I am currently visiting a so-called "enlighgtened" community; that is, one that is known for its multi-culturalism and liberal attitudes, but I see one thing within this community that is the same as everywhere else: cats are allowed to live outside and roam the streets. Here, it appears that people think it is safe for their cats to be outside because of the heightened feeling of community and the slow driving. But it takes only one moment for a cat to wander across a sidewalk and be struck dead. Or for a not-friendly dog to get loose and attack.

Cats who live outside have short lives. They are not only hit by cars and attacked by wild dogs, they are also stolen and sold to labs. Or they are poisoned or hurt by abusers. Or they develop diseases or get wounded in cat fights. And cats who go outside must have a series of shots, which we now know can wreak havoc on the feline immune system. Cats do really well indoors. It is extremely easy to train them to use sisal scratching boards, and as long as they have a window to look out of, they are happy. "My cat insists on going outside," is what people say, but all cats can easily be trained out of this habit.

I feel sorry for the thousands of cats who are left to fend for themselves outside when their only chance at safety is to be indoors.