Cats Indoors | Redwood Region Audubon Society

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We advocate for the humane and responsible ownership of cats.

We recognize that the housecat is a domesticated species dependent on people to take care of it. Feral cats are more likely to suffer greatly and live much shorter lives than owned cats.

The domesticated cat evolved from the African cat species (Felis lybica lybica). It is an invasive species in the United States. Local native species did not evolve with domesticated cats and have little to no defense against being killed by them.

We support educational programs and materials that provide scientific information on the adverse effects of cats living outdoors and advocate for pet owners to keep cats indoors, in outdoor enclosures, or on a leash when outside.

Many cats enjoy going for a walk on a leash!

A catio, or cat patio, is an enclosure that allows cats to access a fun outdoor space that is protected from dangers such as cars, disease, and injury from other cats and, at the same time, protects birds and other wildlife.

The Dellabalma's cat can climb along a tree branch, or snuggle on a soft cushion.
Photos by Ken Burton

Teach your cat to walk on a leash and take it on leashed walks as you would a dog.
Identify your cat. Use a collar and tag or microchip your cat in case it gets lost.
Don’t feed unknown cats without making a commitment to finding them a permanent home. Feeding stray cats will only establish their presence and lead to rapid growth in their numbers. Instead, take them to a local animal shelter where they have the chance to be adopted.
Don’t allow food to be accessible to wildlife (except birds) or roaming cats.
Spay or neuter your cat as early as eight weeks of age.
Never abandon cats. This is illegal and cruel behavior. Instead, take the cat to an animal shelter where it has a chance of being adopted.
Support laws that prevent cats from roaming.
If you are unwilling to keep your cat indoors, do not attract birds to your yard by putting out bird feeders, birdhouses, or birdbaths.

Home Guided Walks About Us Programs Habitat Restoration Cats Indoors Newsletter & Publications Calendar Join Us/Donate

RRAS is committed to educating the public on domestic cat control to protect cats and prevent cat predation on birds and other wildlife.

It is estimated that 2.4 billion birds per year are killed by domestic cats in the U.S.

Many cats enjoy going for a walk on a leash!

A catio, or cat patio, is an enclosure that allows cats to access a fun outdoor space that is protected from dangers such as cars, disease, and injury from other cats and, at the same time, protects birds and other wildlife.

The Dellabalma's cat can climb along a tree branch, or snuggle on a soft cushion.
Photos by Ken Burton

Home Guided Walks About Us Programs Habitat Restoration Cats Indoors Newsletter & Publications Calendar Join Us/Donate

RRAS is committed to educating the public on domestic cat control to protect cats and prevent cat predation on birds and other wildlife.

It is estimated that 2.4 billion birds per year are killed by domestic cats in the U.S.

Many cats enjoy going for a walk on a leash!

A catio, or cat patio, is an enclosure that allows cats to access a fun outdoor space that is protected from dangers such as cars, disease, and injury from other cats and, at the same time, protects birds and other wildlife.

The Dellabalma's cat can climb along a tree branch, or snuggle on a soft cushion.Photos by Ken Burton

The Dellabalma's cat can climb along a tree branch, or snuggle on a soft cushion.
Photos by Ken Burton