How Is Your Cat Harming the Planet?
Not so fun fact: domestic cats are actually an invasive species! This means that by letting them outside, you are unintentionally damaging the nearby native species. Outdoor domestic cats have contributed to the extinction of 63 species of wild reptiles, birds, and mammals. They are so harmful that the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists them as "one of the world's worst non-native invasive species". In the US, cats are responsible for killing more than 2.4 billion birds every year ("Cats and Birds").
And you, as their parents, are complicit. However, it's very understandable that you aren't aware of this (most people aren't)! As someone with two cats, I totally get the urge to let them run around and live their best lives outside. Unfortunately, this is not just dangerous to the local wildlife, it's also very dangerous for the cat themself!
Outdoor cats have a life expectancy of 2-5 years, while indoor cats have one of 12-15. They are constantly hit by cars (around 5 million are killed per year due to this), poisoned, and eaten by predators (Nelson). Yikes!
"But I don't want my baby to be bored at home!" says the imaginary person. Well, there's no need to worry; I have solutions for you.
- Open your window or screen door so your kitty can peek outside~ cats are like your nosy neighbor!
- Get a puzzle feeder to stimulate their problem solving skills and hunting instincts~ something that may seem simple to us is truly essential for them
- On a budget? Make some DIY toys, like stuffing some treats in a toilet paper rolls~ there are lots of tutorials and ideas online
- And much more!
(These ideas come from the Animal Humane Society)
“Cats and Birds.” American Bird Conservancy, 25 Sept. 2020, abcbirds.org/program/cats-indoors/cats-and-birds.
Nelson, Allison. “The Perils of Outdoor Cats.” ScIU, 12 Nov. 2022, blogs.iu.edu/sciu/2022/11/12/the-perils-of-outdoor-cats/.
“Seven Enrichment Ideas to Keep Your Indoor Cat Entertained | Animal Humane Society.” Animal Humane Society, www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/seven-enrichment-ideas-keep-your-indoor-cat-entertained. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
