:

• Have a life span of 12 – 20 years
• Are not exposed to disease
• Will not get abscesses from fighting neighbourhood strays
• Will not be threatened by dogs or wildlife
• Will not suffer injury or amputation from leg hold traps
• Will not suffer from frost bite
• Will not be hit by cars
• Will not get lost
• Will never go hungry
• Will not be abused by strangers
• Are safe from chemicals and fertilizers
• Cannot be stolen
• Are happy living indoors

 Outside Cats:

• Have a life span of only 1 – 5 years
• Will be exposed to leukemia, kitty AIDS, parasites, etc.
• Will fight – causing expensive vet bills
• Are maimed or killed by dogs and predators. Can get caught in leg hold traps
• Do suffer from frost bite
• Are hit by cars and injured or killed
• Do stray from home and get lost
• Can die from starvation
• Are abused by strangers
• Are exposed to toxic lawn antifreeze
• Are stolen
• Breed, if not neutered or spayed, and add to pet overpopulation

Some reason people think it is “cruel” to not let their cat outdoors to run free. Yes, it is true that it would be more “fun” for your cat to be able to run free in the streets, but just because it would be more fun for them does that mean you should let them do that?

Would you let your dog or child run free in the streets and hope they don’t get hit by a car or get attached by a predator, or get into something that could hurt them, and pray that they come home each night? No of course not! So why do people think that it is necessary to let your cat take risks when it is proven that they will be much healthier and safer inside?

It’s a common belief that cats should be outdoors. Nothing could be further from the truth. Outdoor cats are exposed to threats of all types, including being hit by cars, attacked by other animals, ingesting poison such as antifreeze, and even attacks by people. They are also exposed to diseases and parasites.

Outdoor cats usually live only a few years, compared to indoor cats which can easily live a contented, full life into their teens. Many indoor cats even live into their twenties!

There are few things more distressing than listening to a well-meaning cat owner whose has just lost their beloved pet (run over by a car, killed by another animal or person). They let their cat outside because the cat “really wanted to go out” and they “didn’t have the heart to keep them inside”.

… But you’re not doing your cat a favour by letting him or her outside. They will be much safer and happier indoors.

Statistically Speaking

Over 41% of all cats are abandoned, unwanted, stray, and feral.

1 Unspayed female cat will have approximately 2 litters per year with approximately 5 kittens per litter. The aftermath is phenomenal – and frightening – 1 unspayed cat, with her unsprayed offspring can reasonably be responsible for 42,000 kittens without human intervention over a 7 year period!

Myths & Facts

If my cat is spraying and I have him neutered will he stop?

Once a male cat sprays he may always spray. That is why it is so important to have your cat neutered as soon as he reaches maturity at approximately 5-6 months of age. Waiting may enable him to spray which neutering may or may not cure. The only way to be 100% affective on preventing him from spraying is having him neutered before he ever sprays.

Does spaying or neutering your pet make it fat?

No. Removing reproductive organs does not make a cat or dog gain weight. Over feeding and not enough exercise is the only thing that will cause your pet to gain weight.

Can a Female cat get pregnant while she is still nursing?

Yes. A female cat can go into heat days after giving birth and yet, again become pregnant. That is why it is so important to keep your female cat inside and away from any un-neutered male’s until she is spayed. It is healthiest for your cat to wait 2 – 3 weeks after nursing to let her milk dry up and then have her spayed.

A Female cat makes a better pet after having a litter.

False. There are no proven tests that show that a female cat will make any more of a better and loving pet if she is allowed to have a litter. The only tests that are proven are that you will have a Healthier, and Happier pet if you have her spayed when she reaches maturity at 5-6 months of age BEFORE ever having a litter.

It is also proven that for every time your female cat goes into heat and/or has a litter this increases her odds of having Mammary Cancer and Uterine Infections.

Is it OK to leave my dog in the car on a hot day if I am only gone for a few minutes?

No. As the weather warms up, please remember to be alert for signs of heat stroke in pets, especially if left in parked vehicles. Remember it can take less than 10 minutes for a pet to suffer from heat stroke if left in a vehicle. Good ventilation, shade and plenty of water is an absolute must if pets are to be left in vehicles at all. You may even want to travel with a spray bottle. A squirt in your dog’s mouth will temporarily relieve his thirst.

Is my dog safe being loose in my vehicle when we are moving ?

No. There is nothing more wonderful than bouncing from side to side of your master’s car, hanging your head out the window and enjoying the wind blowing in your face. But this can also be very dangerous to me. I would not only hurt myself but anyone else who is in the car if we had an accident or have to stop suddenly.

Furthermore, if I am loose in the back of an open truck, life could be over in an instant if something went wrong. Do me a favor and get me a seat belt so that I too can be secure. They are available at most pet stores.

Please don’t put me up front with the passenger. Airbags are just not designed for two. A travel kennel or a pet barrier works wonders. If you need to put me in the back of an open truck, secure a kennel to the truck box and put me inside or get a good fitting harness and secure me to the truck box so that I will not go flying out.

You protect yourself and your children by wearing a seat belt – So please do the same for me.

Signed: The dog

Is it true that my cat could crawl into my newborns crib and suffocate my baby?

No. Many people have heard the stories about cats who crawl into a newborn baby’s crib at night and “suck the breath out of them”, thus killing them. That silly old wives’ tale still exists today in certain parts of the world and some expectant mothers (who are also pet parents) actually believe they should get rid of their favorite felines just in case the old tale might be true.

It’s important to set the record straight once and for all. There has never been a case where a cat has intentionally harmed a child without being provoked. Cats don’t seek to hurt children, they don’t deliberately scratch them, and they absolutely never “suck the breath” out of anyone. However, as with any animal, children need to be taught to respect cats and should be supervised at all times while playing with them. Also, it is important to choose a cat with the right personality and disposition if you’re planning on a match between feline and child.

The true value of owning a cat goes far beyond what many expect. The addition of a cat to any household can have a life-long impact.