Cats make great pets. In fact, I have two of my own who are exclusively indoor animals.There are many reasons to keep cats indoors, both for their own good as well as for the good of our wild creatures. Outdoor cats face many dangers, including cars, other animals, potentially harmful chemicals, and diseases. The Humane Society estimates that outdoor cats have a 5-year lifespan while indoor cats have a 15 to 18 year lifespan.The biggest problem with outdoor cats is their impact on wildlife. Cats kill a staggering number of animals every year. A recent study in the U.S. put the number of birds killed at 3.7 billion and other small animals at nearly 20 billion.Some people may feel that keeping cats indoors at all times is unfair to the cat. I would suggest that an outdoor enclosure be set up to provide an enrichment area for the cats and to protect nature at the same time. If you are worried about stimulating your indoor cat, you can spend time with the cat by playing games or, if possible provide a second feline companion. You can also plant certain grasses indoors, such as oats or wheat, which aids in their digestion, and provide them with fresh catnip.Here are a few suggestions to help minimize or eliminate a cat’s impact on wildlife:The best thing to do is keep your cat indoors; this is better for wildlife and better for the cat.Make sure that you have your cat spayed or neutered as millions of unwanted cats are born every year.If your cat does go outside, place a bell on their collar. Studies have shown that this reduces their hunting success rate by at least half.Cats are excellent pets that provide affection and entertainment to many people. So while wild cats like bobcat and lynx belong outdoors, their domestic counterparts, our feline companions, should be kept inside to help protect them and our wildlife.