Cat Health & Safety
The great indoors
There’s just no denying it … when it comes to your cat’s health and safety, indoor cats have it (far) easier and better than outdoor cats. Indoor cats don’t have to battle other cats or keep an eye out for coyotes, mountain lions, dogs, and other predators. They also don’t have to dodge cars and are less likely to encounter common outdoor poisons, like antifreeze (Tip #100). Is it any wonder that the average life expectancy of most outdoor-only cats is only about 3–5 years, while indoor-only cats average closer to 13–17 years! Worried that your cat will be bored or destructive inside, or think that it’s not humane to keep cats indoors? Don’t worry, the resources below and other tips in this chapter have lots of great advice and ideas to help you keep your indoor cat happy and engaged — even if they were once used to roaming alone outdoors.
owner was in for a big, disgusting surprise when yet another cat bite abscess on her 4-year-old calico’s back erupted one day when the two of them were sitting together on the couch. An indoor-outdoor cat, and clearly being bullied by another cat in the neighborhood, Mitzi was suffering from the third abscess on her back in just five months!! Though her owners were able to avoid surgery with the first episode, they (and Mitzi) weren’t so lucky with the next two. After this third abscess — and paying for two abscess surgeries — Mitzi’s people decided it was time for her to live the good life inside. And “live the good life” she does!
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