Safety and environmental concerns for free-roaming cats


Cats do not always possess the instinct to avoid busy streets and they frequently get hit by cars.

Animal cruelty:

Roaming cats may be at risk for animal cruelty. Sadly, some people have been known to shoot cats with BB guns or arrows. Some cats end up being trapped, abused, and killed in the name of “sport” or “for fun.”

Loose dogs and wild animals:

Cats are good hunters, but they may also end up being hunted. Cats are commonly attacked by loose dogs and wild animals such as coyotes. Injuries from wild animals and stray dog attacks are very serious and often fatal.

Toxins and poisons:

Free-roaming cats also face dangers from toxins such as antifreeze, which is often ingested because it has a pleasant taste. Cats may also be exposed to rodent poisons when they hunt and eat rodents that have recently ingested poison bait.

Killing birds and small animals:

A cat’s prey drive is so strong that even well-fed cats often enjoy hunting birds or other small animals. Although the impact made by one cat might not seem like a big deal, it is important to think about the total impact of all the cats who are allowed outside. Loose cats are estimated to kill millions of birds each year. Birds are especially at risk around homes with feeders and birdbaths.