= AVMA/SAVMA  Members Only

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Free Roaming, Owned Cats

Final Summary

Comments were received from five AVMA members as part of the Animal Welfare Committee's (AWC) review of the policy on free-roaming, owned cats. Three respondents supported indoor housing of all cats on the basis of cat safety and longevity, to protect wildlife, and to prevent spread of diseases. Two respondents believed rural cats should be excluded from the policy due to owner preference and a belief that risks for the cats and wildlife are minimal. After deliberation, the AWC proposed revisions to the policy, which were forwarded by the Executive Board to the House of Delegates and subsequently approved, that veterinarians should educate cat owners about the risks associated with allowing cats to roam freely outdoors. The revised policy is available here.