Only recently, we wrote about the dangers that housecats pose to wildlife. But let us not forget to mention, how cats are also very vulnerable and at risk to wildlife when outdoors themselves! While cats may seem like they can take care of themselves, they are actually quite many dangers for cats outside
Dangers for cats outside
While house cats may seem like they can take care of themselves, they are actually quite vulnerable when outdoors. Cats are natural predators and because of this, other animals see them as a threat. This can lead to attacks from wild animals, who view the cat as competition for food or territory. In addition, cats are not equipped to handle the elements and can easily become dehydrated or suffer from exposure.
Risk of traffic injuries
Cats also face dangers from vehicles when they are outdoors. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 1.3 million cats are killed by cars each year in the United States. This is often due to the fact that cats are very curious creatures and will often dart into the road after something that has caught their attention.
Cats as prey
Cats are not afraid of predators like coyotes and foxes, which can easily kill them. In fact, cats are often the prey of these animals. A study conducted in Los Angeles found that more than half of the coyotes’ diet consisted of housecats.
Birds of prey such as hawks and owls also see cats as prey. These birds view our feline friends as a potential meal and will swoop down to snatch them up. In addition, cats can fall victim to diseases carried by wild animals, such as rabies.
To keep your cat safe from harm, it is best to keep them indoors. If you must let them outdoors, be sure to closely supervise them at all times. Also, make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations and have a collar with ID tags in case they get lost. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your cat has a safe and happy life.
How cats are endangered outdoors
When let outdoors, house cats face many dangers from cars, dogs, other animals, and wildlife. Cats are curious creatures and will often dart into the road after something that has caught their attention, which can result in them being hit by a car. It is estimated that 1.3 million cats are killed by cars each year in the United States.
In addition to cars, cats are also at risk of being attacked by dogs. Dogs may see cats as a threat or simply view them as prey.
How to keep your cat safe
To keep your cat safe from harm, it is best to keep them indoors. If you must let them outdoors, be sure to closely supervise them at all times. Also, make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations and have a collar with ID tags in case they get lost. By taking these precautions, and having them microshipped, you can help your lost pet be identified by animal control or vets and returned home to you.
In general, it is advisable to not have your cat roam outside. Consider cat proofing your balcony or terasse, or your patio with a fence and net to protect your cat as you would for a dog being outdoors. In doing so, you will not only protect your pets but also help protect endangered wildlife from being killed by your cats.
