Cats Indoors
When it comes to house cats, contradictions reign. 1
They [house cats] can live anywhere and, while they must have plenty of protein, they eat practically anything that moves, from pelicans to crickets, and many things that don’t, like hot dogs. 2
… the most significant aspect of house cats’ adaptability, and the greatest source of their strength, is their ability to navigate a relationship with us. 2
[A]fter interviewing dozens of biologists, ecologists, and other researchers, I have the sense that many of them – sometimes despite themselves – admire cats, too. 2
From: Tucker, Abigail. The Lion in the Living Room. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2016.
Introduction, p. 4
Introduction, p. 7
Cats are extremely adaptable and have secured their place with humans.
We do not always think of them in this manner, but cats are predators. Numerous studies have shown that outdoor cats have a significant impact on a significant number of bird, mammal, and reptile species. Even “common” wildlife species are impacted by roaming cats.
Cats are safer indoors where family pets are sheltered from human hazards like motor vehicles and environmental toxins; diseases, some of which can be transmitted to humans; and other predators. It’s not just about birds and other wildlife. It is also about the health and well-being of your family’s companion.
Cats raised indoors usually show no desire to go outside. Providing an enriched indoor environment with window shelves or stimulating toys will counter a desire to explore outside of the home. A screened porch or a “catio” provides a safe alternative to roaming outside. Cats can be trained to walk on a leash.
More information:
American Bird Conservancy (ABC):
Cats Indoors Initiative: https://abcbirds.org/program/cats-indoors/
Solutions for Pet Cats: https://abcbirds.org/catio-solutions-cats/
Bird Friendly Iowa
Resources: https://birdfriendlyiowa.org/Resources/
Impact of free-ranging domestic cats: https://birdfriendlyiowa.org/Resources/Library/Feral_Cat_Impact_on_Wildlife.pdf
Furball Farm Pet Sanctuary, A Mission for Feral Cats:
National Audubon Society
Making your home more bird friendly: https://www.audubon.org/magazine/spring-2022/seven-ways-make-your-home-more-bird-friendly
22 Actions to Take for Birds: https://www.audubon.org/news/22-actions-you-can-take-birds
Wildlife Center of Virginia
The Case for Indoor Cats. Help wildlife, cats, and the environment by keeping cats indoors: https://www.wildlifecenter.org/case-indoor-cats
Scientific American
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-we-save-the-woodrat-without-slaughtering-cats/
Can We Save the Woodrat without Slaughtering Cats? by Carrie Arnold, Scientific American Volume 322, Issue 4; 10.1038/scientificamerican0420-36
Originally published as "Cat vs. Woodrat" in Scientific American Volume 322, Issue 4
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-taming-of-the-cat/
The Evolution of House Cats by Carlos A. Driscoll, Juliet Clutton-Brock, Andrew C. Kitchener, Stephen J. O'Brien on June 1, 2009
This article was originally published with the title "The Taming of the Cat" in SA Special Editions 24, 3s, 62-71 (September 2015); doi:10.1038/scientificamericanpets0915-62
Tucker, Abigail. The Lion in the Living Room. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2016.
The Cats of L.A. by Jonathan Franzen, The New Yorker, January 1 & 8, 2024. Available online at: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/01/01/how-the-no-kill-movement-betrays-its-name.