I would like to address the issue of outdoor vs. indoor cats. Yesterday my heart sank when I saw a "LOST CAT" sign on the window of an apartment building on my block (I live on the northwest side of Chicago). The photo of the cat on the sign was of a gorgeous siamese mix that I had often seen roaming around outside. This cat was so beautiful, and I enjoyed seeing it whenever I encountered it. But I was also afraid for the cat, and the few other cats I have seen exploring the area on my block. Lately I had wondered why I hadn't seen it in a while. Then yesterday I saw the sign, and I thought, "Oh no!!". Ever since I had adopted my own cat over a year ago, I came to believe that NO cat should be allowed outdoors. All cats should be kept indoors where they will be much safer and healthier.
It just broke my heart to see that "LOST CAT" sign. It made me angry, too. I know that many of you may disagree with me, but it seems to me that to better protect your cat from premature death, from parasites and viruses, and from serious injury, it should always be kept inside!
I really hope that lovely siamese will somehow get back to its owner. I remember that the cat had a collar with tags, so that should help. It may actually be possible that someone else *took* that cat for their own because it was so beautiful. I may never know what happened to it. I would just die if I ever let my cat outside and she got lost. I just can't believe that it is ever okay to let a cat roam outside, even if its owners live in the country on a farm where there are fewer traffic hazards. It just doesn't seem right to me.
Many times I see cat photos on "Cat of the Day" that show the kitty outside. When I see those photos, I always think to myself, "I hope the owner keeps an eye on that kitty whenever it's outside."
I would like to ask all cat owners who currently allow their cats outdoors to end that practice. If they do want to let their cats have some space to explore outside, please, why don't you make sure you supervise them or keep them on a leash during "outdoors" time? But, honestly, I think it's much better for all cats to be "indoor" cats. Thank you for letting me express my opinion!
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