If you live in a populated area where there is a lot of automobile traffic
and outside dogs, I would not advice getting a cat unless you are able to
keep it inside all the time.  In addition to those hazards, free roaming
cats pick up fleas and other feline skin and internal diseases--as well as
natural injuries from thorns, stones, and etc.  If ;you want an outside pet,
go to the garden center and buy yourself a big rock and set it in the lawn.
Paint it your favorite color and give it a name.

In my case where I live in a populated subdivision, irresponsible residents
obtain kittens and turn them outside without properly spaying or neutering
them.  The result is a growing population of cats that are mostly feral (a
domesticated cat that is wild and untouchable by humans).  These cats have
either never been inside--being born and weaned outside in the wild--or else
have been outside for so long a time that they are unfamiliar with indoor
life.

These, I catch in a Hav-a-Heart live-catch trap and get them inoculated and
fixed.  Then I return them to the very spot where I caught them.  If they
are kittens, I adopt them out to people whom I know that will be responsible
owners.  Some I decide to keep for myself and bring them inside because they
are palpable.

The older ones who are not palpable--some return to their homes, and some
stick around.  For that reason, my brick-walled property is a haven for
about nine regular semi-feral felines at this time.  Recently I spotted two
new comers (a young one about three months, and an older one that looks as
if she could be the mother).  I will catch them soon and have them fixed.

In 12 years I have caught, fixed and inoculated more than 70 cats.

We recently completed work on the construction of an 8 X 12 foot structure
which will be shared half and half by the cats and my law equipment.

--Gene Royer