The cat is one of the most beloved of all pets. A soft, furry pal who will curl up in your lap as you watch a movie, sit gently on your feet when you eat a meal, and 'help' you type as you're sitting at the computer makes him not only a desirable companion but also a source of constant amusement.
When I was growing up years ago, it was standard practice for owners to let their cats outside to roam around as they pleased during the day, and only to bring them inside at night, or if they persistently meowed at the door.
But in this day and age, letting your cat outside is not considered politically correct. There are too many life-threatening hazards that weren't around twenty years ago.
For one thing, traffic has increased tremendously. There are a lot more cars on the road that go at excessive speeds.
For another, predatory species of wildlife have moved into domestic locations. It's not unusual to see the stray coyote in an urban location, trotting down a street or sitting in a city park. I have a friend who even saw a coyote, which she mistook for a dog at first, sitting on a corner apparently waiting for the light to change before crossing the street.
With more and more dangerous situations for an outdoor cat, it's the mark of responsible cat owners to keep them indoors. In fact, many shelters will not let you adopt a cat unless you sign an agreement that you promise to keep them inside at all times.
Now, some cat owners object to this. Their biggest argument is that it's natural for a cat to be outside. They like to hunt, pounce on insects, and explore.
Another friend of mine thought just this way. She let her cat outside whenever he wanted to go, even if it meant he stayed away for days at a time. 'He always comes back eventually.' But one day he didn't come back. I'll add that she lives in an area with a high coyote population.
When she got two new kitties to fill the pet-empty house, she made them indoor animals. Lesson learned, but sadly at the expense of a beloved pet.
It may be true that a cat wants to go outside and may even meow at the door to tell you such, but would you let your child play in the street just because he wants to drive his toy cars on the asphalt?
Pets are a lot like children in many ways. They don't have the big picture about their environment. They know nothing of traffic, predators, or other dangerous situations. They trust us as their caregivers to keep them safe.
So don't betray their trust. Keep them as happy, loved, and above all safe members of the family.
Sara Duff grew up with a pet cat and is a big animal lover. She has a website http://www.catexercisewheel.net which sells the cat exercise wheel, a great way to keep an indoor cat happy and active.
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