Last Updated on June 7, 2024 by Holly Anne Dustin
There is a myth out there that threatens the lives of cats. People have this idea that cats are self sufficient, natural hunters that don’t really need their humans. Unfortunately, a quick scroll through Quora will show you that this idea leads to people deciding that “setting him free” is a legitimate choice if they can’t or don’t want to keep their cat anymore. After all, if they are self sufficient and good hunters then they’ll be fine. Right? No. Wrong. Don’t dump your cat outside.
A decision like that would have devastating consequences for your cat. Domestic cats that have lived in families are not equipped to survive on their own. They may have a hunting instinct but they don’t have the skills. They’ve been hunting fuzzy worms on sticks and “Da Bird”, not a mouse or squirrel that fights back.
Cats are social animals that rely on human companionship for their physical and emotional well-being. When cats are abandoned, they suffer from loneliness, anxiety, and stress. My Ryder was one of those abandoned cats that nearly starved to death before being rescued. Abandoning a cat outside is not only cruel, but it also puts the cat’s health and safety at risk. Without proper care, cats can die within a few days or weeks of being dumped outside.
Contents
The Risks to Cats Abandoned Outdoors
Abandoning cats outdoors has serious consequences. Cats dumped outside are exposed to a variety of dangers, including health hazards, predators, traffic, and harsh weather conditions. The cats also cause damage to the environment and wildlife but that is beyond the scope of this article.
Health Hazards
Cats discarded outside are at risk of contracting diseases like FIV, feline leukemia, bartonella, calicivirus, rabies, and more from other cats or wildlife. They develop infestations of parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites, and worms. These hazards cause serious long term health problems for the cats.
Predators and Traffic
Abandoned cats are vulnerable to predators such as dogs, coyotes, and birds of prey. They also risk injuries from cars. Humans collect cats for dog fighting bait. These dangers can cause serious injuries or even death for the cats. My Treeno was mauled by a dog before he was rescued as a young cat and has had a life long limp and arthritis.
Weather and Environment
Cats tossed outside to fend for themselves are exposed to harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow. Environmental hazards such as toxic chemicals like lawn treatments, ice melt, antifreeze and more threaten Kitty’s health. Pesticides and pollution poison prey that then causes death to the cats that eat it. Toxic mulch and plants used to beautify our landscaping harm the stray cats abandoned outside.
An abandoned cat will not get veterinary care for these severe illnesses and injuries. If you are unable or unwilling to care for him, don’t dump your cat outside. Consider finding a loving home or contacting a local animal shelter or rescue organization for assistance.
Common Reasons Cats Get Dumped Outside
People’s Circumstances Change
They lose their jobs, their housing, get divorced, get deployed. People get sick, go to nursing homes or die. Family members can’t take in those pets. Housing is hard to find these days and many landlords don’t accept pets. People develop allergies.
Frustrating Behavior Problems or Expensive Health Problems
The most common reasons people abandon or surrender cats are litter box problems and aggression between cats in multi cat homes. Perhaps your cat would be happier in a solo cat situation. Maybe Kitty can’t live happily with a dog or toddlers. Your vet or a behaviorist may be able to help you with a solution but sometimes the best answer for Kitty is to find her a new home where she can thrive. I kept Katie because I didn’t want to be judged for returning her. Yet, both Katie and I would have been happier if I had rehomed her. She wasn’t a good fit in my large cat family.
Alternatives to Abandonment
This is when we encounter another unfortunate trend that leads to cats being dumped outside. There is very little understanding or compassion for people who need to rehome a cat. I get it. If we’re a cat person, it is easy to say “oh I’d live in my car before I gave up my cat.” But is that really the best life for Kitty? Is that how she wants to live?
Rather than judging someone who needs to rehome their cat, how about we help them find the necessary resources to keep them together or find Kitty a new good home? Hating on someone who is already making a heartbreaking choice doesn’t help the person or the cat.
In whatever circumstances you find yourself, ask if you are providing your cat with the care she deserves? That includes things like getting your cat spayed or neutered rather than just cruelly dumping unwanted kittens.
Related Post: Spay and Neuter Your Cats
Rehoming and Adoption Services
Don’t dump your cat outside if you can no longer care for him. There are rehoming and adoption services available to help you find a new home for your beloved pet. These services can be found online or through local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Some organizations may even offer to take in your cat and find them a new home themselves.
Local Animal Support Groups
There are many local animal support groups that can help pet owners who are struggling to care for their animals. These groups can provide resources such as food, shelter, and medical care for pets in need. Some also offer rehoming assistance for people who can’t care for their pets any longer.
Assistance from Animal Rescues and Shelters
Animal shelters may also be able to provide assistance if you are struggling to care for your cat. They can take your cat in and try to find her a new home. You can find local rescues that are cat specific, that are “no kill”, or community open admission shelters aka “the pound.” You may find support online with breed-specific rescues, transport services, or rehoming groups.
Related Posts: How to Recognize a Good Shelter or Rescue
Consulting with Veterinarians and Behaviorists
If you are considering giving up your cat due to behavioral or medical issues, consulting with a veterinarian may be a good alternative. They can provide advice and resources to help you manage your cat’s behavior or medical condition, and may be able to refer you to a specialist if necessary. In some cases, medication or other treatments may be able to help your cat overcome their issues and stay in their home.
Remember, abandoning your cat outside is never the answer. Take advantage of the resources available to help you find a solution that works for both you and your furry friend.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Animal Welfare Laws
Abandoning a cat outside is not only cruel but also illegal. Most countries have animal welfare laws that prohibit abandoning pets outside. These laws, when enforced, protect animals from being left to fend for themselves, to starve, suffer dehydration, and injury.
In the United States, animal abandonment is a misdemeanor offense in most states. The punishment for this offense can range from a fine to imprisonment.
Moral Responsibilities
Besides these legal consequences, there are moral responsibilities that come with adopting a cat. When someone decides to bring a cat into their home, they are taking on the responsibility of providing for that cat’s physical and emotional needs. This includes providing food, water, shelter, and medical care.
Related Post: Are You a Responsible Cat Guardian?
Abandoning a cat outside is a clear violation of these responsibilities. Domesticated cats rely on humans for their survival. When someone abandons their cat outside, they put that cat’s life at risk and neglect their moral obligations as a cat guardian.
If someone is unable to care for their cat, they should seek help from a shelter or rescue organization or rehome the cat rather than abandoning him outside.
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Summary
Don’t throw your cats away outside. Cats abandoned outside are at risk of becoming injured, sick, or killed by predators. They can also cause harm to local wildlife, disrupt ecosystems, and spread diseases.
It is important that cat guardians take responsibility for their pets and ensure that they are kept safe and healthy. This is best achieved in a safe and secure, enriched, indoor environment, with regular veterinary care and proper nutrition.
If circumstances arise where you can not care for your cat properly, take advantage of available resources to find Kitty a new loving home rather than abandoning her to a slow, cruel death outdoors.
Besides an epidemic of abandoned pets in shelters, the dumping has seen a horrific uptick in numbers. And I fear it is far worse with cats, although abandonment has hit a sickening amount for Huskies. Whatever makes a person abandon an animal is beyond my scope of apprehension. And there are so many ways and shelters that can help. We have a huge cat rescue here, and they hold adoption fairs and are wonderful! No excuse for dumping. Ever. I just saw a post where a lady “tossed” two white Husky puppies over a fence at a shelter and drove off. Horrible! And two of our cats we adopted because of exactly this…they were abandoned.
Excellent post. I hope those who dump will read this and let it sink in.
It’s amazing how many people think dumping their pets is an ok choice in any situation. If you aren’t able to care for your pet, find them another safe home!
Excellent post. No pet should ever be dumped outside to fend for themselves
Excellent article, Emilia! Seven of eight of my cats were abandoned and came up to my door looking for help. The eighth cat, I adopted from my shelter. She’d been abandoned as well. I even had a dog who came to my door looking for help. She had been abused and was very scared. I don’t get why people are so cruel. I think the animal kingdom knows I’m a safe place like a beacon in the dark. I just had a little Yorkie come to me twice from a neighbor. She apparently likes me and Henry better than her humans, which isn’t going over well with the humans. (I’ve also talked to the humans to get them to appreciate her more. Idiot people!) I just can’t leave an animal in need. Besides the fact that I live in a high-prey wildlife area with coyotes, bobcats, lynx, raccoons, and bears. Oh, and rattlesnakes along with an often busy street. It’s simply not safe for a domesticated animal to be on their own. At least that won’t happen as long as I’m around here. Thanks for this article. It’s something that people need to hear and learn. I’m sharing with all my pet parents.
I am so against dumping pets and it makes me sick inside, yes their are circumstances but instead of just putting outside to fend for themselves they should find a home. I wrote all about it on my blog this week also
Fantastic article, and one I hope is spread far and wide.
You do hear a lot of people say that about cats, which is also why they’re fine leaving them for a few days when they travel.
Even feral cats who have only ever known life outside suffer and die, how could anyone expect a cat raised indoors have any idea how to survive.