1. An Indoor Cat Is Relatively Safe from Communicable Disease
Cats allowed free access to the outdoors invariably come into contact with other cats. Even casual contact can transmit parasites, such as fleas or ringworm, or more serious communicable diseases, such as FeLV (Feline Leukemia), FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) and URIs (Upper Respiratory Diseases). Aggressive contact (fighting) with other cats can also pass on FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). These infectious diseases are serious. Even some URIs can lead to long-term problems

2. Indoor Cats Do Not Get Hit by Cars
It is generally considered fact that more cats are killed by cars annually than are euthanized in U.S. animal shelters. Even the most careful driver cannot avoid hitting a cat that runs across the street in front of a car. Even so-called "safe" country areas are no guarantee for cats. Country cats are not as car-savvy as their city brethren, and all it takes is one misjudgment of distance or speed.

3. Indoor Cats Are Safe From Predators and Dog Packs
Outdoor cats are below predators in the food chain, and are prey for ducks, owls, raptors, coyotes, and native big cats (mountain lions). Dogs running in packs will consider a cat fair game; even one large dog can easily overpower and kill a cat. Remember that some dogs are more likely to attack; they are not really to blame when their instinct takes over. Even with a full set of fangs and claws, the cat rarely has a chance when caught outside.

4. Indoor Cats Don't Create Neighbor Problems
Even "well-behaved" cats will venture into neighbors' yards when allowed to roam free, and the resultant neighborhood discord has in some cases caused cat owners to move. People who don't like cats will not tolerate cats using their gardens as litter boxes, and will sometimes resort to extreme measures to keep the cats out. At the very least, a neighbor may call the local animal control to pick up the "stray" cat.

5. Indoor Cats Rarely Get Abscesses From Fighting
Cats are very territorial and will defend their territory to the death, if challenged by another cat. At the very least, these territorial battles often result in abscessed wounds, which can be deadly if not treated in time. There's also the chance, of course, of cats contracting FIV from deep bite wounds.

6. Indoor Cats Are Safe From Human Abuse
Freely-roaming cats are easy targets for animal abusers and cat-haters who seek out cats for target practice and other cruelties, and for neighbors who would think nothing of killing a cat for trespassing on their property. Although animal protection laws are beefing up, prosecution will never bring a loved cat back to life.

7. Indoor Cats Can Get Plenty of Exercise
Cats do get exercise, but they can get it safely with interactive toys, climbing towers, scratching posts, and other indoor toys; all much safer than running from dogs or fighting with other cats. Remember also that there are safe compromises for the outdoor experience such as enclosures and supervised walks with a leash and harness.

8. Indoor Cats Are not a Danger to Wildlife
Let's face it; cats are predators, and left to their own devices outdoors, will eventually chase and kill birds, rabbits, and other small wildlife. Most of us would rather not see our cats cast in a killer role, and keeping them indoors will help protect wildlife to some degree.

9. Indoor Cats Don't Get Lost
As outdoor cats widen their outdoor territories, they may become lost long enough to be "rescued" by other cat lovers, legitimate rescue groups, or picked up by animal control as strays. Statistics show that of "owned" cats turned in to shelters, only three percent are eventually relocated with their owners. Collars can break, and even microchips do not guarantee a cat will not be adopted and kept as an indoor cat by someone else. Why take the chance?

10. Indoor Cats Are Not Stolen
Bunchers are people who sell cats to laboratories for animal experimentation or research. Their prime source of cats is on the street. Even a cat sitting on his front lawn is fair game for a buncher. Other people pick up cats for use as "bait" for training fighting dogs. Be assured, both categories of cat-knappers are out there.

Please be aware of the many dangers inherent in the great outdoors and remember that an indoor cat is always safer.

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