On Keeping Cats Indoors
Doris Clayton

With spring migration and planting just around the corner. I would like to bring to mind an issue that concerns many naturalists and gardeners alike - the problem of roaming cats. I recently read about an organization that has done an impressive job in collecting information and statistics on this topic and also offers many suggestions on how to address the problem.

Cats Indoors! The Campaign for Safer Birds and Cats was initiated by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) to end the unnecessary suffering and death of birds and other wildlife caused by free-roaming domestic cats. Cats Inside! seeks to educate cat owners, decision makers and the general public that free-roaming cats pose a significant risk to birds and other wildlife, suffer themselves, and pose a threat to human health.

Cats Indoors! encourages cat owners to keep their cats indoors and advocates laws, regulations, and policies to protect cats and birds, including the humane removal of free-roaming cats from areas important to wildlife. The campaign promotes grassroots efforts to address the issue at state/province and local levels. Their excellent website is at www.abcbirds.org.

Reproduced from the Wood Duck (Hamilton Naturalists Club) March 2001.