Outdoor Cat Education Materials
Cats that are left outdoors unsupervised often hunt and kill wildlife recreationally. They will then leave the body behind or try to bring it home to continue playing with it. Outdoor cats are one of the largest threats to wildlife, killing billions of wild animals each year globally. During the spring and summer cats will often kill the parents of baby wildlife, leaving a nest of orphaned babies in an unknown location.
Cats are presented with a very dangerous environment when left alone outside. Disease, traffic, and larger wildlife predators kill many outdoor cats and prevent them from returning home. It is best to avoid this hazard by keeping cats inside and properly enriched.
Cats can pick up several zoonotic diseases and parasites when left outside including fleas, ticks, toxoplasmosis, tularemia, and even rabies. You will then unknowingly get these same parasites and diseases as you cuddle your pet and allow them to sleep with you. Some parasites can often reproduce rapidly and can infest your household if not taken care of promptly. It is best to avoid this hazard by keeping cats inside and properly enriched.