Think about Native Fauna

by Eva
(Australia)

Firstly, I have to state that I live in Australia. We have a great deal of native wildlife species, some of which are becoming endangered. As a lover of nature, it is my primary responsibility to keep safe the native animals and reptiles that abound in our country. I say this even as a diehard cat lover! Cats were introduced to Australia about 200 years ago...the defenceless native animals have been here for thousands. How selfish and irresponsible would it be for the human species to inflict a predator onto unsuspecting native fauna, just because one believes it is 'unkind' to keep a cat indoors? Technically speaking, the cat should not be here at all!

As I said, I AM a cat person, and adore all types of cats. But when it came to choosing a feline to once again share our home (my last cat was killed 11 years ago), I chose one from a reputable breeder, and I chose a breed that is more than comfortable living indoors 100% of the time. These breeds are the oriental breeds of Burmese, Siamese and, as in our case, a Tonkinese (a breed that crosses Burmese and Siamese cats). We received our cat at 3 months of age, and she had been kept indoors up until that time by the loving breeder. She came to our home fully vaccinated and desexed (neutered). Since then, her entire domain has been solely inside our house. We have trained her to use the human toilet and she seems as well-loved and as part of our loving family as any human member!

In order to keep a young cat indoors and 'happy', you simply do not allow it to ever venture outdoors. You need to engage with your cat, talk to it, and love it unconditionally. Do not project your feelings of needing freedom 'outdoors' in order to be happy. A cat that knows no different is not suffering, and indeed is much safer and protected inside the home.

despite the fact that I love cats, I 100% disagree with letting them roam outdoors for ANY amount of time. In Australia, small possums, native birds and lizards are easy pickings for a cat, and as we all know, a cat is hardwired to hunt. They are predators. They kill, even when it has nothing to do with needing to eat! Anyone who takes on a cat, then lets it free outdoors is a complete idiot in my opinion. This is saying you value a cat's life over another animal species (living in its native environment no less!) If you cannot devote the time and attention and love an indoor cat requires, so that it lives happily and safely by your side indoors, then for heaven's sake get a stuffed plush toy cat!

Like parenthood, cat ownership is a privilege which comes with great responsibility. If you don't have the will or desire to be responsible for ALL animals, then don't bother keeping a cat.