CAT FAQs

There are many reasons for the above statistics including, predators, parasites, diseases, and cars. Dogs, coyotes, raccoons and owls all prey on cats outdoors. Indoor cats have less of a chance to contract parasites, such as fleas, ringworm, tapeworms, and coccidia, than do outdoor cats. Exposure to disease, such as FIV, FIP, and FELV is more likely with outdoor cats, and without regular vaccinations, recovery or remission is unlikely. Cats tend to freeze in front of car headlights resulting in being hit. Cat's have also been killed when a car is started after trying to keep warm by climbing into the engine area.

How do I discipline my cat from scratching the furniture or other
unwanted behavior?

Cats cannot be disciplined the same as you would Dogs. Dogs form social hierarchies of which the owners can take advantage. Cats, however, form social groups only by necessity, and the arrangement is territorial.

You should NEVER hit a cat or use any sort of physical punishment. Cats hate to be surprised, so you can use water bottles, clapping, hissing, or other sudden noises to stop unwanted behavior. You can train your cat to perform appropriate behavior, as an alternative to the inappropriate behavior. Making certain behavior impossible is a big deterrent. "Cat-proofing" can be accomplished by keeping food in containers, breakable objects out of reach, etc. Many childproofing gadgets can easily be adapted for your cats (such as cupboard latches).

Because an indoor cat is more likely to become lost if it gets out!

We often receive calls from people looking for their indoor cat who got out because:

someone left the door open
the window screen was loose
it slipped past while groceries were being brought in
a handyman or cleaning person let it out

In addition, an emergency such as a fire or earthquake results in frightened animals running away. Sadly, many of them are never reunited with their owners because they are hit by cars or taken to an animal shelter. With proper identification, shelter cats are returned and in the case of a death, at least you will know what happened to your escapee.