The
Inside Story on Cats
Long
ago, cats—the curious, cuddly critters who share our homes—roamed
wild. Like their tiger and lion cousins, they lived in forests and
fields. Then, about ten thousand years ago, people started keeping cats
as pets.
Over the years, cats stopped being part of a wild habitat. They became part of the family. Once they did, it became our responsibility to keep them healthy, happy, and safe.
It's a Wild World
Cats are America's most popular pets. They're also the most likely to die early—from disease, cars, animal attacks, and poison. A major reason is that cats are let outdoors.
"For their safety, cats shouldn't roam outside," says Nancy Peterson, of The Humane Society of the United States. "Also, cats who roam may hunt birds and wildlife."
Indoor cats are free from outdoor dangers. They're also free to enjoy their territory, toys, and food in the safety of their home.
"Satisfy a cat's natural hunting instincts with toys he can chase," suggests Peterson. "Toss dry cat food across the floor. Wiggle or move a wand toy under a copy of KIND News." In other words, keep kitty indoors, but let your imagination run wild!
