VIDEO: 8 Good Reasons Cats Shouldn’t Go Outdoors Without You

It’s National Cat Day, and we’re celebrating by launching a very important feline-themed video. Watch below as we count down the top reasons why cats should be kept indoors.

Keeping cats indoors is vital to their well-being. It keeps them and other animals safe from many life-threatening hazards, and it prevents cats from doing the following:

1. Killing birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and other wildlife
2. Getting trapped in car engines
3. Suffering from deadly diseases, parasites, and infections
4. Falling victim to intentional violence
5. Being injured and killed by other animals (such as coyotes, raccoons, and foxes)
6. Coming into contact with poisons and toxins
7. Being run over by vehicles
8. Losing years of their life

While indoor cats generally live for about 12 to 20 years, cats left to fend for themselves outdoors have a life expectancy of only one to five years.

This National Cat Day—and every day—we urge everyone to protect their companion cats from accidents and abuse by keeping them indoors, unless they’re outside under your protective eye and immediate reach.

Be a Great Cat Guardian

Our animal friends depend on us to keep them safe and happy. Now that you know how important it is to keep your cats indoors, make sure they’re content, too. Stock up on toys and scratching posts as well as catnip and other healthy snacks. Feel free to take Tabby out for walks—just be sure to use an ultra-lightweight, retractable leash that’s attached to a cat-specific harness, never a collar.

Let your cat get used to the harness for short periods indoors before you pick a safe outdoor area to explore. Kittywalk Systems also makes a “pet stroller” that allows for longer, brisker outings and provides a measure of safety from free-roaming dogs.