One Cat, Two Cats

stuff.co.nz photo At the end of 2019 and into the beginning of 2020 there seemed to be story after story about cats in the New Zealand media.  Cats being injured (abusively or by accident), birds being killed, neighbourhood disputes, or housing developments requiring cat bans, there was no end to the variety of topics but one thing was constant - the utter ignorance about cat containment options. If mentioned at all, the story might mention cat curfews (keeping cats indoors at night) or perhaps make the written equivalent of a shoulder shrug "well, there's no way to stop cats roaming".  The comments section usually went to the worst kind of tribalism; childish name calling, and generally derogatory statements on both sides. One article discussing a neighbourhood dispute  (which turned ugly) was picked up by the breakfast tv show, and they even invited a local celebrity vet* to discuss.  Again, the same old nonsense came out.  I was really disappointed that the vet

There are many benefits of keeping your cat safe at home, regardless of how you decide to do it. Benefits for you Reduce your stress, and effort.  No more searching for a cat that has gone missing, or explaining to the kids why their loved pet isn't there.   Save Money. Reduce your vet bills from injury and illness, or worse replacing your cat when it is killed or lost. Benefits for your cat Better health through:   Reduced fighting.   Every fight with a neighbourhood cat brings the risk of injury including life-threatening infection such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), Feline Leukemia Virus Infection (FeLV). Even relatively minor bites and scratches will often abscess. safe from vehicles, and dogs not straying, getting lost  (locked in an unmonitored site – neighbour's shed, empty office building or warehouse, or vehicle). Not being targeted by cat haters and would-be 'pest controllers'  Less at risk from poisoning.  Not jus