Parasites - Outdoor cats suffer from fleas, ticks, ear mites, and worms that indoor cats are not generally exposed to. Poisoning - Poisons are found in lawn chemicals, bait left out to kill rodents, antifreeze, and other sources. Other Animals - Fights with other cats, dogs, and wildlife often leave cats maimed or injured. In our own community as well as others across the nation, cats have been the victims of burning, ritual torture and other abuses. Cars - Cats often crawl into warm car engines in cold weather and are killed or badly injured when the unsuspecting driver starts the car.
Most outdoor cats die prematurely from auto accidents.
No matter how alert, a cat is no match for a fast moving vehicle. Unaltered cats allowed to roam and mate account for millions of the cats who must be euthanized each year because there aren't enough homes for them. Becoming Lost or Trapped - Few cats reported missing are recovered by their owners. Some people who notice a cat in the area assume it can find its way home. Others assume the cat is abandoned and care for it without attempting to locate the owner.