>From Kellee G. via AOL

"Do you think outdoor cats can live as long as indoor ones? I've had outdoor cats all my life, and they've all lived long, happy lives. I know that, statistically, indoor cats live longer. However, we've always had outdoor cats even though we live in the city. We've had cats live to be twelve, fifteen, and eighteen-years-old. And my favorite cat lived 23 1/2 years! And, yes, she was an outdoor cat. The youngest we lost a cat was one who was only nine-years-old. Still, considering that we have had cats since I was two (and I'm now 39), that's saying a great deal for the life expectancy of outdoor cats."

True, it sounds like you've had some fortunate felines but, in general, indoor cats have it easier than outdoor cats, and live a longer, healthier, happier life. Consider some of the hazards outdoor cats have to contend with:

- Cars. Cars are the number one killer and maimer of people, wildlife, and cats. Cats and many wildlife species are particularly vulnerable at night, when they are easily dazzled by headlights. For cats out and about during daylight hours, an added problem is that they have a bad habit of running blindly across the road in front of oncoming traffic. Some cats in urban and suburban areas do become streetwise and learn to avoid traffic, but many thousands more do not and pay the ultimate price for it.

- Dogs. Dogs on the loose or in neighboring yards can kill and/or inflict dreadful injuries on cats. Young cats in particular may be overconfident that they can escape a dog, and will sometimes deliberately taunt them. But while cats are incredibly athletic and have tremendously quick reaction times, they can get into trouble if they misjudge a leap up a tree or over a fence.

- Diseases. While cats can be vaccinated against most of the killer feline diseases, there is one against which there is no vaccine as yet, and it is the one most likely to be contracted by cats allowed out at night. This is feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV, an illness that compromises the immune system much like AIDS in humans, and in fact is often called "feline AIDS." It is transmitted from one cat to another mainly through bites from fighting with an infected cat, though casual contact will not transmit it. The disease may lie dormant for a long period, even years, but eventually infected cats develop a variety of life-shortening health problems, which may include painful and fatal lymphosarcoma.

- Marauding tom cats. Owned or stray/feral tom cats are public enemy number one for domestic cats out at night, especially for young cats, who think they can take on these big guys and come out on top. With older cats the situation may not be so bad because the fights are mostly "hiss and wind" with no close contact. Cat bite wounds are particularly prone to infection and abscessation and can result in systemic illness. A cat obviously unwell, in pain and depressed from even a seemingly small bite wound should receive veterinary attention. As already mentioned, stray and feral cats are the main reservoir of FIV and other feline viral diseases.

- Chemicals and poisons. Illness and death in cats is possible from indiscriminate use of garden chemicals and poisons, but most responsible people would keep both pets and children away from such products for the recommended period. A real risk in colder climates is spilled antifreeze, which has an appealing taste to cats and is quite deadly. Legally or illegally laid baits are always a worry, though cats are naturally suspicious and less likely to take a bait than dogs. Rat poisons are a real concern, as cats can die a horrible death from eating a poisoned rodent.

- Cat haters. Face it - some people really hate cats. Cats have been cruelly tortured, been shot at, had things thrown at them, or outright killed by people who perceive cats as funny targets. A lot of this sort of behavior may come from maladjusted children, but it's damaging all the same. Play it safe and keep your beloved animal away from these freaks.

- Veterinary bills. Cats that go outside regularly are exposed to more hazards than their indoor counterparts, thereby succumbing to more of them. This leads to more visits to the vet which, in turn, leads to more vet bills. And indoor cat may need little more than an annual checkup and booster shot, whearas outdoor cats may require multiple trips to the vet for a myriad of problems.

Of course, an indoor life is not totally risk-free. There are many chemicals and toxins used in the house that can cause allergy and illness in cats, just as in humans. An added problem is that cats, like babies and toddlers, are closer to the floor, where the miasma from such products is most concentrated. Accidents to cats in the home are not uncommon, ranging from falling off narrow ledges like room dividers (cats don't always land on their feet) to being stood on by heavy people. Other indoor hazards include string, thread, dental floss and plastic bags left lying around, and for kittens, falling in the bath or toilet. Irons can topple off ironing boards, slamming doors are killers, and electrical cords and cables are magnets for youngsters who might bite through them and electrocute themselves. Blind cords and slatted blinds are other hazards and can cause strangulation.

But the simple fact is that, statistically, indoor cats live longer. This is true on average, although (as in Kellee's case) plenty of outdoor cats live as long as their indoor counterparts. Indeed, many of the statistics quoted for the longevity of indoor cats can be said to be skewed, being based solely on breeding cats living in catteries. Always such arguments must beg the question about quality of life versus quantity. Myself, I've got four indoor felines who are as happy as little clams, and have no interest in going outside. I've also successfully turned an outdoor cat into a contented indoor feline. My vet even comes to the house for their checkups. They're all warm, safe, protected, and content. What more could an animal want?

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