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.
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.
Cases That Made the News Concerning Cats Left Outdoors to Suffer and Die in March 2025
Miami-Dade County, Florida
WSNV.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been hit with some type of object by a neighbor who had previously told the animal’s owner that “he doesn’t like cats.” The attack was captured by video surveillance footage. The owner said the cat didn’t sustain permanent injuries. Authorities were notified.
Chesapeake, Virginia
13NewsNow.com reported that a homeless cat who had been found underneath a shed near a park had bitten a resident after she took the animal into her home. Authorities were apparently called and were able to contain and euthanize the cat, whose remains tested positive for rabies. The resident was undergoing post-exposure treatment.
Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
Local21News.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Local21News.com reported that two cats who were described as being “fostered” by someone who had gotten the animals sterilized and then left them outdoors had been attacked and killed by a dog who was apparently being walked by his or her owner. Video surveillance footage captured the attack, which allegedly showed the dog’s owner encouraging the dog to attack the cats. Authorities were notified.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NBCPhiladelphia.com reported that a homeless cat who was described as a “neighborhood stray” had been attacked and killed on a resident’s porch by three dogs who were also homeless or roaming unsupervised. The attack was captured on video surveillance footage. Authorities were notified.
Sarasota, Florida
MySunCoast.com reported that a man had been charged with cruelty to animals after he allegedly shot a homeless cat to death with a pellet gun in November 2024. According to the report, the man had admitted to shooting the animal, who “he said was damaging the interiors of boats at his business.” He told authorities that “he had contacted Animal Services multiple times to complain about stray cats causing damage” but had received no relief. According to the report, after the cat was shot, he or she “ran into the street and died. Officers found the cat in the street with a wound to [the] head, the affidavit said.” A court date was set in the case.
Jackson, Mississippi
KESQ.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found with a food can stuck on his or her head. An animal adoption group was called and contained the animal, who was described as “very weak and dehydrated.” The can was removed, and the cat was receiving treatment.
Erie, Pennsylvania
YourErie.com reported that a homeless cat had lain injured on the side of a road for three days after he’d been hit by a car. He was eventually taken to an animal adoption group that reportedly “said they called every vet in Erie, but nobody would take him.” The cat was transported to a veterinary hospital in Akron, Ohio, where it was found that he would “need to have his leg amputated, but vets are waiting until he regains enough strength to have the surgery.” He was placed in a foster home and was receiving pain medications. It wasn’t clear whether he’d survive.
Imperial Beach, California
FOX5SanDiego.com reported that at least four cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed in a neighborhood by two dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. Authorities were called and said they had impounded the dogs and returned them to their owner after a fence was secured.
New Braunfels, Texas
Herald-Zeitung.com reported that authorities had picked up a homeless cat after receiving reports that the animal “was attacking other cats in the area and behaving strangely.” The cat either died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
Coral Gables, Florida
TampaBay.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had died after he was hit by a car.
McMinnville, Oregon
KATU.com reported that two cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by two dogs who were roaming unsupervised. A small dog had also been killed by the dogs, and “[o]ne of the incidents was caught on a Ring doorbell video.” Authorities reportedly cited the dogs’ owner.
Las Vegas, Nevada
FOX5Vegas.com reported that a homeless kitten had been trapped on a freeway overpass for three weeks before area residents were able to get an electrical contracting company to rescue the animal “using a boom lift and two nets.” The kitten was taken to an animal hospital, where he was described as dehydrated and very thin. He was receiving treatment and was evidently expected to survive.
Gahanna, Ohio
ABCOnYourSide.com reported that necropsy results on the body of a homeless cat who had died the previous summer showed that the animal had been poisoned. According to the report, a group that had sterilized and reabandoned cats in the area had found many of them sick and dead the previous summer. According to a spokesperson for the group, sick cats were taken to a veterinary hospital, where most of them had to be euthanized, including a kitten who had been found motionless and gasping for breath. Two more cats were found dead in December. According to the spokesperson, one cat’s body had been sent for a necropsy and the “report came back [showing] that she had died from the rat poison, and there was also anti-freeze in her tissues.” Authorities investigated but said they hadn’t found enough evidence for a prosecution.
Oahu, Hawaii
KHON2.com reported that a group that had sterilized and reabandoned homeless cats at a parking lot had found the dead bodies of five of them “with suspicious wounds” in February. According to the report, a sixth cat had been found injured and was taken to an animal adoption group, where he or she had to be euthanized. Later in the month, a seventh cat was found who had “apparently been shot through the head.” A spokesperson for the group that had abandoned him said, “He had a projectile that entered through his eye and out of his lower left jaw.” He received treatment and was evidently expected to survive. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
Redding, California
ActionNewsNow.com reported that a cat who had been fed by a group that sterilizes and reabandons homeless cats outdoors had been found with an arrow through his body. According to the report, the nearest emergency veterinary hospital was “hours away” from the site where he’d been fed. When he was finally taken to a hospital, where he died, “the arrow had been embedded in his body for an entire week, causing severe damage. It had pierced part of his liver and nearly exited the other side of his small frame.”
Fresno, California
KMPH.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by two dogs, who were homeless or also roaming unsupervised. The attack had been captured on video surveillance footage. The cat’s owner reportedly said that “neighbors told her, it wasn’t the first time these dogs were spotted in the area killing other cats.” Authorities were notified.
Ormond Beach, Florida
News-JournalOnline.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
Arcade, Georgia
MainStreetNews.com reported that authorities had received a report from a resident who said that a cat who was evidently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked by a vulture. The resident “expressed a desire to exterminate the bird.” Federal authorities were contacted and confirmed that the bird is a member of a protected species and must be left alone. No additional information was available.
Chicago, Illinois
MiamiHerald.com reported that a homeless cat had been found in an alley crying and injured during below-freezing temperatures. He was taken to an animal adoption group that reportedly said he “was injured, with an abscess on his leg, and ulcers and scabs on his paw pads, likely from the exposure to the ice and extreme temperatures. He was also covered in flea dirt and very, very hungry.” He was evidently receiving treatment and was expected to survive.
Edgewood, Maryland
WMAR2News.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. According to the report, officials said that the cat may have exposed humans to the virus. No additional information was available.
Springfield, Massachusetts
IdahoStatesman.com reported that a homeless cat had been found injured after she’d apparently been hit by a car. She was taken to an animal adoption group, where she received medical treatment, including the surgical removal of a badly injured eye. She was evidently expected to survive.
Hopkins County, Kentucky
14News.com reported that authorities were investigating after video footage had been shared on social media that appeared to show a man kicking a cat, who was evidently homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. No additional information was available.
Hunterdon County, New Jersey
MyCentralJersey.com reported that a homeless cat had been found evidently showing signs of illness. According to the report, “The cat developed severe disease, including neurologic signs, and was humanely euthanized, according to the state Health Department.” Testing revealed that the animal had been infected with H5N1 bird flu. Other cats on the same property where the cat was found were also reportedly sick, including one who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision and tested positive for the virus. According to the report, “Other test results are pending and the investigation is ongoing.”
February 2025 Media Reports Exposing How Cats Suffer and Die Outdoors
West Memphis, Arkansas
WREG.com reported that authorities had arrested a man who had allegedly killed two apparently homeless cats by drowning them. According to the report, authorities had received video footage “regarding the incident.” When police visited the man’s property with a search warrant, they “found animal traps and two dead cats [who] appeared to have been drowned in a tank of water on the property.” The man was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.
Leeds, New York
TimesUnion.com reported that two homeless cats had been found injured in the same area. The cats were contained and taken to an animal adoption group, where a spokesperson said that one of them had an injury on his or her back that looked like it had been caused intentionally. The cat reportedly “later died from other causes.” The second cat had evidently “been injured for ‘several weeks’ before [he or she] was trapped and treated.” Metal fragments were found in a paw, which had been “completely shattered.” That cat was evidently expected to survive. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
Half Moon Bay, California
ABC7News.com reported that an extremely ill homeless cat had been found by a family. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where a spokesperson said, “It was determined he had the bird flu along with a number of symptoms,” and the animal was euthanized. According to the spokesperson, symptoms of the virus in cats can include the following: “Loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, neurological symptoms like circling around excessively or maybe tremors, vision loss and then respiratory signs, respiratory things happening. That could [be] like rapid shallow breathing [and] excess discharges from nose and eyes.”
Buffalo, New York
WGRZ.com reported that a homeless cat had been found injured on a resident’s porch during freezing temperatures. She was taken to an animal adoption group, where she was receiving treatment for severe frostbite to her feet.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
TheCoastlandTimes.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had become wedged inside a storm drain during a snowstorm. He was trapped in the drain for more than four days before one of his owners heard him crying. Authorities were called and worked for about an hour to rescue the feline. He was returned to the owners, who said that he’d sustained “frostbite on the tops of his paws and was weak and sore.”
Readington Township, New Jersey
ReadingtonTwpNJ.gov reported that a kitten who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
Schulenburg, Texas
FayetteCountyRecord.com reported that city police had received a call about an injured cat who may have been hit by a car found in a resident’s yard. The call was reportedly referred to an animal control officer. No additional information was available.
McLeansville, North Carolina
ABC45.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
Savannah, Georgia
WJCL.com reported that a homeless cat had been found “acting drunk.” A good Samaritan was scratched in the process of placing the cat in a carrier for transport to an animal shelter, where the cat was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. The good Samaritan was reportedly undergoing post-exposure treatment.
Breesport, New York
WENY.com reported that an apparently homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. According to the report, “multiple people who were in close contact with the infected cat are now being vaccinated against the disease” and health authorities were “looking for more potential victims.”
Red Bluff, California
KRCRTV.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had become stranded on a small island in a river. Residents had reported seeing the animal stranded for an entire weekend. According to the report, fire rescue personnel “made a fast water rescue” to retrieve the animal, who had sustained “a tail wound that required two inches of his tail be amputated.” He was receiving treatment and was evidently expected to survive.
Clovis, New Mexico
EasternNewMexicoNews.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found in a resident’s yard exhibiting symptoms consistent with rabies. Authorities were called and collected the animal, who was taken to an animal shelter and had to be euthanized. The animal’s remains were sent for testing and tested negative for rabies but positive for H5N1 bird flu. According to a spokesperson for the shelter, the cat had likely been infected after attacking and/or eating a wild bird.
Dale County, Alabama
WDHN.com reported that authorities were investigating after video footage was posted on social media that showed a teenager beating a cat, who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision, with a shovel. Another video appeared to show the teen possibly drowning a cat in the bed of a pickup truck. The teen had been identified, and an investigation was ongoing. No additional information was available.
Chicago, Illinois
WGNTV.com reported that a homeless cat had been found crying and “freezing in the wind outside Wrigley Field.” He was taken to an animal adoption group, which reportedly said that “veterinarians found an abscess on his paw and ulcerations likely caused by frigid frostbite conditions.” He was receiving medical treatment and was evidently expected to survive.
Portland, Oregon
KATU.com reported that authorities had charged a man with aggravated cruelty to animals after a witness said she saw him “lure a cat out of the bushes with cat food, then choke the cat and repeatedly slam [the animal] against the concrete. She thought the cat was dead since the man was twirling the cat above his head as he left.” No additional information was available.
Thomasville, Georgia
WTXL.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead by his owner in January. The animal’s body was taken to an animal shelter, where the owner said that a worker reportedly “saw a clear gunshot wound from the top of his head all the way through his jaw [and] bruising on the top of his head where the shot was placed.” Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified. WALB.com later reported that investigators had found video surveillance footage that confirmed that the cat had not been shot but had been fatally attacked by three dogs, who were homeless or also allowed to roam outdoors unsupervised.
Reedley, California
KMJNow.com reported that health authorities were advising residents that a rabid bat found in the area “may have been in contact with several feral cats before being secured and sent for testing.” No additional information was available.
Alpharetta, Georgia
AccessWDUN.com reported that a homeless cat had been captured by a resident in January. The animal was taken to an animal control agency, where authorities said that the cat “suffered a medical complication that was consistent with an animal presenting with rabies.” The animal had evidently been euthanized and tested positive for the virus. According to the report, “Public health officials will alert individuals who have been exposed to potential risks and advise them to seek medical attention if necessary.”
Santa Cruz, California
KEYT.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home bleeding and badly injured after he’d evidently been shot. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he had to be euthanized because of the severity of the injuries. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
Lowell, Massachusetts
LowellSun.com reported that authorities had filed additional charges against a man who was accused of capturing animals in illegally set leghold traps, including a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. According to the report, the accused had “admitted to trapping the cat and striking [the animal] in the head two or three times with a metal pole to kill [him or her], adding that the animal may have been in the trap for more than a day.” He was also accused of trapping and killing numerous wild animals. A court date was set in the case.
Hopewell, Virginia
Progress-Index.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
Media Reports About Cats Outdoors Who Came to Harm in January 2025
New York, New York
Newsbreak.com reported that authorities were searching for a man who had allegedly beaten a cat, who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision, on a street with a wooden stool. Authorities reportedly said that the cat had sustained a broken jaw and fractured vertebrae in his or her neck and back as a result of the beating. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. No additional information was available.
Ashland, Ohio
FOX8.com reported that an apparently homeless cat who had been fed by a resident had been found dead on her porch. The animal’s body was taken to a veterinary hospital, where, according to a police report, “workers determined the cat had been shot in the head and abdomen.” The resident reportedly “told police she’s seen two other cats with similar injuries to their necks.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
Lee County, Florida
WINKNews.com reported that a homeless cat had been found limping and with “what appeared to be a BB-sized hole in the cat’s backside.” She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where, according to authorities, a veterinarian “confirmed the injuries were consistent with a BB gun pellet.” She was receiving treatment and was evidently expected to survive. Authorities were investigating a possible suspect who had apparently complained that the cat was trespassing on their property, “but no arrests or charges have been announced at this time.”
Dayton, Ohio
WDTN.com reported that authorities had rescued an apparently homeless cat who had been found injured on an interstate highway. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment and was expected to survive.
Sonoma County, California
KRON4.com reported that authorities had rescued a homeless cat who’d been found injured on an interstate highway. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital for care.
Topeka, Kansas
Bradenton.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found injured. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where it was found that he had an upper respiratory infection and a broken jaw and that one of his eyes “was sunken in and no longer working.” He received treatment, including the surgical removal of the damaged eye, and was evidently expected to survive.
Columbia, Tennessee
WKRN.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found badly injured after he was evidently shot with a BB gun. His owners said that the animal’s “condition started to deteriorate overnight, so they tried to transport him for veterinary care.” However, the cat died before reaching the hospital. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
McKeesport, Pennsylvania
CBSNews.com reported that a passerby had found a homeless cat “lying motionless on the snow” in a resident’s driveway. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the finder said that her temperature was so low that it “would not register on a thermometer for about two hours.” It was found that she’d also sustained likely frostbite and had infected wounds on her legs. She was receiving treatment, including needed painkillers.
Hendersonville, Tennessee
WSMV.com reported that a cat who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with an arrow. According to the report, “Despite being taken to a local emergency veterinarian clinic, the cat died from [his or her] wounds.” Authorities arrested a suspect who was “charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.”
Elgin, South Carolina
TegaCaySun.com reported that a homeless kitten had been “found with wounds of unknown origin.” He or she had died or been euthanized and tested positive for rabies. According to the report, “Eight people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. Two dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. A feral cat colony was observed in the area and was potentially exposed.”
San Antonio, Texas
MySanAntonio.com reported that a resident who apparently fed homeless cats in a neighborhood said that a pack of dogs who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had recently attacked and “killed at least half a dozen” of them. One of the fatal attacks was captured on video surveillance footage. Authorities were notified.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
NJ.com reported that authorities had charged an 18-year-old man with cruelty to animals after he posted videos online that allegedly showed him “hurling cats in Atlantic City streets.” According to the report, “A tipster sent Atlantic City police a video last month showing the man picking up a cat and throwing [the animal] into the air as he walked with a group …. Police couldn’t find an injured or deceased cat, but uncovered a separate video of the same man tossing a different cat, police said.” No additional information was available.
Covington, Tennessee
ActionNews5.com reported that “multiple cats” who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by two dogs, who were also homeless or roaming unsupervised. The dogs had also killed other dogs and wildlife. Authorities were searching for the canines.
Pylesville, Maryland
Patch.com reported that a homeless kitten who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
Sulphur, Louisiana
KPLCTV.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found on his or her owner’s porch injured after being “shot multiple times” with a BB gun. The cat was evidently taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. A dog in the same neighborhood had also been shot. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
Farmington, New Mexico
KOB.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had sustained injuries after becoming caught in a steel-jaw trap. No additional information was available.
Elizabethtown, North Carolina
WWAYTV3.com reported that a homeless cat had been seen exhibiting “strange behaviors.” Authorities were called and collected the animal, who died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
Detroit, Michigan
TheMirror.com reported that two pit bulls who had “escaped from their owner’s yard” had been “seen tearing a stray cat apart” by officers who were responding to reports that the dogs had attacked several people in the area. One of the dogs was fatally shot by responding officers, and the other was impounded and euthanized. The dogs’ owner was cited for various infractions.
New Bremen, New York
WWNYTV.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. A human who had been exposed to the virus through contact with the cat was reportedly receiving post-exposure treatment. No additional information was available.
Clearwater, Florida
Patch.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found trapped in a sewer cleanout. Authorities reportedly said that efforts were “complicated by residents who weren’t aware of the situation [and were] flushing their toilets and causing the kitten to be flushed down the pipe.” According to the report, “After multiple failed attempts with a homemade snare, the kitten was rescued.” No additional information was available.
Vacaville, California
NBCBayArea.com reported that a homeless cat had been mauled by a dog at an apartment complex. A resident claimed that the cat had “just started to recover before he went up a tall tree and then began crying day and night for five days.” The cat was rescued after multiple failed efforts and was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he was reportedly being treated for wounds and was evidently expected to survive.
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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Please contact elected officials today and demand that they remove the workers shown on video abusing animals at the publicly funded shelter.
UPDATE (February 18, 2025): This situation is being closely monitored, and this page will be updated when we have more information. PETA has learned of a German shepherd reportedly penned without shelter on Old Henderson Drive in Breaux Bridge, LA. We reported this to the Sheriff’s Office, and with our urging, an officer asked the … Read more »
Please politely urge authorities to intervene immediately, then share this alert far and wide!
Update (February 7, 2025): Thank you to all who have spoken up for this little dog! PETA has now heard from the prosecutor, who has promised to investigate the matter. Our caseworkers will continue to stay in touch with authorities and advocate for the dog. Stay tuned! Original text: On December 9, a small Yorkie … Read more »
Help end the slaughter by sending a letter to the Moroccan Ministry of Interior, calling for an immediate end to the massacre.
Ask the Mayor Karen Bass to allow authorized rescue teams to reach animal victims of L.A.’s wildfires.
