I recall hearing a lengthy interview with an animal psychologist
on NPR a few months ago. He was making some very strongs points
that keeping cats indoors leads to all kinds of weird and abnormal
behavior by the cats. I was quite surprised to hear all this,
given the push to keep cats indoors, if for no other reason than
to protect the wild birds. Having that go out on NPR couldn't
have helped the effort at all. I'm afraid that I don't recall
what program it was on, nor the name of the psychologist. It's
possible that he was British.

Bob Mauritsen
Seattle


>From: "Marti" <meander at biosupport.com>
>Date: 4/8/99 5:30:32AM
>To: "Tweeters" <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
>Subject: Cats
>
>I am sure everyone has an opinion on this subject. My perspective is
>that of someone who has worked in the veterinary field for 22 years. My
>last clinical job was 5 years in a feline only practice.
>
>I have always advised my clients that indoors is best. Not only from
>the wildlife safety issue but for the animals best health. Telling
>someone that their pet has caught a fatal virus while in the " great
>outdoors" get a little tiresome. Trying to fix animals broken by cars
>and other animals makes you mad.
>
>My own cats are totally indoors. The oldest one was a street tom and
>was use to the free life. You will find that the cats set their daily
>schedule to yours. They will be ready to greet you when you get home
>from work and will demand that you interact with them via play, pets
>etc. Isn't that what we have pets for?
>
>My cats are avid feeder watchers and the birds don't mind their
>presence. Both cats watch birds on the TV as well; the older notices
>hummers and the younger likes larger birds. To my younger one who has
>never been an outdoor cat I'm sure he thinks the outdoors is one big TV.
>
>Best Regards
>Marti Anderson
>meander at biosupport.com
>
>
>