I'd have to agree with this. I keep my cats indoors all the time, and they
are VERY happy, well-adjusted, and safe. We have bird feeders in full view
of almost any window, and the cats love to watch them. Plus, this way, I
know that my cats have effectively been removed from the food chain; they
can neither be predator or prey while they're in the house. The cats are
happy, healthy, and psychologically fulfilled.

Incidentally, both of my cats were strays. The first few months of getting
them used to staying indoors is hard, no doubt, and you have to stay on top
of the situation or they will slip out the door. However, it's worth it in
the long run to guarantee the safe, happy, healthy, and LONG life of my
cherished pets. And I don't have to worry about the moral dilemma of
finding bird and rodent carcasses scattered about.

If I sound preachy, it's REALLY not my intention. I'm pre-coffee right now,
and this is the way my brain works first thing in the am. ;-)

-Jacki

-----Original Message-----
From: TWEETERS-owner at u.washington.edu
[mailto:TWEETERS-owner at u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Michael Dossett
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 1999 8:21 AM
To: Jeff.Kruse at intp.com; "tweeters at u.washington.edu"
Subject: RE: Cats Indoors!

Hi,

I know that I am going to have a lot of people get mad at me for saying
this, but one of thr best things that you can do for your cats is to
keep them in doors. Cats indoors lead much longer lives and are less
likely to have a negative impact on the outdoor environment. They are
also less likely to meet other cats with which they can pro-create and
create an even bigger problem. When your cats are indoors they are
also a lot less likely to bother your neighbors:-)

Seriously though, as long as you can keep life interesting for them, I
would not leave cats outside unattended.

I don't know how else you can keep them from catching birds.

Michael Dossett
Bothell
Phainopepla at yahoo.com
--- Jeff Kruse <Jeff.Kruse at intp.com> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I need some help. I have two cats. They may
> be killing birds. I
> have put bells on their collars and put garden
> fence under the feeders
> I have. They still manage to get one now and
> then. They have a cat
> door and come and go. What can I do other than
> locking them indoors.
> Thanks for the help
>
> jeff.kruse at intp.com
>
>
> ______________________________ Reply Separator
> _________________________________
> Subject: Cats Indoors!
> Author: "Diann MacRae" [SMTP:tvulture at halcyon.com]
> at Redmond
> Date: 4/7/99 3:08 PM
>
>
> Hi, Tweets
>
> This is too late for the next WOSNewsletter so
> thought I would post it here
> for those of you interested.
>
> "On Migratory Bird Day, May 8, we (Cats Indoors!)
> are planning a national
> "Keep Your Cats Indoors Day" to better publicize the
> campaign during spring
> bird migration. A sample press release to pass on to
> your local media, and
> suggestions for other activities as well will be
> available from the web
> <http://www.abcbirds.org>. With your help, we are
> really making a
> difference in the lives of cats, birds, and other
> wildlife.
>
> For further information, contact: Linda Winter,
> Director, Cats Indoors! The
> Campaign for Safer Birds and Cats, American Bird
> Conservancy, 1250 24th
> Street, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20037, phone
> (202) 778-9619,
> lwinter at abcbirds.org."
>
> Thanks, Diann MacRae
> Bothell
> tvulture at halcyon.com
>

_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get your free at yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com