Horrific 'Outside Cat' Stories (Updated October 2023)

Some animal shelters manipulate their euthanasia statistics by instituting policies that leave animals to struggle for survival and die painfully on the streets. So-called “trap-neuter-release” (TNR) programs—or, more accurately, “trap-neuter-reabandon” programs—may allow limited-admission shelters to spin their intake and euthanasia numbers, but they do nothing to protect cats from the horrors that befall them when left outdoors to battle harsh surroundings, sickness, and sadistic people.

Countless cats who are left outdoors without protection die from infected wounds and injuries, as even small abscesses and common urinary tract infections can become raging and deadly for unsocialized cats who cannot be handled and treated. Cats outdoors are vulnerable to contagious diseases, parasite infestations, starvation, dehydration, freezing, heatstroke, attacks by dogs and other predators, and being hit by vehicles. Cruel people often poison, shoot, burn, drown, or otherwise torture and kill cats.

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Black and White Face Outdoor Injured Cat

Right or wrong, many property and business owners do not want cats on their property. Not everyone loves cats or wants them climbing on their cars, maiming or killing birds, or digging in their gardens. When animal shelters refuse to accept cats (as more and more so-called “no kill” facilities are doing), property owners often take matters into their own hands and resort to cruelty, both intentional and unintentional.

So many people become upset by roaming cats that legislation was introduced in Wisconsin and Utah to make it legal to stalk, hunt, and kill domestic cats! The bills failed, thanks to an outcry from animal activists and compassionate citizens, but that these bills were introduced at all should serve as a wake-up call for those who claim to care about cats—they are not safe outdoors.

Because of the many deadly hazards that cats face outdoors, responsible guardians allow their feline companions outdoors only when on a leash, in an enclosed area (such as a screened porch), or closely supervised.

Below is just a sampling of some of the horrible fates that have recently befallen stray, feral, and free-roaming cats. Countless others have died frightened and alone under porches or behind dumpsters, without anyone ever noticing what became of them.

Media Reports About Cats Outdoors Who Came to Harm in January 2025

New York, New York

Newsbreak.com reported that authorities were searching for a man who had allegedly beaten a cat, who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision, on a street with a wooden stool. Authorities reportedly said that the cat had sustained a broken jaw and fractured vertebrae in his or her neck and back as a result of the beating. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. No additional information was available.

Ashland, Ohio

FOX8.com reported that an apparently homeless cat who had been fed by a resident had been found dead on her porch. The animal’s body was taken to a veterinary hospital, where, according to a police report, “workers determined the cat had been shot in the head and abdomen.” The resident reportedly “told police she’s seen two other cats with similar injuries to their necks.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Lee County, Florida

WINKNews.com reported that a homeless cat had been found limping and with “what appeared to be a BB-sized hole in the cat’s backside.” She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where, according to authorities, a veterinarian “confirmed the injuries were consistent with a BB gun pellet.” She was receiving treatment and was evidently expected to survive. Authorities were investigating a possible suspect who had apparently complained that the cat was trespassing on their property, “but no arrests or charges have been announced at this time.”

Dayton, Ohio

WDTN.com reported that authorities had rescued an apparently homeless cat who had been found injured on an interstate highway. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment and was expected to survive.

Sonoma County, California

KRON4.com reported that authorities had rescued a homeless cat who’d been found injured on an interstate highway. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital for care.

Topeka, Kansas

Bradenton.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found injured. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where it was found that he had an upper respiratory infection and a broken jaw and that one of his eyes “was sunken in and no longer working.” He received treatment, including the surgical removal of the damaged eye, and was evidently expected to survive.

Columbia, Tennessee

WKRN.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found badly injured after he was evidently shot with a BB gun. His owners said that the animal’s “condition started to deteriorate overnight, so they tried to transport him for veterinary care.” However, the cat died before reaching the hospital. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.

McKeesport, Pennsylvania

CBSNews.com reported that a passerby had found a homeless cat “lying motionless on the snow” in a resident’s driveway. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the finder said that her temperature was so low that it “would not register on a thermometer for about two hours.” It was found that she’d also sustained likely frostbite and had infected wounds on her legs. She was receiving treatment, including needed painkillers.

Hendersonville, Tennessee

WSMV.com reported that a cat who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with an arrow. According to the report, “Despite being taken to a local emergency veterinarian clinic, the cat died from [his or her] wounds.” Authorities arrested a suspect who was “charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.”

Elgin, South Carolina

TegaCaySun.com reported that a homeless kitten had been “found with wounds of unknown origin.” He or she had died or been euthanized and tested positive for rabies. According to the report, “Eight people were exposed and have been referred to their health care providers. Two dogs were exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. A feral cat colony was observed in the area and was potentially exposed.”

San Antonio, Texas

MySanAntonio.com reported that a resident who apparently fed homeless cats in a neighborhood said that a pack of dogs who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had recently attacked and “killed at least half a dozen” of them. One of the fatal attacks was captured on video surveillance footage. Authorities were notified.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

NJ.com reported that authorities had charged an 18-year-old man with cruelty to animals after he posted videos online that allegedly showed him “hurling cats in Atlantic City streets.” According to the report, “A tipster sent Atlantic City police a video last month showing the man picking up a cat and throwing [the animal] into the air as he walked with a group …. Police couldn’t find an injured or deceased cat, but uncovered a separate video of the same man tossing a different cat, police said.” No additional information was available.

Covington, Tennessee

ActionNews5.com reported that “multiple cats” who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by two dogs, who were also homeless or roaming unsupervised. The dogs had also killed other dogs and wildlife. Authorities were searching for the canines.

Pylesville, Maryland

Patch.com reported that a homeless kitten who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Sulphur, Louisiana

KPLCTV.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found on his or her owner’s porch injured after being “shot multiple times” with a BB gun. The cat was evidently taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. A dog in the same neighborhood had also been shot. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.

Farmington, New Mexico

KOB.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had sustained injuries after becoming caught in a steel-jaw trap. No additional information was available.

Elizabethtown, North Carolina

WWAYTV3.com reported that a homeless cat had been seen exhibiting “strange behaviors.” Authorities were called and collected the animal, who died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.

Detroit, Michigan

TheMirror.com reported that two pit bulls who had “escaped from their owner’s yard” had been “seen tearing a stray cat apart” by officers who were responding to reports that the dogs had attacked several people in the area. One of the dogs was fatally shot by responding officers, and the other was impounded and euthanized. The dogs’ owner was cited for various infractions.

New Bremen, New York

WWNYTV.com reported that a homeless cat who had died or been euthanized had tested positive for rabies. A human who had been exposed to the virus through contact with the cat was reportedly receiving post-exposure treatment. No additional information was available.

Clearwater, Florida

Patch.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found trapped in a sewer cleanout. Authorities reportedly said that efforts were “complicated by residents who weren’t aware of the situation [and were] flushing their toilets and causing the kitten to be flushed down the pipe.” According to the report, “After multiple failed attempts with a homemade snare, the kitten was rescued.” No additional information was available.

Vacaville, California

NBCBayArea.com reported that a homeless cat had been mauled by a dog at an apartment complex. A resident claimed that the cat had “just started to recover before he went up a tall tree and then began crying day and night for five days.” The cat was rescued after multiple failed efforts and was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he was reportedly being treated for wounds and was evidently expected to survive.

Take a look at even more reasons never to let your cat outside unattended, and pledge to keep cats safe indoors.

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Media Reports About Cats Outdoors Who Came to Harm in January 2025