The Cats Indoors program recognizes the impactful roles that the house cat plays in our lives. Deeply rooted in our culture, cats affect us in many ways, especially as beloved pets and as natural predators. To ensure the safety of our pet cats and preserve vulnerable wildlife, our campaign advocates keeping cats indoors. We provide accurate research-based information that demonstrates the many benefits to the cats, humans, and wildlife when cats are kept inside. While transitioning a cat from an outdoor lifestyle to an indoor environment may appear challenging, there are strategies to help outdoor cats adapt and thrive indoors.
South Sound Bird Alliance, Grays Harbor Audubon Society, and Tahoma Bird Alliance started meeting in January 2026 with the goal to raise awareness in cat owners of the benefits for cats, wildlife, and people of keeping cats indoors and contained outdoors. We offer options to cat owners so they can follow this recommendation. Please explore these pages for ideas on keeping cats, birds, and people healthy and happy.
It is estimated that 2.4 billion birds are killed by domestic cats each year in the United States. This makes cats the leading source of direct, human-caused bird mortality in the U.S. Cats also prey on rodents and reptiles, which are food for our larger bird species. Domestic cats have been implicated at broader scales in the global extinction of at least 63 species—40 birds, 21 mammals, and 2 reptiles—which is to say, 26% of all known contemporary extinctions in these species groups (Doherty, Glen, Nimmo, Ritchie, & Dickman, 2016). Likewise, domestic cats currently endanger at least 367 species at risk of extinction (Doherty et al., 2016).
Cats make wonderful pets; about 37% of US households own one or more cats. It is the cat’s nature to be a hunter. This is unfortunate for both wildlife and cats. Outdoor cats face the threats of cars, predators, disease, and parasites. Of special note is the threat posed by coyotes. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends keeping cats indoors or in enclosures to prevent pets from becoming coyote food. The lifespan of outdoor cats or cats with lots of outdoor access can be only half that of indoor cats.
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The cat is a primary carrier of this parasite, and people can become infected when cleaning litter boxes. The infection can be dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems. More information can be found:
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/resources/printresources/catowners.pdf
Outdoor cats can become infested with fleas, which can easily spread to their human owners. Treating cats for fleas involves topical medications, baths, house cleaning, and grooming, all of which are expensive and time-consuming. Outdoor cats may require more veterinary care than indoor cats. Treatment for fleas, ticks, cat fights, poisonings, and injuries can be part of an outdoor cat’s cost.
Cat owners may believe that free-roaming cats are happier, but outdoor cats are at risk in several ways, including crossing roads, being attacked by other animals and people, and exposure to disease, toxic substances, and severe weather. Coyotes pose a significant danger in most communities, including urban settings, as they opportunistically hunt cats for food.
Humans can also be affected by free-roaming cats. Toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can only reproduce in the intestines of cats, is a serious risk to public health and the environment. During their roaming activity, a cat may pick up the parasite, which is then shed in its feces, creating a reservoir for the infection. Toxoplasmosis from cats can affect humans, domestic animals, zoo animals, and native wildlife. Some of the more serious effects of an infection can include brain, eye, or organ damage in people who are immunocompromised, and it can cause birth defects or miscarriage in pregnant individuals.
Another concern for humans and wild animals is rabies, with cats being responsible for a significant number of human exposures. Keeping your cat indoors is the best way to prevent exposure to rabies.
Help your cat live a long, healthy life. Keep your cat indoors and ensure a safer life for them and you!
Well-cared-for Pet Cats Will Not Hunt Wildlife
Many cats, especially owned cats, are killing out of instinct or because they enjoy hunting, not because they’re hungry. In a study, cats were fed their meal of choice, and a live rat was released nearby. The cats in the study would pause to hunt and kill the rat, then return to their meal.
A Cat Collar with a Bell Will Prevent Wildlife Capture
Wild animals do not know the bell means danger, and may not react to it. Nestlings and fledglings are at particular risk from cats and may not be able to escape even if they do hear a bell. Bells can stress out cats, and many learn to move in ways that prevent the bell from ringing.
My Cat Doesn’t Hunt Because I Never See It With Prey
A study by the American Bird Conservancy found that outdoor cats bring home only 23 percent of all kills, with 28 percent eaten or partially eaten on site and 49 percent left uneaten.
Indoor Cats Get Bored/Outdoor Cats are Happier
Indoor cats can get bored, but letting them outside is not a good solution. Instead, make your home more interesting and find a way to let them outside safely. With time spent interacting with their owners, a variety of toys and equipment, plus a catio, leash, or window perch, your cat will thrive in a safe, healthy indoor environment.
More Information on the Myths Of Indoor Cats: https://felinefam.com/8-myths-about-indoor-cats-that-are-simply-not-true-1-354286/
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From theVetDesk.com
Gradual Adjustment. Getting your cat used to indoor living will likely be slow and gradual. Create a safe, enriched environment where they can feel comfortable and provide scratching posts, multiple hiding spots, perches, and engaging toys. Outdoor cats may also appreciate vertical spaces, such as cat trees and shelves, that provide a good view of their environment.
Managing Behavioral Challenges. If your cat is not content to spend time indoors, you can help by setting aside time each day to provide mental and physical stimulation through play. Use a feather wand or interactive toys that excite them for the best results. Cat puzzles can also help engage their mind and trigger their hunting instincts. You can implement positive reinforcement training techniques, like treats and praise, to reinforce the desired behavior.
Environmental Enrichment. For cats, perches and window shelves are ideal for looking outside and enjoying the wildlife. You could build an outdoor catio or enclose your porch so they can go outside without exposing them to wildlife or dangerous situations.
Boredom and Lack of Stimulation. If your cat is feeling bored, you can try rotating toys every few days to provide new experiences for your pet. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing devices can also help. Schedule several short 10-minute play sessions daily to help keep your cat stimulated and prevent boredom, especially when they first transition from outdoors to indoors.
Resistance and Adjustment Difficulties. Many cats will be extremely resistant to staying indoors at first, so we recommend reducing their outdoor time gradually to make the transition easier and less stressful. Be patient but firm about how much time they spend outdoors, and only reduce it to a few minutes at a time for the best results. Try to create a consistent routine at home and provide plenty of affection and attention, especially when they come inside.
Environmental and Olfactory Enrichment. Perches, cat trees, scratching posts, hiding spots, as well as catnip, silvervine, and valerian root can help your cat enjoy life indoors without experiencing—or contributing to—the risks of outdoor living.
Cat Castles to Make
https://cheezburger.com/46083333/28-incredible-cardboard-castles-built-for-feline-royalty
More good ideas
https://savingninelives.com/helping-outdoor-cat-adjust-to-indoors/
How to make your outdoor cat a happy indoor cat: Enrichment for indoor cats: https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Enrichment-for-indoor-cats.pdf
Cat enrichment activities: https://southsoundbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cat-enrichment.pdf
You have made sure your cat is safely inside and controlled outside. Your yard is a bird-friendly space and maybe even certified as a Wildlife Sanctuary. The birds have responded and you have lots of avian visitors. What do you do when your neighbor’s cat decides your yard is where they want to hunt? You can use a combination of natural repellents, physical barriers, and deterrent devices to make your yard and garden less inviting to cats and keep them out without injuring them.
First, remove attractants such as food and shelter. Eliminate food sources, which include obvious things such as pet food and loosely covered trash cans. Remove brush piles and cover compost piles, both of which can attract rodents and, therefore, cats. Block off crawl spaces after checking that no animals are hiding inside. Eliminate sandy areas that could be used as a litter box.
PHYSICAL BARRIERS – Check out these ideas to use on fences
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/how-to-cat-proof-a-fence/
And these ideas for motion-activated sprinklers
https://sprinklermonkey.net/best-motion-activated-sprinkler-for-cats/
(If you want to be more involved, explore super-soaker water guns!)
There are ultrasonic animal repellents that emit sound and light to scare cats (and other animals) away.
SCENTS THAT DETER
Plants that naturally deter cats include rue, lavender, pennyroyal, or coleus canina (naturally smells like dog urine to cats). Strong smelling herbs such as lemon thyme, Russian sage, and rosemary can also be deterrents. Another idea is to grow plants with prickly stems and leaves such as squash, globe thistle, and sea holly.
Scents can be applied in a variety of ways near your bird feeders or areas you wish to protect. Scatter citrus peels, wet coffee grounds, or strong-smelling herbs in these areas. Essential oils of lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and geranium keep cats away. Simply pour a few drops of undiluted oil around the feeders. Another idea is to use a repellent spray that replicates predator urine (there are also granular versions you can apply to the soil). You can make your own spray using cayenne pepper or black pepper by mixing a few teaspoons of either pepper with some water in a spray bottle. The downside to using essential oils and sprays is that they need to be reapplied after it rains. The most recommended scent is citrus, and the best source is citrus peels; unlike citrus essential oils or lemon-scented herbs, citrus peels have a strong and long-lasting scent.
PERSON TO PERSON COMMUNICATION
While speaking to the owner of the offending cat, focus on concern for the cat’s safety by mentioning hazards to free-roaming pets. It is crucial to remain calm, respectful, and empathetic. Avoid pressure or ultimatums and realize that this might require multiple conversations. If children live in the household of the neighbor, you can mention how upsetting it is for a child to lose a beloved pet or find it injured. You can also talk about your own experience of having a pet cat hurt or killed. If you have one of our brochures (or something similar), you can mail one to the neighbor, anonymously or not. If you have the resources, you can offer to share the cost of putting up a catio in the neighbor’s yard.
If you are meeting mild resistance, try suggesting to your neighbor that they keep their cat indoors during nesting season. Fledglings are very vulnerable to cat predation. The South Sound area sees most of its fledgling birds in May, June, and July.
You can also share your intent by placing a sign that says “No Cats Allowed” where your neighbor can see it. https://workshopwisp.com/best-no-cats-allowed-signs/
FURTHER RESOURCES TO EXPLORE
https://www.bhg.com/how-to-keep-stray-cats-out-of-your-yard-8685654
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Cats-Out-of-Your-Yard
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/how-to-keep-cats-out-of-your-garden/ss-
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https://abcbirds.org/solutions/keep-cats-indoors/
https://www.tahomabirdalliance.org/cats-indoors
https://www.catssafeathome.org/
https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/cats-wildlife
Links to articles on the impact of cats on wildlife:
Free Ranging and Feral Cats: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/free-ranging-and-feral-cats.pdf
Cats Kill a Staggering Number of Species: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/cats-kill-a-staggering-number-of-species-across-the-world/
Why Are Cats Bad For Wildlife: https://iere.org/why-are-cats-bad-for-wildlife/
Pet Cats Have Up to 10 Times Larger Impact: https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/pet-cats-have-up-to-10-times-larger-impact-on-wildlife-than-wild-predators
Radio recording about cats indoors:
https://www.birdnote.org/podcasts/birdnote-daily/keeping-cats-indoors
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife launched its Love Cats, Love Wildlife campaign in April 2026. We invite you to explore their website and take the Love Cats, Love Wildlife pledge. This is a commitment to keep your cat indoors to protect wildlife, to support diversity, and to help your indoor cat thrive. https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/cats-wildlife