Cat enclosures - they save lives

Not only do they keep your cats safe from predators -like coyotes -they keep many small creatures alive who could easily become kitty hors d'oeuvres.

While chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits are often victims, it's the wild bird population that is especially hurt by free roaming cats.

I always said it was a great cosmic joke.

My yard had been landscaped to be a safe haven for birds...and then the kitties arrived. It was clear that something needed to be done.

As we built the outside enclosure my cats watched intently from behind the screen door. I will never forget the day we opened that door and they walked outside. The four of them began chattering non-stop. They chirped and squeaked with delight. It was easy to imagine them saying “What IS this?” and “Is this really for US?”

We hung a birdhouse on a tree branch within the enclosure, and Pippen would sit there all day…just hoping.

Over the years the kitties have enjoyed many happy hours in their outside playground. However, I often wonder if I have had the better part of the bargain, for watching them playing outside…safely…brings me great joy.

The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon and the Audubon Society of Portland have partnered on an awareness campaign to encourage people to keep their cats inside homes or enclosures. Oregon Public Broadcasting aired an excellent program on this subject. You can watch that video here:

http://www.opb.org/programs/ofg/videos/view/286-Cats-Birds

There are some things in life we may not be able to impact, but keeping wildlife safe from our dear kitties IS something we can control.

By the way - dogs like cat enclosures, too!

Chris

Lighthearted Press