DON'T LET ME OUT! - Caring for Cats
A Companion Animal Care Article from All-Creatures.org

This Companion Animal Care directory is presented to help people seeking reliable resources, tips, and information for companion animals.

FROM

Debra L. Stitt © (and "Chance")

Okay, kitty here. I can hear your protests already to "Don't Let Me Out" and we haven't even gotten started. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about. I was hit by a car but was lucky enough to be rescued by someone that actually cared. It usually doesn't work that way. So, let's talk.

I know that many of us scream and cry to go outside -- and you ultimately give in. You truly believe it's safe for us and that there's no harm, as you think I'm smart and will come back. Yes, I'm pretty safety savvy and good with directions, probably better than you, but I'm just a kid and don't get the small stuff like you think I do.

Do you know how much "stuff" (as I said) there is out there for me to get into? My goodness, the list goes on and on and on. Not to mention the fact that there are a lot of people that just don't understand us felines and take whatever measures they deem necessary to rid their territory of us. Deep breath -- there are pesticides, anti-freezes, pest traps and poisons, wild animals, worm infested prey, fleas, other cats that are sick and, finally, HUMANS that don't like us. Whew, I'm out of breath and I didn't even list everything.

Yes, it's fun to roll in the grass, climb a tree, chase a squirrel, etc., etc. But, I tend to get carried away and before I know it, I've expanded my territory beyond what's safe for me. Again, I'm just a kid and I really can't be trusted to make these decisions for myself. I'm so curious that I cross yards, and then roads. I start thinking that I'm so swift that I'm invincible and that's when something finally gets me -- and it's usually not a happy ending.

Believe it or not, I can be "purr"rfectly happy staying inside. Having a couple of great windows is "PURR"FECT kitty television -- as long as you give me enough stimulation inside the house to keep me happy.

I love the hunt so changing up my toys allows me to use my imagination. My mom has a "toy basket" for us that has all kinds of fun and different toys in it. I have some sisters and a brother and we often sit in front of the toy basket and ponder what we want to play with. Once we find it, we're off and running and have forgotten all about going outside. Yes, mom has to pick up after us but she doesn't seem to mind. Aren't we lucky!

So, before you let me go outside, even though I may want to, know that I will completely understand why you think it's not such a great idea. Ultimately, I love you for loving me and I want to be with you for as long as I can!!

To read about "Chance" and his story, see: A ‘Chance’ in a Lifetime – A True Miracle

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