Outdoor cat risks

While sterilized cats with permanent ID are allowed to roam freely in New Westminster, keep in mind that there are many risks for outdoor cats in our communities. It is the unfortunate responsibility of our Animal Services staff to take lost cat reports, and to pick up injured and deceased cats. Risks for outdoor cats include: 

• Parasites: fleas and ticks carry diseases, and are common in our area.
• Conflict with other pets: Fights with other cats can cause serious injuries or disease. And of course, dogs are a natural predator of cats. We have received reports of cats jumping into yards where dogs reside, only to meet a fatal outcome.
• Cars: Even on side roads, cats can be struck by a vehicle. If they don’t die to their injuries right away, they can bolt, and may not be found. Even if found, you are looking at potentially life-threatening injuries and very costly vet bills.
• Predators: We have urban wildlife across our city who will prey on cats if they have the opportunity. Coyotes are the primary killer of domestic cats, but raccoons can maim or kill cats as well.
• Poison: Cats can become victims of secondary poisoning by hunting poisoned prey animals. Unfortunately, some cats can also get into the poison or other toxic chemicals and become very ill or die.
• Going missing/being stolen: Sometimes, you might not know where your cat has disappeared to, and you might never find out. The lack of closure can be devastating.

We strongly encourage you to keep your cat indoors as much as possible. Indoor cats live on average 10 - 15 years, versus the 2 - 5 years that outdoor cats live.