Researchers identify the simplest way to help your cat live longer

Key Points:

• Australia’s 5.3 million domestic cats kill an estimated 546 million native animals annually, but allowing cats to roam outdoors also exposes them to significant dangers such as road accidents, fights, and falls, leading to shorter lifespans.
• Studies using collar-mounted cameras reveal that roaming cats frequently face hazards including poisoning, road crossings, encounters with other cats, and risky explorations in storm drains and roofs, with Australian cats averaging nearly five road crossings daily.
• Trauma from road traffic accidents is the leading cause of death among roaming cats globally, with European data indicating 18–24% of cats are hit by cars in their lifetime, often resulting in fatal injuries, especially among young, male, and unneutered cats.
• Roaming cats also face risks from infectious diseases like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, injuries from fights, and deliberate human cruelty, with outdoor cats estimated to have lifespans 2–3 years shorter than indoor cats.
• Experts recommend containing cats on property through secure enclosures, “catios,” or supervised outdoor walks on harnesses to improve their safety and wellbeing, alongside providing indoor enrichment such as toys, climbing spaces, and multiple litter trays for multi-cat households.