The Great Outdoors? Not for Cats!

Some animal shelters manipulate their euthanasia statistics by instituting policies that leave animals to struggle for survival and die painfully on the streets. So-called “trap-neuter-release” (TNR) programs—or, more accurately, “trap-neuter-reabandon” programs—may allow limited-admission shelters to spin their intake and euthanasia numbers, but they do nothing to protect cats from the horrors that befall them when left outdoors to battle harsh surroundings, sickness, and sadistic people.

Countless cats who are left outdoors without protection die from infected wounds and injuries, as even small abscesses and common urinary tract infections can become raging and deadly for unsocialized cats who cannot be handled and treated. Cats outdoors are vulnerable to contagious diseases, parasite infestations, starvation, dehydration, freezing, heatstroke, attacks by dogs and other predators, and being hit by vehicles. Cruel people often poison, shoot, burn, drown, or otherwise torture and kill cats.

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Right or wrong, many property and business owners do not want cats on their property. Not everyone loves cats or wants them climbing on their cars, maiming or killing birds, or digging in their gardens. When animal shelters refuse to accept cats (as more and more so-called “no kill” facilities are doing), property owners often take matters into their own hands and resort to cruelty, both intentional and unintentional.

So many people become upset by roaming cats that legislation was introduced in Wisconsin and Utah to make it legal to stalk, hunt, and kill domestic cats! The bills failed, thanks to an outcry from animal activists and compassionate citizens, but that these bills were introduced at all should serve as a wake-up call for those who claim to care about cats—they are not safe outdoors.

Because of the many deadly hazards that cats face outdoors, responsible guardians allow their feline companions outdoors only when on a leash, in an enclosed area (such as a screened porch), or closely supervised.

Below is just a sampling of some of the horrible fates that have recently befallen stray, feral, and free-roaming cats. Countless others have died frightened and alone under porches or behind dumpsters, without anyone ever noticing what became of them.

Media Reports About Cats Outdoors Who Came to Harm in March 2024

Niagara, New York

AOL.com reported that a homeless cat who was “housed” in a resident’s garage had been found with injuries after a rabid raccoon was found in the structure. According to the report, “the homeowner opted for humane euthanasia in lieu of an extended 6-month quarantine” for the cat. No additional information was available.

Austin, Texas

KXAN.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had become trapped inside an abandoned house. When animal control authorities found the cat, the house had been abandoned for approximately six weeks and the cat was “totally blind and emaciated, down from his typical 18 pounds to roughly seven or eight pounds.” He was taken to a veterinary hospital, “where he was put on fluids before staff slowly began reintroducing food and water in small doses.” He was then transferred to a specialty hospital, where he received a blood transfusion and was receiving ongoing care. It wasn’t known whether he’d regain his sight.

High Point, North Carolina

Yahoo.com reported that authorities had shot and killed a homeless cat who was “attacking and biting people.” The animal later tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Jacksonville, Florida

News4JAX.com reported that a resident said that during the previous few weeks, seven cats she’d allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by a pack of dogs, who were homeless or also allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. Some of the attacks were captured on video surveillance footage. The cats’ owner said she’d witnessed at least one fatal attack: “One dog had the head of the cat in his mouth and the other two were tugging on the end.” Authorities were notified.

Effingham County, Georgia

CoastalHealthDistrict.org reported that a homeless who had attacked a resident had died or been euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Bryant, Arkansas

THV11.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead. Responding authorities found the animal, who “had been shot in the head by a blowgun dart that was about six inches long.” They were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Peachtree City, Georgia

FOX5Atlanta.com reported that a homeless cat had attacked multiple people on a pathway behind a grocery store. Responding authorities captured the animal, who was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. One individual had been bitten and scratched by the cat and another had sustained puncture wounds when the cat attacked her leg. No additional information was available.

Union County, Kentucky

WEVV.com reported that a mail carrier had contacted authorities after seeing an apparently homeless cat struggling with a food can stuck on his or her head. Responding animal control officers transported the cat to an animal shelter, where the can had to be cut off. The cat suffered from dehydration and was apparently receiving treatment.

Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada

PTBOCanada.com reported that authorities had responded to a call from a resident who said that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found in a driveway with an arrow through his or her body. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries sustained. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Dedham, Massachusetts

WCVB.com reported that a homeless cat had been found “scared, cold and rain-soaked” under a car in a parking garage. He was taken to an animal adoption facility, where it was found that he had a puncture wound on one of his legs. He was receiving treatment and would possibly have to be quarantined for four months in accordance with state law because it wasn’t known how he’d sustained the wound.

Chaffee, North Dakota

ValleyNewsLive.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found lying in a ditch, crying and unable to move. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where it was determined that his body temperature was “dangerously low”; that he was weak, dehydrated, and “full of tapeworms”; and that he had severe dental disease. Testing reportedly revealed that he “had kidney failure and possible lymphoma.” He was mercifully euthanized.

Las Vegas, Nevada

8NewsNow.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found on the street with “a possible partial amputation” of one of her legs. She was taken to an animal adoption group, which apparently reported that there was not enough skin to cover a protruding “nub,” making the animal “very susceptible to infections, growing abscesses, and pain.” The group was trying to raise funds to pay to have the appendage amputated. No additional information was available.

Foley, Florida

WTXL.com reported that an apparently homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Flagler County, Florida

FirstCoastNews.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had died or been euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

WDAM.com reported that a group of homeless cats who’d been sterilized and re-abandoned at a university campus had been attacked and killed by two dogs, who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. An individual who’d been feeding the cats said, “[T]hese two dogs showed up on campus and they took out our entire colony that we would feed. … [I]t does really suck to lose all that money that we’ve put into the cats.”

Rock Hill, South Carolina

SCDHEC.gov reported that three cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been exposed to the rabies virus through contact with a rabid racoon. The cats had to be quarantined in accordance with state law. No additional information was available.

Pleasantville, New Jersey

BreakingAC.com reported that a homeless cat had been found seemingly ill. A resident who took the cat in was bitten by the animal and contacted authorities. According to the report, an animal control officer contained the cat, who died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. An investigation determined that five other cats in the resident’s home may have been exposed to the virus. The resident was receiving post-exposure treatment. No additional information was available.

Roanoke, Virginia

WDBJ7.com reported that a cat who had escaped from her home had returned badly injured. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that “someone had shoved a pen up the cat’s anus, causing major internal damage.” According to a treating veterinarian, she also had bruising to her legs, which indicated that there had likely been two attackers. Her injuries were so severe that she had to be euthanized. A reward was being offered for information about the attack, but no suspects were identified.

Pompano Beach, Florida

CBSNews.com reported that authorities had charged a woman with cruelty to animals after she allegedly trapped an apparently homeless cat and set the animal on fire. According to the report, a witness who called 911 said he “saw smoke coming from his neighbor’s yard, and when he peeked over, he made a gruesome discovery. ‘There was a cat inside of a trap and she was burning the cat alive,’ he said.” Local10.com reported that the cat was evidently still alive when found by authorities and that “[i]nvestigators said the cat had to be euthanized.”

Jackson County, Georgia

NortheastHealthDistrict.org reported that an apparently homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Middletown, Pennsylvania

Local21News.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found “with injuries to the face and neck.” He or she was evidently taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that the animal had been shot with a BB gun, likely the previous week. The cat was provided with treatment and was expected to survive. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Clinton, South Carolina

SCDHEC.gov reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. One human who was exposed to the virus had been advised to seek medical attention. No additional information was available.

Port Norris, New Jersey

BreakingAC.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot to death by a neighbor. The cat’s owner said he watched as the animal roamed onto the neighbor’s property and then heard a gunshot. He said he went to the property and found the cat “lying on the ground twitching.” When the owner confronted the neighbor about shooting the cat, the neighbor allegedly said that the cat was “on my step.” The neighbor was charged with cruelty to animals.

Richmond, Virginia

WRIC.com reported that a cat who was evidently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead after he’d been “doused with accelerant and set on fire while inside a crate.” According to authorities, the animal died after sustaining second- and third-degree burns to more than 60% of his body. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Bluffton, South Carolina

WTOC.com reported that two homeless cats who had been sterilized, re-abandoned, and fed by “volunteers” had been found shot. According to the report, one of the cats had been found paralyzed next to a “dumpster with a .22 caliber bullet stuck in her back.” She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where she had to be euthanized because of the extent of her injuries. The second cat was found dead five days later. Authorities reportedly believed that this cat had been shot to death with a BB gun. They were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

High Falls, Georgia

MyMCR.net reported that authorities had charged a woman with unspecified crimes for allegedly shooting her neighbor’s cat, who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. According to the report, the cat’s owner shared video surveillance footage with authorities that showed the shooting. The animal was taken to a “veterinary clinic for emergency surgery and X-rays,” according to the owner. No additional information was available.

Suffolk County, New York

DailyVoice.com reported that a 17-year-old male had been charged with cruelty to animals for allegedly beating a homeless cat with a metal bar, resulting in “severe traumatic injuries” to the animal. According to the report, the suspect shared video footage of the attack on social media. No additional information was available.

Chesapeake, Virginia

WAVY.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Auburn, Georgia

WSBTV.com reported that a homeless cat who had bitten a resident had died or been euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Augusta, Georgia

AugustaChronicle.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home limping and bleeding. The next day, she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where an X-ray revealed that she’d been shot and a pellet that had shattered the bone remained embedded in the leg. She was receiving treatment, and it was thought that her leg may have to be amputated. The cat’s owners were reportedly trying to raise the funds for needed medical care. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

Watertown, New York

WWNYTV.com reported that an injured homeless cat who had been taken in by a resident had died and tested positive for rabies. Three humans required post-exposure rabies treatment. No additional information was available.

Cases That Made the News Concerning Cats Left Outdoors to Suffer and Die in February 2024

Honolulu, Hawaii

KHON2.com reported that four cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found shot to death. According to the report, “Some residents believe the killings could be linked to disagreements over feeding feral cat colonies.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Boston, Massachusetts

MassLive.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found in a parking lot with severe burns. He was taken to an animal hospital, where a spokesperson said he was receiving regular bandage changes, pain medication, and antibiotics “in the hopes that [the wounds] will heal enough to close surgically” and that he’d also require “additional surgeries, and the severe wounds on a hind limb may result in amputation.” It wasn’t known how he’d been burned or whether he’d survive.

Commercial Township, New Jersey

PressOfAtlanticCity.com reported that a man had been charged with cruelty to animals after he’d allegedly shot to death a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. No additional information was available.

Islip, New York

Patch.com reported that a man had been charged with animal abandonment after he allegedly trapped a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision and left the feline at a supermarket. Another cat, who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision, had also reportedly gone missing in the area. No additional information was available.

Thomasville, North Carolina

DavidsonLocal.com reported that a resident had found “several” homeless kittens, one of whom had obvious injuries. The injured kitten was taken to an animal adoption group, which reportedly provided him or her with veterinary care. According to the report, after exhibiting neurologic symptoms, the kitten was euthanized on the recommendation of a veterinarian. He or she later tested positive for rabies. Humans exposed to the virus were advised to seek post-exposure treatment. The status and location of the other kittens weren’t reported.

Tampa, Florida

WTSP.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found unable to use one of her legs because a screw had been “screwed into” her paw. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where she underwent surgery, and was expected to survive. No additional information was available.

San Antonio, Texas

FOXSanAntonio.com noted that a homeless cat, who was reportedly “the sole survivor of his stray mother’s litter,” had lost one of his eyes, possibly when he was attacked by another animal. He was taken to an animal shelter and was evidently provided with veterinary treatment. No additional information was available.

Des Moines, Iowa

KCCI.com reported that a cat who was described as “an outdoor cat” had been trapped in a shed when the structure caught fire. She was reportedly taken to an animal adoption group after she was found “two to three days” later with “gruesome burns.” At the time of the report, she’d undergone weeks of veterinary treatment.

Dumfries, Virginia

FOX5DC.com reported that an injured homeless cat had been seen trying to attack people. Responding authorities contained the animal, who reportedly had visible wounds on his front and back legs. The animal died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Johnson City, Tennessee

JohnsonCityPress.com reported that a homeless cat had been found badly injured after he was shot in the face with a BB gun. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where he was reportedly scheduled to undergo surgery for a broken jaw. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

Longboat Key, Florida

YourObserver.com reported that authorities had responded to a report about a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision and appeared to be injured on a road. According to the report, responding “officers located the injured cat [who] appeared to [have been] struck by a vehicle or [to have] fallen from a tree.” Animal control authorities were called and reportedly transported the cat for treatment.

Green Bay, Wisconsin

News.Yahoo.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with severe frostbite to his ears. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where surgery was required to remove dead tissue. He was expected to survive.

Butler County, Pennsylvania

TheCourierExpress.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision was in critical condition after she was attacked by a man. According to the report, authorities were “searching for information on the man who punched, beat and then threw [the] cat into a brick wall.” The animal was transported to a veterinary hospital “with a brain injury and internal damage.” It wasn’t known whether she’d survive.

Frederick County, Maryland

DCNewsNow.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with “deformed teeth from an injury.” He was taken to an animal shelter, where he died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Putnam County, New York

Westchester.News12.com reported that a homeless cat had been found exhibiting neurological symptoms. He or she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the animal died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Corpus Christi, Texas

KRISTV.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by an unspecified number of dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. Authorities were notified.

Deschutes County, Oregon

NBCNews.com reported that a cat who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had likely infected his or her owner with plague. According to a county health officer, “[T]he cat involved in the recent case was ‘very sick’ and had a draining abscess, which indicated ‘a fairly substantial’ infection.” The owner was apparently expected to survive. No additional information was available about the cat’s health.

Mechanicsville, Maryland

SMNewsNet.com reported that a man had been charged with cruelty to animals after he allegedly shot a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision with a paintball gun. According to the report, police officers who responded to a call found an injured cat and “saw that a paintball casing was lodged into the front left corner of [his] head.” Animal control officers were dispatched to the scene and took custody of the cat, who had sustained such severe injuries that he had to be euthanized.

St. Petersburg, Florida

FOX13News.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with an arrow in his back. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he reportedly underwent two surgeries, was on a feeding tube, and remained in serious condition. It wasn’t known whether he’d survive. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Harriman State Park, New York

NorthJersey.com reported that a homeless cat had been found by a man working at a state park. According to the man, the outdoor temperature was below 20 degrees and the cat was “thin, weak and nearly frozen.” The report stated that the cat was taken to an animal adoption group, “where it was determined that [he] was positive for feline immunodeficiency virus and suffering from the effects of malnutrition.” He was receiving medical care and was expected to survive.

Maui, Hawaii

KITV.com reported that a homeless cat had been found injured in October 2023. He was taken to an animal adoption group, “where he was found to [have been] shot in the head with a pellet gun.” X-rays taken by veterinary staff reportedly “revealed that the pellet was lodged in the bottom of [the animal’s] skull.” It was determined that it was too dangerous to try to remove it. A veterinarian said, “We were removing bone and bullet fragments from the back of his mouth but it was safest for the bullet to stay where it is. It’s lodged in the underside of the second vertebrae of his neck which is a very sensitive area.” The cat received treatment and was expected to survive. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

January 2024 Media Reports Exposing How Cats Suffer and Die Outdoors

Hamilton, Ohio

DaytonDailyNews.com reported that authorities were trying “to identify a man who appears to capture [an apparently homeless] cat then slam [him or her] to the ground at a Hamilton apartment complex, causing the animal grave injuries.” According to the report, Sheriff Richard Jones “said the man is seen on video chasing the cat into the building stairwell and is ‘seen in the video capturing the cat in the trash bag, then slams [the animal] hard to the ground.’ The injured cat was dumped behind the building, where a deputy dog warden found [him or her] the next day. The cat was alive, but suffered a fractured pelvis and spine and had to be euthanized.”

Davenport, Iowa

OurQuadCities.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found sick and nearly frozen to death. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where a spokesperson said that “[h]e was actively dying” when admitted. According to the report, “Not only was his temperature dangerously low, but he also was severely underweight, and he ha[d] a respiratory infection.” He was receiving treatment, but it wasn’t known whether he’d survive.

Warwick, New York

Westchester.News12.com reported that after an individual who had been feeding a “colony” of approximately 40 homeless cats died “suddenly,” the animals were found sick and starving. A spokesperson for an animal adoption group that had taken in 24 of the animals reportedly said that some of the cats required surgeries and other medical care. One cat was reportedly “found face down in the dirt, dehydrated and emaciated.” Efforts were apparently underway to capture the remaining cats.

Saratoga Springs, New York

TimesUnion.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been transported to an animal shelter and left outside the closed facility “in frigid temperatures” by a business owner who had previously “asked the cat[’s] owner to keep the animal away from his eatery.” Video surveillance footage reportedly captured the business owner leaving the cat outside the facility unconfined and showed that the cat eventually ran off. The animal had not been found at the time of the report. The business owner was charged with cruelty to animals.

Navajo County, Arizona

AZFamily.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by a fox who was presumed to be rabid. No additional information was available.

Garland, North Carolina

WECT.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Woodland Park, Colorado

FOX21News.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with a pellet gun. According to the report, authorities said, “The pellet entered the area of [his or her] left shoulder causing permanent damage. The [cat] survived but the long-term effects are unknown.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Sierra County, California

2News.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had tested positive for plague. According to the report, “Cats are very susceptible to plague infection and frequently die without prompt veterinary care.” No additional information was available.

Vienna, Virginia

GazetteLeader.com reported that a resident had told authorities that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found “stuck on their fence.” When the resident helped to extricate the animal, they were scratched. The cat was evidently able to escape. According to the report, “The resident advised health officials that he or she was unfamiliar with that particular cat and would not be able to identify” the animal. No additional information was available.

Fluvanna County, Virginia

CBS19News.com reported that authorities had been notified that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had sustained injuries while he was outside overnight. According to the report, “When officers got to the scene, they found [the cat] was severely hurt, and despite efforts to help, the decision was made to euthanize him. The sheriff’s office believes [the animal’s] injuries were intentionally inflicted and the incident is being investigated as a potential case of” cruelty to animals. No additional information was available.

Beech Island, South Carolina

PostAndCourier.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been exposed to rabies through contact with an infected raccoon. The cat would reportedly have to be quarantined in accordance with state law. No additional information was available.

Wasilla, Alaska

AlaskasNewsSource.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found frozen to the ground. He apparently received veterinary treatment and was expected to survive. No additional information was available.

West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

KelownaCapNews.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with “severe frostbite to his ears and deep wounds on his head and forelimbs.” The cat had reportedly “been living on the streets, forced to endure the bitterly cold temperatures that have put the Okanagan in a deep freeze over the last week while his wounds were likely caused by an attack from a larger animal.” He was taken to an animal adoption group for veterinary treatment and was expected to survive.

Oxford Township, Pennsylvania

ABC27.com reported that a woman found an apparently homeless cat outdoors in the rain. When she attempted to rescue the animal, she was attacked and sustained injuries. Authorities contained the cat the next day, and he or she was euthanized. Testing revealed that the cat had been rabid. No additional information was available.

Wichita, Kansas

KSN.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been “found on a [tree] stump, just shivering and screaming in the snow,” by workers at a veterinary hospital. According to a spokesperson for the hospital, the kitten’s body temperature was low and he required heat therapy but was expected to survive.

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

IHeartRadio.ca reported that an apparently homeless kitten had fallen into a pool of freezing water. According to the report, he “was ice-cold by the time he was rescued.” He was taken to an animal adoption group, where he remained in intensive care. A spokesperson for the group said that “his body temperature was so low that it wouldn’t read on a thermometer” when he was found. He required heat therapy, his limbs were badly swollen, and he was described as “very weak.” It wasn’t clear whether he’d survive.

Fresno, California

YourCentralValley.com reported that a homeless cat described as “[a] community cat” had been found injured and limping. A passerby took the animal to a veterinary hospital but couldn’t afford the cost of needed treatment. After an animal adoption group evidently agreed to pay for the treatment, it was found that the animal “suffered from a broken leg after being shot by a pellet gun and possibly hit by a car.” The break was severe and required surgery as well as the installation of a metal pin. It was expected that he’d require weeks of treatment. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified about the shooting, but no suspects were identified.

Richmond, Virginia

WRIC.com reported that a cat who had escaped from his home had been found “in a backyard a few doors down the street” with a pellet gunshot wound to the shoulder. He was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment and was expected to survive. Authorities reportedly identified a suspect and charged him with cruelty to animals. According to the report, “This took place just weeks after another cat was shot with a pellet gun” in another part of the city.

Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada

DailyHive.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been trapped by a resident who had evidently left him in the trap for some time before taking him to an animal shelter. The receiving shelter said in a social media post that the animal was “[c]overed in snow, frozen to the metal bottom, and bleeding upon arrival at the shelter.” He was rushed to a veterinary hospital for treatment for injuries, including ones to his paw pads, and was expected to survive. The shelter said that it didn’t believe there was malicious intent on the part of the individual who had trapped the cat.

Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Kitchener.CityNews.ca reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found frozen to death by a neighbor. Authorities were notified. No additional information was available.

Brighton, Colorado

DenverPost.com reported that “at least six” homeless cats had been found dead and that authorities had “received unconfirmed reports that another six to 12 also died.” According to the report, “Only one of the six dead cats was in a condition that allowed testing, and that animal tested positive for FPV [feline panleukopenia virus]. All the cats belong to the same feral colony.”

Ware County, Georgia

ActionNewsJAX.com reported that a kitten who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been kicked across his owner’s yard by a neighbor. The cat’s owner said the neighbor was “screaming belligerently that my dogs were in her yard” before she kicked the kitten, which sent him “flying in the air.” The kitten sustained bruising but was expected to survive. The neighbor was charged with cruelty to animals.

Chandler, Arizona

AOL.com reported that an unspecified number of homeless cats—who had been sterilized and reabandoned by a group of people—had been found injured or dead after they were evidently shot with a BB or pellet gun. According to the report, the group admitted to burying some of the cats after finding them dead. Most recently, a cat was reportedly found unable to use her rear legs and had to be rescued from under a trailer where she’d dragged herself. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Monroe County, West Virginia

WVNSTV.com reported that a homeless cat had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Lakeland, Florida

WestOrlandoNews.com reported that two cats and a dog who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had died after consuming poison that was allegedly placed in a neighbor’s yard. According to the report, the neighbor “had repeatedly threatened to poison” the animals if they continued entering her yard. The report said that the cats “died within hours of each other, both exhibiting the following symptoms: choking, unable to breathe, foaming from the mouth, and in obvious significant pain.” Hours later, the dog died with similar symptoms. The neighbor was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals.

Daytona Beach, Florida

News-JournalOnline.com reported that authorities had charged a man with cruelty to animals after he allegedly trapped a cat in a box trap on a cold day and sprayed the animal with what a witness said “looked and sounded like a high-pressure water hose.” According to an affidavit, the witness provided authorities with “video of the incident, where [the suspect] is allegedly seen ‘picking up the cage containing the cat and dropping it harshly on the ground in between bouts of spraying [him or her] with the hose.’” When he was confronted by the witness, the suspect allegedly said that the cat “shouldn’t have been in his yard.” It wasn’t known whether the cat had survived.

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

WVNSTV.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Take a look at even more reasons never to let your cat outside unattended, and pledge to keep cats safe indoors.

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