An owner has a sacred responsibility to keep his cat safe and in good health.
We're talking 3-4 years life span for an outdoor cat versus 12-15, even 18-20 years for an indoor cat according to statistics....and statistics don't lie.
Free-roaming cats are placed at great risks by many dangers to life and health:
Being hit by a car
Being poisoned by chemicals including lawn maintenance products, anti-freeze or rat poison
Contracting feline diseases
Being killed by dogs or outdoor wildlife
Being abused by humans....being shot, beaten or killed
Being stolen
Getting lost
Provide your cat with a scratching post, a seat by a sunny window...and lots of toys. Consider getting a feline "buddy" for him to play with.
After a period of transition, your cat will be perfectly content to be indoors and you will be acting as a loving and RESPONSIBLE owner.
Leni
Of course, we have 5 acres for them to play on. All except the semi-feral kittehs stay on the property.
BTW- We don't own cats.......they own us ;)