| Paw Colors | Points |
|---|---|
| Grey | 0-49 |
| Red | 50-149 |
| Orange | 150-299 |
| Green | 300-599 |
| Magenta | 600-1499 |
| Purple | 1500-4999 |
| Blue | 5000-9999 |
| Brown | 10000-24999 |
| Black | 25000+ |
All but one of my cats are outdoor cats, and about half of them hunt. We feed our cats, but they enjoy hunting. It is good riddiance to pests such as moles, but I am worried. They eat what they catch, so I am worried that what they are catching carries disease. They usually hunt common birds, mice, and moles. Do they smell the disease and avoid it?
Keywords: DISEASE, hunt, hunting, moles, outdoor
Answers to this question
11 Answers
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No, they don’t smell the disease and avoid it. They simply eat the animal, and they could get a disease such as rabies. But, your cat can get a rabies shot, to prevent it from getting dieseased. Since your cat is an outdoor cat, I also suggest that you get a flea/tick medicine such as Advantage to prevent it from getting sick. You won’t need the medicine in the winter if the temperature gets below 55 degrees because the fleas/ticks will die.
However, I wonder why you even have an outdoor cat? Did you know that outdoor cats live only about 3-4 years average. You might say that you have or you know an outdoor cat that has lived to 25 years. I will just brush that fact away. This is because cats that go outdoors often get hit by cars, mauled by dogs, or killed by cruel humans.
I totally suggest keeping your cat inside!!
Is your cat fixed? Fixed cats often live longer than un-fixed cats and live much calmer happier lives!! 
If you cat is not fixed, it may be able to produce kittens or be the father of kittens. There are already 650,000 unwanted cats in America. Would you like to add to that number? If you cat is already pregnant, fix it right after it delivers.
There are many other viruses you can use to help prevent your cat from becoming diseased. One is the FeLV Vaccine. This prevents the cat from getting feline lukemia or feline aids (I forgot) Catsofmany or Kat, can you tell me what the FeLV vaccine prevents against??
Hope this helps,
Johnisgood2
Comments to Answer
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nice answer! Oh bye the way FeLV prevents nothing, it is a disease called Feline Lukimiea Virus
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i respect most of your answer except i very dislike the way u scared me telling me outside cats live only up to 4 years ...because now i am scared.. :(
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Thanks Toby!
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Hey leupurdd, why did you dislike me telling you the truth. Your cat might live to 15 years, but many cats are hit by cars, mauled by, dogs, etc., so the average drops ALOT!
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Vaccines can be classified as core or non-core vaccines. Core vaccines include the FVRCP combination shot that protects against feline rhinotracheitis, calici and panleukopenia viruses, and the vaccine that protects against rabies. Non-core vaccines include those that offer protection against feline leukemia virus, chlamydophila, feline infectious peritonitis, giardia and feline immunodeficiency virus.
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Core Vaccines
FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpes), calicivirus and panleukopenia). First shot administered at 6-8 weeks of age. Series administered every two-three weeks until 12 weeks of age. Boosters given at 1 year of age, then once every three years.
Rabies virus. First shot administered at 4 months of age. Boosters given every one to three years, depending on type of vaccine and requirements stipulated by local rabies regulations.
Non-Core Vaccines
FeLV (feline leukemia virus). First shot administered at 8 weeks of age. Second in series administered at 11 weeks of age. Boosters given once every one to three years.
Chlamydophila. First shot administered at 8 weeks of age. Second in series administered at 11 weeks of age. Boosters given annually.
FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). First dose given intranasally after 4 months of age. Boosters administered every six months.
Giardia. First shot administered at 8 weeks of age. Second in series administered at 10 to 12 weeks of age. Boosters given annually.
FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). First shot administered at 8 weeks of age. Series administered at 10-11 weeks of age, and 12-13 weeks of age. Boosters given annually.
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Cats cant smell the disease in an animal so I would take them to the vet often. There are some medications that can keep the disease the cat gets away, but you can never get rid of some, like rabies. Rabies starts as the cat is unfriendly or shy to ones they are normally not. Then they can start to act weird in the areas of eating, drinking,urine,and others. Then, they start to get alot of saliva. I would watch out for rabies.
Since your cat likes to be out side, i would make sure he/she get tick and flea medication. Ticks and fleas cam affect the cats coat, and blood system, wich leads to blood problems, wich leads to health problems. But if the temputere in your area is under 54, you dont have to worry about having fleas or ticks, because they either not live there or die becvause of the temputere. Ticks start as larva,new from the eggs, and then grow very fast into blood sucking parasites. If you notice your cat itching or scrathing its fur, and it is not on medication for fleas or ticks, i would be concernd and check, although i would cheak anyway if it does have medication.
I must say, i like to keep cats of mine inside, not out. But really, treuw in a cats heart is wanting to be outside, so i would get a fenced special cat area for platy and fun for the cat. cats engoy fresh air, so this will make them happy and safe. If you cannot get one of theese, let me list the dangers of a cat outside:
other cats
poison rat traps, mouse traps,etc.
bear or fox(etc.) traps
cars
people whi hunt
people who like to kill cats
the risk of them running away
others might think they are a stray and take them in
disease from meat
rabies
preditors
ticks and fleas
glass
plastic bags
other litter
and many other things.
Normally cats that live out side only live from 3-6 years.
Cats may also come alone some kind of litter and dicide to take a nibble. Tjhis can lead to chokeing, and death. Also if a cat comes across a river with toxic waste spilled in it or unclean water, they can get very sick. And also if a hunter sees the cat from a far distance, they might think it is a fox or raccon, wich are other dangors toi cats if they attack.
You have to fix(spay or netur) your cat if you are going to allow it to love out side. If it comes acroos anopther cat(if its a male as an example):
Male: It will get in a fight that could lead to brutile ingeruys or even death
Female: Might mate. There are over 600,00 cats unwanted in the world, all because cats are mating to much. They are broght to death in shelters, and there lives are wasted.
Ask your vet about things that can keep your cat safe from being diseased, and it could save youyr cats life.
I hope that helped,
Toby66
Comments to Answer
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That totally did help! Thanks for the Grrreat answer Toby!
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There have already been a lot of good answers here so I won’t repeat what’s been said by catsofmany, johnisgood2 and toby66 (though I do agree that they should be neutered, vaccinated and treated with a topical that is good for fleas, ticks and worms)
I do want to add that eating raw rodents is one of the ways cats can get tapeworms and the topicals that treat for other types of worms do not kill tapeworms. Especially if your cat is outdoors and you don’t have a litter box to monitor, keep a close eye on the cat and if you see any white rice-grain looking things clinging to the cat’s fur around the behind area and tail, get worming pills and dose him ASAP as tapeworms can lead to malnutrition and anemia if left untreated. You will probably have to do this more than once as long as your cats are outdoors and eating wild animals.
I just want to mention one more reason to keep your cat inside - Wild bird and small animal populations can be greatly affected by free-roaming cats that hunt them. There are some areas where whole species have been eradicated (and in Australia I know there are species that have gone completely extinct from this Earth) because of feral and roaming cats. Even if you aren’t worried about the safety of your pets, please consider keeping them indoors to protect our wildlife, which belongs to EVERYONE, not just you. At the VERY LEAST get collars with bells on them for your cats to give the poor birds a fighting chance.
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If your cat has a rabies shot then there is nothing to worry about. Cats should get rabies shots when they are adopted. Though some shelters takes care of that for you.
Comments to Answer
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There are FAR more concerns outdoors than just rabies. Please vaccinate your cat (core & non!) and consider keeping it indoors so that it has the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.
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Cats can become infected with roundworms by eating infected lizards, mice, birds and bugs. They can also become infected from ingesting soil contaminated by infected feces.
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i agree with toby66, some cats dont smell the disese so they go ahaed and eat it.
my cats eats cat food but loves hunting to, but instead of eating it, she takes it puts it on our door step, so we can be “proud” of her, instead, verytime my mom opens the door, she screams!(shes scared of mice) and then my dad has to thorwo the mouse, shrew, or bird oit. one day, she was only like4 months old and she killed a pigeon!
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Many cats in the old days hunted for food and many have died form dissease but arent those very reasons that they created vaccines for. Many vacines for cats that they have now are days are crazy but they do come in handy so dont be affraid to take that shot for your cat in the long run.
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They also get toxoplasmosis from eating rodents and birds which they can pass on to you. I have to say i agree with alot of other people…i would never keep my cats outside i’m mostly afraid they’ll get hit by a car. I would be heartbroken to lose one of em. My dad has had a few outdoor cats and they’ve all been lost to cars. There’s also some pretty sick people in this world that love to torture our beloved kitties…while i believe these people should be shot,they often never get caught. I feel much safer with my babies inside with me.
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My cat is 21 and she is an outside cat…. so anyone who says that outside cats only live to 3 or 4 doesn’t know my cat.. She is the second cat that I have owned that is over 20.. and a outside cat.
And she eats what she catches… mice are a good source of food for cats.because of what the mice eats….things that contain minerals, protein. and all that a cat needs…. .. but there is a danger of disease. so she gets to see the vet a few times a year and I watch her very carefully for any change in behavior .
Comments to Answer
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There are always exceptions but 99% of the time, outside cats do not have long life spans. 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.
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