Pet Place

Maybe you grew up on a farm or in a rural area where cats were allowed to roam outside. Today most cat rescue organizations will require adopters to keep cats and kittens indoors. Some people still think that cats are happier if they have the "freedom" to live outside.

Nothing is worse than having a beloved pet go missing, and never know their fate. Here are some of the reasons to keep your cat inside, as much as you might think he would enjoy a romp out in the sunshine.

1. Outdoor cats are subject to predators

Coyotes are the primary threat to felines in the Coachella Valley. They are frequently spotted inside our gated country clubs and other residential communities. Stray dogs can also kill a cat, particularly if they are running in packs. Predatory birds such as hawks and owls kill and devour small animals including cats.

2. Risk of Injury or Disease

Thousands of cats are killed every year from cars. Other hazards on our landscape such as barb wire fencing, rodent traps, and poisons can cause grave injury or death. Cats like the sweet taste of anti-freeze, but it is extremely toxic and will result in death within hours. Some feline diseases are transmitted from other stray cats. Fleas, ticks and ringworm can be picked up while Felix strolls through the neighborhood.

3. Fights with other Cats

Cats are territorial animals, and injuries from cat fights can run up some major veterinary bills. Their territorial battles can result in abscessed wounds which can be deadly if not treated.

4. Malicious Individuals

Sad to say, there are people in our community who are cruel and sadistic. When your cat wanders, you cannot protect them from the dangers humans intentionally or accidently cause.

5. Theft

Even if they don't intend to harm your pet, finders may decide to "adopt" and keep your cat. Tracking them down and proving ownership may be difficult. If your cat is a sought after breeds such as Siamese or Persians, thieves steal them to resell. Worse yet, "bunchers" steal and sell cats to laboratories for animal experimentation or research. Always keep an ID tag with your cell phone number on Kitty, and have him microchipped should you ever have to prove ownership.

6. Run Aways

We hear incredible tales of cats that travel thousands of miles to return home. But there are also stories of animals that wander off and are unable to return home for a variety of reasons. Unneutered Tom cats will wander for miles in search of females in heat.

7. Public Shelters

Your friendly cat could be taken in by someone who thinks he's an abandoned animal. They might take him to a public shelter where a majority of the cats are euthanized.

8. Songbird Conservation

Cats are predators, and it is an instinctual behavior for them to kill and eat birds and other small wildlife. Your well-fed pet may deposit a dead bird as a present on your doorstep. Bird lovers may become angry when they observe your cat running loose.

9. Neighbor Relations

Some of your neighbors might not appreciate a cat defecating and roaming on their property. Gardeners in particular are wary of animals that tromp through their greenery.

Ways to keep Kitty Happy Indoors - Cats are perfectly content to sit in the sunshine on a safe window ledge INSIDE your home. You can provide exercise with a supply of toys, a carpet covered cat tree, and a cat scratching post. You can purchase "cat grass" at any supermarket or pet specialty shop. Get your cat a buddy...there is nothing more joyful than two cats at play.

Here's the best reason to keep your cat indoors rather than outside. The average life span of indoor cats is between thirteen and nineteen years, while that of outdoor cats is about five years. Isis, my wonderful British Blue cat, lived to the ripe old age of twentyfour years, happy to view the world outside from a sunny window ledge.

Janetmcafee8@gmail.com -----------------------------------------------

BY JANET McAFEE

Here is a partial list of Inland Empire shelters and rescue groups where you can adopt a cat or dog. Please check their websites in advance for updates on adoption procedures during the quarantine.

COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS – The county shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. You can view the animals at all four Riverside county shelters at www.rcdas.org, and get the ID number of the animal you want to adopt. Email them the animal’s ID number at shelterinfo@rivco.org, or schedule a virtual adoption appointment at www.rcdas.org, 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644. (Public)

PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. They schedule appointments Wednesday through Monday. View their animals online at www. psanimalsshelter.org, 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718. (Public)

ANIMAL SAMARITANS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. View their animals at www. animalsamaritans.org. Email acorrow@ animalsamaritans.org to foster. Located at 72307 Ramon Rd, Thousand Palms, (760) 6013918. (Private)

CALIFORNIA PAWS RESCUE - The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment

ADORABLE LITTLE BOY

Check out those adorable ears! This little 1-yr-old friendly fellow waits for a home at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus shelter. They are located at 72-050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms, www.rcdas.org. This 12-lb pup is a Chihuahua/ Parson Russell Terrier blend, dog ID#A1623390. Call (760) 343-3644 for same day appointment.

MEET SMUDGE

GORGEOUS PRINT COAT ON THIS PRETTY CALICO GIRL! This lovely 1-yr-old kitty waits for a home at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, cat ID#A3812139. Go online at www. psanimalshelter.org and see Smudge and her other feline buddies. Complete the online application and they will call you for an appointment. Located at 4575 E. Mesquite, Palm Springs, (760) 416-5718.

to adopt. Located at 73650 Dinah Shore, Palm Desert. View their animals at www. californiapawsrescue.com, (760) 656-8833. (Private)

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE COACHELLA

VALLEY – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt a dog or cat. This shelter has lots of big dogs and some cats. View some of their animals at www.orphanpet.com. Located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 329-0203. (Private)

KITTYLAND – The shelter is closed so call for an appointment to adopt a cat. Located at 67600 18th Avenue, Desert Hot Springs, www.kittylandrescue.org, (760) 251-2700. (Private)

FOREVER MEOW – Foster based rescue for cats located in Rancho Mirage. Contact them at www.ForeverMeow.org, (760) 3356767. (Private)

PRETTY GOOD CAT – Foster based rescue for cats located in La Quinta. Contact them at www.prettygoodcat.com, (760) 660-3414 (Private)

BFF4pets – Foster based rescue for dogs and cats located in La Quinta. Email them at rescues@bff4pets.com, (310) 431-7818 (Private)

LOVING ALL ANIMALS – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Located at 83496 Avenue 51, Coachella, www.lovingallanimals.org, (760) 834-7000. (Private)

LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY – Large outdoor shelter for dogs and cats up Hwy 74, view animals at www.living-free.org, and call (951) 659-4687 for an appointment (Private)

MORONGO BASIN HUMANE SOCIETY – Located at 4646 Sun View Rd, Joshua Tree, www.mbhumanesociety.com, call between 11am-4pm for updates (760) 366-3786 (Private)

CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ANIMAL

SHELTER – The shelter is closed but you can call for an appointment to adopt. Hours for adoption 10am – 4pm Tuesday thru Sat. Google “City of San Bernardino Animal Shelter” for website to view animals and get the ID number of the animal you want to meet. Located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 3847272. (Public)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ANIMAL

SHELTER AT DEVORE – Shelter is now open for walk ins 7 days a week. Call (909) 3869280. View animals at www.sbcounty.gov/ acc and get the ID number of animal you want to meet. Located at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (Public).

DREAM TEAM ANGELS RESCUE - Foster based rescue located in Grand Terrace/ San Bernardino area. Contact them through website www.DreamTeamangelsrescue.com, (360) 688-8884. (Private)