Cats are some of the best pets imaginable. Far more independent than dogs, they still enjoy human company and are an endless source of entertainment and comfort. As a cat owner, one of the things you will definitely want to avoid is letting your cat go outside. It’s a big, dangerous world for felines and there are many reasons why your cat should stay indoors where he will be safe and sound.
Here are just a few of the reasons why it’s not safe for your cat to head out into the great outdoors.
1. Physical dangers. There are many things that can happen to an unsuspecting cat, especially one who has been indoors his entire life. Busy streets, larger animals, and other dangers make taking a stroll a potentially deadly adventure for your cat.
2. Parasites and insects. You can save yourself a fortune on vet fees by keeping your cat indoors. Even just a few minutes outside can result in ticks, fleas and intestinal parasites that can cause disease and require a visit to the vet, as well as expensive medications and treatments.
3. Responsibility. When you took your cat home with you, there was responsibility taken. Cats have been domesticated for thousands of years. They need their humans for comfort, food and security.
4. Disease. Sadly, there are a lot of nasty illnesses that could affect your cat. From feline AIDS to rabies, there are many, many things your cat could be infected with, simply by coming into contact with other animals outside. Some of these can be treated, of course, but not all of them are curable and most pet owners don’t want to put their cat through the suffering of a debilitating disease.
5. Animal control. Even a cat who has owners can end up being picked up by animal control and taken in. This can happen for a number of reasons ... perhaps the cat was lost or injured and someone rescued it and called animal control, or it might simply be a routine sweep for animals without ID collars.
