by Michal Wintz

Created on: May 05, 2009

Cats have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents always believed animals belonged outside, but I would often sneak my cat in for the night as often as I could. I never liked the idea of my pet being outside on cold nights.

When you think about it cats are hunters, and they hunt at night. I remember one night I was out in the country, if the moon had not been so bright I would have missed a most amazing scene. A white owl and a dark cat were hunting a mouse in a freshly plowed field. The cat did not see the owl at first as it was intent on stalking the mouse. Just as the cat was about to pounce it realized it was not alone and fled letting the owl have the late night snack.

The point being while there are dangers for animals who roam freely outside, where you live plays a bigger part in your decision. Farms often have cats to keep the mice population down, these cats are used to being outside and can take care of themselves very well. Many of them live long and happy lives, hunting at night and soaking up sun during the day.

Where city cats are concerned living outside can lead to a very short life and often a cruel death. Things you need to consider about keeping an indoor cat:

Exercise: Leaping, running, jumping, and playing are very important to keeping your cat in shape. There are many manufacturers who make cat furniture that provides opportunities for such activities. The initial cost maybe high but the benefits to your cat will be well worth it.

Plants: Check to make sure your indoor plants are safe for pets. Cats will occasionally eat plants to help with digestion, you can buy cat grass and cat nip seeds to plant in pots for your cat to enjoy.

Moving Often: This is one of the biggest threats to pet safety. Cats will often try to go home when they are first moved to a new location.

Wild Animals: Sometimes new homes and apartments are built in areas where coyotes still roam. They are a constant threat to small pets. Also there is the danger of rabies and other diseases from fleas and ticks. If you dwell in such areas you most certainly need to keep your pets indoors.

Spay or Neuter: Unless your breeding purebreds for sale,getting your cat fixed will stop a lot of roaming and fighting with other cats.

There are certainly many factors and needs to take into consideration before letting your cat be a free range kitty. They can live perfectly happy lives indoors, however if you let them out at night be prepared for whatever your hunter may bring home for dinner. My friends cat once brought home a 2 foot alligator as a present for her human family.

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