Why do cats need off the street?

The street is no place for a domestic cat. Dying of old age is not a likely fate for a homeless feline. Their life is doomed to be short and difficult. Brutal diseases such as herpes viral conjunctivitis, feline AIDS, leukemia, and infectious peritonitis are very common in homeless cats (American Humane). Minor injuries often become fatally infected or lead to serious impairments that disable cats from being able to defend themselves. Untreated upper respiratory infections often cause cats’ eyes and noses to become “so caked with mucus that they can barely see or breathe”. (PETA)

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With every cat we are able to take off the streets, we can help preserve native ecosystems as well. Outdoor domestic cats are an invasive species and are a major threat to wildlife. Their instinct to hunt is extremely detrimental to the other animals trying to survive outdoors. The American Bird Conservancy estimates that free-roaming cats hunt millions of small animals in the U.S. every year, even including several endangered species that desperately need protection. In fact, cats have contributed to the extinction of 63 species of mammals, birds and reptiles in the wild (American Bird Conservancy). The kills are rarely quick and painless, either - cats are known to play with their dying prey, increasing their suffering and making their deaths quite cruel.

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(We don't believe that all cats should be brought inside. We are a big advocate of Trap-Neuter-Return programs for cats that are too feral to be socialized with humans.)