[justbob]

Originally Posted by davidyee

...but here goes.

1. Let your cats out on a regular basis, but leash them. Their quality of life is not that bad and they will be in optimal health and stimulation.

Letting them outdoors to roam is probably the number one cause of cat injuries or death. As one poste has already stated his cats have come home missing an appendage or two.

2. Leash them in an are where they can find shelter from the sun and the elements. Leave them a water dish.

We leash each of our four cats on a separate 30 foot steel lead away from trees and objects where they could hang themselves. There are short bushes and sheds and arbours for the cats to find shade as my wife is an avid gardener of flowers, etc.

3. Cats will poop on concrete, but there is serious reasons for this.

a. They are sick.
b. They are terrified and new to the environment.
[View Full Quote]c. They are masking a smell by middening. Cats typically midden because another animal has left an offending smell. Ex. You move to a new house and there was a dog that lived there previously. The dog would pee in the basement concrete floor or typically urinate on the wheels of the previous owner's car in the driveway. Cat comes by thinking this is my house and I don't feel comfortable smelling this dog so I am going to mask it.
d. Male cats may midden if they are left to wander in a neighbourhood and want to markt heir territory.

Short story. Pets are your responsibility. ALWAYS! Take good care of them. Be involved in their lives and they will enjoy a long healthy life. If you have a cat in your life whom you are actively involved with chances are your life will be extended.

Don't take care of your pet. Cause conflict with your neighbour and it will bring you stress. Stress typically reduces a person's life.

We have four cats, a dog and a rabbit. It's a ton of work. Clear five litter boxes three times a day. Brush the animals three times a week. Vacuum the whole house once a day. Brush the animals teeth every night.

Pick up poo from the yard once a week. Shine rain or snow. Snow's best cause it's frozen.

Our family of five humans love our family of eleven.

Excellent