Numerous vets have commented on the subject already, and @fantasticbeastsandhowtokeepthem said exactly what I was thinking about regarding tradition in animal husbandry.
There’s a couple points I’d like to bring up, though. I doubt you’re willing to learn, but hopefully the information can benefit people reading this post who, y’know, actually prefer their pets alive.
Obviously cats are at risk outdoors, from your own admission coyotes and venomous snakes are a risk. There’s a lot more risks than just that in rural areas, though. This study in Bristol found cats were at an increased risk of being involved in road traffic accidents in rural areas.
Now, let’s move on to the veterinarian subject. As I’ve noted, numerous employees of the veterinary field have already commented on the subject. Since I feel like wasting my breath let’s take a look at some more veterinary employees to get a feel for the general consensus on the subject.
Ciera Miller is a veterinary technician who has been practicing for 2009, nearly a decade. She advises keeping cats indoors or limiting outdoor time to supervised, such as on a leash.
Eric Barchas is a veterinarian who’s been writing for Catster, previously Cat Fancy, since 2005 and has some cool travels under his belt. He advises against letting cats outdoors.
Jean Hofve is a retired veterinarian who has more than 20 years of practice, she also advises against allowing cats to be outside unless they’re supervised on a leash or in a catio.
Jenifer Chatfield is a veterinarian who has chaired on FVMA’s One Healthy Committee, in a surprising turn she… also advises against letting your cat outside. Even made a handout for people like you.
Marty Becker is a veterinarian who’s an adjunct professor at numerous universities and has received numerous awards. He also advises against letting pet cats outdoors, but makes an exception for feral barn cats who aren’t equipped to pet life.
If this isn’t enough to convince you that your veterinarian is the outlier, the exception and very much not the rule, let’s take a look at how your veterinarian’s alleged support of your poor husbandry contradicts veterinary organizations.
American Veterinary Medical Association position statement on free-roaming pet cats. This organization has been around since 1863.
American Association of Feline Practitioners position statement on free-roaming cats. This organization has been around since 1971 and has over 35k members.
The College of Veterinary Medicine founded the Indoor Pet Initiative. The college has been around since 1885 with over 9.1k graduates.
Feline Veterinary Medical Association position statement on free-roaming cats. This organization has been around since 1921 and has over 3.6k members.
It sounds like it’s time for your vet to retire. If you’re considered one of the most responsible pet owners in the area I’m terrified to think of how other cat owners local to you are treating their cats.
