Because reading a radio signal from the chip was too easy?
Yes, they are really cheap and the law (here in Sweden at least) requires all outdoor cats to be chipped. So the cat is probably already chipped anyway.
Even if for some reason you didn’t want to chip your cat (you should absolutely chip your cats and dogs) it would be trivial to just put a tiny receiver in something that dangles off their collar for the door to communicate with.
Personally don’t want to leave collars on my cats, I also don’t let them outside much though beyond our patio.
Chips are implants that go under the skin. Most civilized places require pets to have them in urban places.
There’s not a chance in hell this is going to work to be able to differentiate between two black cats.
We had two black cats and Google and Apple photos both get them mixed up despite them being easy to differentiate for us.
I wonder how long it will take the local racoons to figure out holding up a picture or video of the owner’s pet to the camera should suffice. Imagine that – racoons lying-in-wait, with stolen cellphone, trying to get something good.
Cats are not dogs no matter how much mine thinks he is
Letting your cats outside unsupervised is a death sentence
Let’s not fight, it’s bad for everyone to have a world class predator unleashed into a toxic and hostile ecosystem.
Cats only started living in homes in the late 19th century in some countries like the UK. In most countries they still live outside. Living inside the house is extremely unnatural for cats.
Health and Safety Risks
Disease Transmission: Outdoor cats are at higher risk of contracting and spreading diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which is often transmitted through cat fights[1][2]. They are also more susceptible to parasites like roundworms[2].
Physical Injuries: Cats with outdoor access face increased risks of trauma from road traffic accidents, fights with other animals, and predation[1][3]. These incidents can result in severe injuries, long-term health issues, or death.
Poisoning: Outdoor cats may be exposed to toxic substances like antifreeze or garden chemicals[5].
Environmental Impact
Wildlife Predation: Domestic cats in Australia alone are responsible for killing at least 1.5 billion native animals per year[2]. This predation can potentially lead to the extinction of some native species.
Owner Benefits
Reduced Veterinary Costs: Keeping cats indoors can lower the risk of injuries and illnesses, potentially reducing veterinary expenses[2].
Stronger Bond: Indoor cats may form stronger bonds with their owners due to increased interaction and observation[3].
Addressing the “Unnatural” Argument
While it’s true that cats naturally enjoy outdoor activities, the argument that keeping them indoors is “unnatural” is not a sufficient reason to let them out:
-
Adaptability: Cats can adapt well to indoor environments, especially when raised as indoor cats from kittenhood[5].
-
Enriched Indoor Environments: Owners can create stimulating indoor spaces that allow cats to exhibit natural behaviors like climbing, scratching, and exploring[4][5].
-
Supervised Outdoor Time: Alternatives such as cat enclosures or leash walks can provide outdoor experiences while minimizing risks[2][5].
-
Modern Hazards: The outdoor environment in many areas has become increasingly dangerous for cats due to traffic, toxins, and other risks not present in their natural habitats[5].
-
Longevity vs. Quality of Life: While outdoor access may provide some enrichment, the significant risks to a cat’s health and safety often outweigh the benefits[1][3].
By providing a stimulating indoor environment and considering safe outdoor alternatives, cat owners can ensure their pets lead fulfilling lives without compromising their well-being or impacting local ecosystems.
Citations: [1] Uncontrolled Outdoor Access for Cats: An Assessment of Risks and … https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7070728/ [2] The benefits of keeping your cat indoors - Vet Voice https://www.vetvoice.com.au/ec/pet-ownership/the-benefits-of-keeping-your-cat-indoors/ [3] Pros and cons: Indoor vs. outdoor cats - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/Wellness-at-banfield/kitten-hub/indoor-vs-outdoor-cats [4] Indoor vs outdoor cats: Health, safety, and behavioural considerations https://www.24petwatch.com/ca/blog/indoor-vs-outdoor-cats [5] The Indoor Outdoor Debate - THE MESSYBEAST http://messybeast.com/indooroutdoor.htm [6] New Research Reveals Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Cat Outside https://www.reddit.com/r/biology/comments/10fqjf9/new_research_reveals_why_you_shouldnt_let_your/ [7] The Difference Between Indoor Vs. Outdoor Cats https://parkvet.net/blog/difference-between-indoor-vs-outdoor-cats/ [8] Indoors or Outdoors? An International Exploration of Owner … https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7909512/ [9] Why Is it So Hard to Keep Cats Indoors? - National Audubon Society https://www.audubon.org/news/why-it-so-hard-keep-cats-indoors [10] Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats - American Humane Society https://www.americanhumane.org/public-education/indoor-cats-vs-outdoor-cats/ [11] Why Keeping Cats Inside Is Better For Them—And The Environment https://chatelaine.com/living/indoor-cats-canada-faq/ [12] Letting Your Cat Go Outside | Outdoor Cat Dangers https://catbehavioralliance.com/outdoor-vs-indoor-cats/letting-your-cat-go-outside/ [13] The Dangers of Outdoor Cats - Ethos Veterinary Health https://www.ethosvet.com/blog-post/the-dangers-of-outdoor-cats/ [14] Cats and the Perils of Outdoor Living | VCA Canada Animal Hospitals https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/cats-and-the-perils-of-outdoor-living [15] 8 Outdoor Dangers for Cats and How To Keep Your Feline Safe https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/outdoor-dangers-cats [16] Outdoor cat terminology and risks - Stewardship Centre for BC https://stewardshipcentrebc.ca/outdoor-cat-terminology-and-risks/ [17] Outdoor cats are NOT okay and it’s actually bad pet ownership. You … https://www.reddit.com/r/The10thDentist/comments/j5drn7/outdoor_cats_are_not_okay_and_its_actually_bad/ [18] Top 20 Reasons to Keep Cats Indoors Plus the Purrfect Catio How To https://www.globalstewards.org/cats-indoors.htm [19] Outdoor cats a threat to more than just birds - One Health Institute https://onehealth.uoguelph.ca/2022/02/28/outdoor-cats-a-threat-to-more-than-just-birds/ [20] The Case for Indoor Cats | Wildlife Center of Virginia https://wildlifecenter.org/help-advice/wildlife-issues/case-indoor-cats [21] New Research Reveals Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Cat Outside https://scitechdaily.com/new-research-reveals-why-you-shouldnt-let-your-cat-outside/ [22] [PDF] 6 Reasons You Might Let Your Cat Out, And Why Not To https://burlingtonhumane.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Reasons-to-Keep-your-Cats-Indoors.pdf [23] Is Having an ‘Outdoor Cat’ Cruel? The Short Answer: YES - PETA https://www.peta.org/about-peta/why-peta/outdoor-cats/ [24] Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats - San Francisco - SF SPCA https://www.sfspca.org/resource/indoor-vs-outdoor/ [25] The Unnatural World of Killer House Cats - strange behaviors https://strangebehaviors.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/the-unnatural-world-of-killer-house-cats/ [26] Indoor versus outdoor cats - Cabbagetown Pet Clinic https://www.cabbagetownpetclinic.com/blog/may-2023/indoor-versus-outdoor-cats [27] The case against pet ownership - Vox https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2023/4/11/23673393/pets-dogs-cats-animal-welfare-boredom [28] The Dirty Truth About Indoor Cats https://catspajamasgrooming.ca/the-dirty-truth-about-indoor-cats/ [29] What’s your philosophy on Inside vs. Outside cats? - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/cats/comments/snny31/whats_your_philosophy_on_inside_vs_outside_cats/ [30] How do we know indoor cats have an ok quality of life? https://ask.metafilter.com/373594/How-do-we-know-indoor-cats-have-an-ok-quality-of-life [31] Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats: Should You Let Your Kitty Outside? https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-safety-tips/indoor-vs-outdoor-cats [32] Why All Cats Should Be Indoor Cats - PETA https://www.peta.org/living/animal-companions/caring-animal-companions/caring-cats/indoor-cats/ [33] Keeping Your Cat Happy Indoors - PAWS https://www.paws.org/resources/keeping-your-cat-happy-indoors/ [34] It is INSANE to keep cats indoors for all their lives - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/unpopularopinion/comments/10yvyx4/it_is_insane_to_keep_cats_indoors_for_all_their/
Oh fuck off with your American bullshit!
Ideally all cats would be allowed access to the outdoors to express their natural behaviour.
https://www.cats.org.uk/media/1023/eg12_indoor_and_outdoor_cats.pdf
UK shelters require outdoor access or you won’t be able to adopt.
Around 70% of cats in Europe have access outdoors and EU believes that cat access to outdoors should not be restricted https://apnews.com/article/2ea2d3edea304defa0375a7dbedc35ae
UK law requires cat owners to provide a suitable environment for cats and some breeds or individuals might require going outdoors. Failure to provide outdoor access in such cases will be treated as an animal abuse.
