AS summer draws to a close and the days shorten and get colder, may I appeal to cat owners to please keep your cat indoors after dark.

Cats that go out in the dark are more likely to be involved in a road traffic accident, get into cat fights resulting in either scratches or cat bite abscesses and run the risk of contracting FIV, FeLV or cat flu.

They are more easily stolen by cat snatchers under cover of darkness or can be driven miles from home become lost after curling up unseen in a van, lorry or car.

Cats love warmth and are more happy and contented sleeping in front of the fire, by a radiator or perhaps like my cat Pickle, on my knee, on dark winter nights, where they are safe from danger and don't put them out with the milk bottles when you go to bed!

J Harwood, Moor Park Ave, Bispham, Blackpool