Everyone says that cats have nine lives. Where does this statement come from? Anancient proverb said “A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.” Many people think that nine lives myth is because the cat can almost always land on their feet, have incredible dexterity and their reflexes are so fast. It is fun to think that our cats actually have nine lives, but in reality, scientific evidence proves that they only have one life just like us.

Since our cats only have one precious life, we must protect them. Let’s talk about nine reasons for keeping them indoors.

1. Cats can be hit by a car.

Even though cats are very fast and agile, cats can get hit by a car and become seriously injured. Even if they have been roaming the streets for years, if there is a fast-moving vehicle, they may not be able to judge the speed and can get hit. At night, the headlights may blind them temporarily causing them to freeze and they may not be able to move away from the car fast enough. Your cat’s freedom to roam the neighborhood is not worth the risk of being struck by a car.

2. Cat fights in the neighborhood.

Some cats especially a tom cat may become aggressive over their territory and females. A tom cat may try to fight your cat and cause serious injury.

3. FELV and FIV infections.

FELV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) are two dangerous viruses that your cat can contract from roaming cats in the neighborhood. If your cat contracts either one of these viruses, it can cause life-long serious medical problems for your cat.

4. Beware of wild animals.

Coyotes, foxes, alligators, and other wild animals can seriously injure or may make a quick meal of your kitty. In our area, coyotes are a real threat to cats. Your cat may think a coyote is a dog, but coyotes are fierce hunters and they are much quicker than a pampered pooch in the neighborhood.

5. Parasite troubles.

Outdoor cats can become infected with intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks and mites. When they return home, they are bringing these unwanted critters into your home.

6. Danger of Rabies.

Outdoor cats may come in contact with wild animals with high risk of rabies such as racoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes and bats. Rabies is a fatal disease so don’t take a chance on your precious kitty being exposed to these wild animals.

7. Your cat may not be welcomed by your neighbors.

Your neighbors may not like your cat being in their yard. We all love cats, but not everyone may welcome your kitty in their domain.

8. Your cat may get a permanent welcome.

If your cat is roaming the neighborhood, someone may think Fluffy is lost and may decide to keep him.

9. Your cat may be poisoned.

Roaming cats may ingest antifreeze, pesticides, rat poisoning, spoiled food from trash cans and toxic plants. Ingesting any of these can cause your kitty to be very ill and can even be life threatening. These nine reasons should be convincing to keep your beloved cat inside. Our cats have one life so let’s help them live a long and healthy life so we have many years together.