Pets form an important part of many people’s lives, providing meaningful companionship. However, our pets can sometimes also be a source of unwelcome pathogens and diseases, particularly if they frequently roam outdoors.
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Even taking the ecological damage (which is immense) out of the equation, it is significantly safer for cats to stay indoors. The ecological debate is just one of several reasons not to let them out. From the link I posted:
“Cats that freely roam live a significantly shorter lifespan compared to cats that live inside – only 2-5 years compared to the lifespan of an indoor cat of 10-20 years,” Guyette said. “This is due to a number of factors, whether it is contracting illnesses from other animals; picking up worms, fleas, or ticks; or being injured or killed by cars or wildlife, including coyotes and dogs.”
If you care about the safety and well-being of your cat, and you care about the environment, don’t let cats out, full stop.