|
Press Releases
March
8, 2005
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michelle Pintar
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: mpintar@wihumane.org
Home is Where the
Cat Is: Keeping Your Feline Safe Indoors
MILWAUKEE
? The popular adage, "Cats live nine lives,"
could possibly be true if they were kept indoors.
Millions of cats suffer and die in the United States
each year due to guardians allowing them to roam
outdoors. Many guardians believe that cats are happiest
when roaming outside, when in fact cats are most
likely to die prematurely from diseases, poisons,
speeding vehicles and abuse by humans. In addition,
cats eat birds, which is not healthy for them or
the birds.
The Wisconsin
Humane Society recommends the following steps to
help your cats live long, healthy lives and at the
same time save the lives of wild animals.
· First and
foremost, keep your cat indoors. Even cats in "safe"
suburban neighborhoods can be victimized and never
return home. Outdoors cats have a much shorter life
span than those who live indoors.
· If your
cat doesn't already wear a collar, invest in one
and make sure your furry friend also has an identification
tag. If you adopted or will adopt a cat from the
Wisconsin Humane Society, all cats are implanted
with an identifying microchip. If you didn't adopt
from WHS, your veterinarian can still implant a
microchip. The procedure is fast and easy, and can
make a big difference in helping you get your cat
back if he or she should go missing.
· Cats
need to get regular exercise. You can find plenty
of great toys to keep your cat mentally and physically
active. Spend at least fifteen minutes each day
exercising your cat.
· Spay
or neuter your cat. This surgery helps reduce overpopulation
and thus, prevents animal suffering. The Wisconsin
Humane Society spays or neuters all its cats before
they are adopted, and also offers a Spay Neuter
Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is an ideal solution
for individuals who understand the benefit of spaying
or neutering their cat but cannot afford to do so.
For more information, call the shelter at (414)
ANIMALS.
· Invest
in a quality scratching post and show your cat how
to use it. That will help to prevent your cat from
damaging household property and simulate the need
for your cat to use a tree to stretch.
· Be an
animal advocate and encourage neighbors, family
and friends to keep their cats indoors.
Also, if you
see a stray cat, report it or take the cat in into
your local animal control facility.
For more information
about the Wisconsin Humane Society, call (414) ANIMALS
(264-6257) or log online at www.wihumane.org.
#
# #
|