updated 7 days ago by FluffyandRomeo | 272 views | 0 meows

Indoor/outdoor debate

Cats that live indoors live longer, healthier lives. Statistically, the life span of an indoor cat averages 12 to 14 years, whereas it is only about four years for the outdoor cat. More than one million outdoor cats are killed each year by dogs, traffic, and exposure to disease. In the long run, keeping your cat indoors will also save you money in vet bills. For more information, visit this site: http://www.petplace.com/cats/the-great-debate-indoor-versus-outdoor-cats/page1.aspx

There are many risks that come with letting your cats roam free outside:
- They have a much higher chance of catching diseases and other illnesses such as: Feline Leukemia (FeLV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Herpes Virus (Rhinotracheitis), Feline Distemper, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), rabies, tapeworm, ringworm, heart worm, hypothermia and urinary tract infection
- Ingesting chemicals or poisons such as pesticides, home garden products and car products
- Getting fleas or ticks
- Injury or death due to dangerous traffic
- Eating poisonous spiders, insects or plants
- Injury or death due to cruel humans, hunters or neighbors
- Attacks from dogs, other cats or wild animals
- Other accidental injuries
- Getting lost or stolen