is it ok to have the cats to potty outside?

Consider these hazards and then decide if it’s worth the risk to let your cat out….

Traffic. Collisions with cars and other vehicles are common cat killers. It is a myth that cats are “street wise” about cars. Cats are intelligent and alert but, like most other animals, stand little chance against fast-moving vehicles.

Winters-It is very common for cats to climb up under the hood of a vehicle to lie near the engine for it’s warmth. Disaster strikes when the car is started. The fan belt is deadly and many cats, if they survive, lose limbs.

Diseases. Rabies and other diseases that can be transmitted to humans are a serious public health concern. And free-roaming cats are far more likely to come in contact with other animals who commonly carry rabies, like raccoons. In fact, cats are more than twice as likely to become infected with rabies as dogs.* There are other serious diseases that affect only cats. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, as many as 15% of sick cats are infected with feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)—and many cats have both. These viruses are fatal and transmitted through contact with other cats. Disease is one reason that two out of three veterinarians recommend keeping cats indoors.

Diseases for which we currently do not have vaccines for (Feline Aids), or vaccines that are not reliably effective (Feline Leukemia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis).

Heartworm. Yes, it is true that a cat can get heartworm, through mosquito bites. Shorthairs are at higher risk than longhairs.

Skin cancer. Light colored kitties (especially white) are at risk for skin cancer of the ears due to exposure to direct sunlight.

Toxoplasmosis. A single celled organism that cats can ingest while eating prey that has been exposed. Not only can it kill a cat, it is contagious to people and can result in severe birth defects to human babies whose mothers are exposed during pregnancy. Wearing rubber gloves while handling litter pan duties and gardening is highly recommended for pregnant women. Finding another home for your cherished pet is NOT necessary.

Poisons. Poisons exist on chemically treated lawns, in bait left out to kill rats or mice, and in auto antifreeze—which has an appealing taste—that leaks from cars.

Fleas. Free-roaming cats inevitably pick up fleas and ticks and then bring these pests into the home. Fleas can cause anemia, skin irritations, and allergies in cats—and transmit diseases to humans through their bites. Outdoor cats suffer from ear mites and worms that indoor cats are generally not exposed to.

Other Animals. Cats, dogs and wild predators such as coyotes, raccoons, and foxes are potential enemies of cats and often engage in fights that leave cats injured or dead. Outdoor cats can suffer torn ears, cut eyes, abscesses, and other injuries requiring expensive veterinary treatment. (an untreated abscess can kill a cat) And it’s not just tomcats. Female cats also get into fights because the very nature of cats is territorial.

Cruel People. Shelter workers see cats who have been tortured by children and disturbed adults. Cats are often the victims of burning, tarring and feathering, and other tortures. Animal dealers may collect outside cats for sale to research facilities. Outside pets are at the mercy of the people they encounter.

Cats do not observe property lines by any means. To them, a fence is something to climb on, not a barrier. Your neighbor may not have a problem shooting, trapping or poisoning your family pet.

Traps:
It is estimated that over 100,000 cats are caught in traps each year. Those who aren’t killed may suffer for days before being released and often lose limbs fro the injuries.

Hanging/choking. Those neat little cat collars which do not provide breakaway or stretch releases have killed many a cat.

Loss of Home. Fewer than 5% of “found” cats taken in by animal shelters are reunited with their families. Having your cat microchipped provides a valuable ID system.

Pet Overpopulation:
Unaltered cats allowed to roam and mate at will account for millions of the cats that must be euthanized each year because there aren’t enough homes for them. Allowing unaltered animals outside is irresponsible and at the root of the terrible pet overpopulation problem.
Cats can be completely happy inside if you provide them with toys, good care and most importantly, lots of love and attention. If you have a kitten, start it out right by never letting him or her outside. Older cats that are used to the “great outdoors” can make the transition to being indoor cats with time and attention. Spaying and neutering cats will also help you keep them indoors.

As if that is not enough food for thought, consider our wildlife. Cats kill many songbirds each year, plus rabbits, squirrels, mice, chipmunks, reptiles, etc. Most areas are not overrun with these creatures, and cats are not performing a necessary service by killing them.

Whether you want to allow your cats to go outside or not is totally a personal choice. I tend to agree with animal lover’s post regarding all of the dangers that lurk outside. If I wanted an outdoor cat I would just feed some ferals. I don’t understand shortening your pet’s life span on purpose.

However, it sounds like you are asking if you should send them outside JUST to use the bathroom? I wouldn’t suggest that, especially if you are ever keeping them inside for long periods of time. Litter box train them. What happens if you’re not home? Or if the weather doesn’t permit outdoor elimination? You don’t want to be cleaning up messes in your house. It’s best just to litter train them.

its better to go potty inside so your cats dont get harmful diseases. go on http://www.catster.com

cATs were originaly in the wild before humans had the idea as cats as pets so cats were obligated to go outside so i would say it as helthy