Billboards from IndoorCats.org are popping up around the municipality

A local organization has launched an education campaign encouraging pet owners to keep their cats inside.

Billboards from IndoorCats.org are popping up around the municipality.

Spay Day HRM is behind the project and retired veterinarian, Dr. Hugh Chisholm, told NEWS 95.7's The Rick Howe Show keeping a cat inside is good for the animal, good for other wildlife and good for the community.

"They're safe from diseases, predators, human beings and so on," he said. "It's all about public education, and that's what we're trying to do with this program."

Chisholm said years ago it wasn't unusual to see dogs roaming neighbourhoods alone, but attitudes have now shifted to the point where when someone sees a solo dog, they try to help the animal.

He wants the public to have the same reaction when they see an outdoor cat.

"We know we're not going to change people's minds overnight. We know there will be cats that people will still let outdoors, but as the future comes, we want cats to be treated the way that dogs are treated, as members of the family," he explained.

"When you know better, you do better."

Chisholm admits it would be difficult to suddenly keep an older cat inside if they're used to roaming outdoors, but if you start them off inside when they're kittens, they'll be very happy staying in a home.

Some owners are even building "catios," which are enclosed outside spaces for cats.

"We've actually got a special fence around our yard so the cats can enjoy going outside, being in the outdoor environment, but they're safe, they're not bothering the neighbours and not bothering the wildlife," Chisholm said. "Everybody wins in a situation like that."

More information on catios can be found on IndoorCats.org.