How safe is it for my cat...

Janelle wrote:

> to come with us on our move? My fiance and I are moving down
> this summer and plan to bring his dog. But we're debating about
> bringing my cat. She is an outdoor/indoor cat and I know she
> would be miserable if she had to stay inside all the time. How
> safe would it be to let her outside? I'm worried about dogs
> that roam free or some wild animal that could hurt her. Has
> anyone brought their cat down to the islands? How did they
> adjust?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>

I brought my cat, didn't have a choice, he is family! He resides indoors though. You sshould decide where you will live before deciding to bring/not bring the kitty. In some areas there will be little problem letting the cat outside to venture around, other places it will be a hazard. My cat loves to sit in a window with the glass open & check out the birds & geckos but he really doesn't like going outsside.

PH

If you expect to let your cat out, I say don't bring him. The VI Settlers' Guide (which I strongly recommend you acquire - it is invaluable) section on pet living on the island says there are large feral dog and cat populations on all the islands, as well as poisonous wasps that will sting if provoked in any way, toxic nocturnal frogs (this freaked me out), etc. There is also traffic and getting lost in the new location to consider, even though traffic is probably less of a hazard there than what your cat already faces.

I have three cats and would never consider letting them outside -- too easy to catch feline HIV, get injured/poisoned/shot at/trapped by animal haters, get lost, or (if they are not spayed) get pregnant/contibute to a new litter. The book says there are already far to man animals needing adoption down there -- perhaps you could leave your current outdoor cat in a place that he knows with people who will love him and adopt a new kitty after you move that you can keep safe and healthy by raising him as an indoor cat only?

Hello,

I had cats, quite a few over the years. They were all outdoor "island" cats, never stayed inside. I never had a problem with wild dogs interferring with the cats however I do have a friend who had two cats killed by neighborhood dogs, so it is a concern. Cat fights are a bigger concern in my opinion - fighting over territory ect. For sure un-wanted kitties will happen if the cats are outside and not spayed. There is an animal shelter on St. Criox and on St. Thomas where one can adopt a kitten or cat or dog. No problems with the bees or wasp in my opinion - the cats seem to know better, but it could happen. Getting injured or killed by a car is a big issue, particularly if you live close to main roads. If you have a very friendly cat you might worry about your cat becoming several people's cats - LOL - I had one cat that was not satisfied with one owner - she would go to my neighbors house and eat there, when they would let her out she would go to the next house where she was was fed, then come home and hang out for a bit and be on her way again. One cat did have a run in with a frog - the skin is apparently where the poison is secreted and it was fatal. Only a couple of them lived to an old age. Also there are some folks who do not like pets or more acurately they don't like other people's pets in their yard and will poison them - particuarly dogs.

So think about it and then decide if you want to bring your cat along with you.

--Islander

Thanks for all your help! I know the decision lies heavily on where we will be living, but I'm leaning towards finding a home for her here instead of taking her. I just know how miserable she will be inside all day. Thanks again!

I brought my indoor cat to St. Thomas a few years ago and he has now become an outdoor cat. I suppose it depends on where you plan to live. Getting your cat fixed would be a good idea because I don't think they tend to wander away from home as much. Another concern are fights with other neighborhood/stray cats. My cat has had numerous cat fights...I guess over time they learn to mark their territory though and defend themselves. Also another concern for outdoor cats are fleas....Good luck with your decision.