By KRISTEN LEVINE
Tribune correspondent

Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives.

We knew that, of course, but that didn’t keep us from making excuses for our beloved cat, Max, a notorious feline rebel.

Indoors, he was a cranky curmudgeon.

He disliked our other cat and was annoyed by the two Labradors.

So we succumbed to his meowing demands to be outside.

He reined proudly over the great outdoors, or at least a 50-yard radius from the house.

He hunted lizards, chased strange cats out of the yard, lounged in the sunny garage window and swatted at our dogs every time they entered his personal space.

Sadly, when Max was 18, a wild animal - probably a raccoon - attacked Max while we slept.

We awoke to the horrible sounds of a fight and ran outside to find Max, bloody and in shock in the shallow end of the pool.

We rushed him to our veterinarian’s office, where he struggled to survive for another week.

In the end, his aging, weakened body couldn’t heal itself.

That was more than two years ago.

I try comforting myself by saying, “He lived a long life, was much loved, and was the envy of every house cat.”

The sad truth is that Max might be alive today if we had kept him indoors.

The life span of an indoor cat averages 12 to 14 years, whereas an indoor-outdoor cat only lives four to five years, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Outdoor Risks

Cats that live outdoors are exposed to many dangers.

The most common threats include altercations with other animals; automobiles; toxins including rat poisons, antifreeze or pesticides; and exposure to feline infectious diseases.

Cats that have not been vaccinated can be a carrier of any number of highly contagious viruses including feline infectious peritonitis, feline AIDS, upper respiratory infections and even rabies.

When your cat is outdoors, it shares the same territory as stray cats and wild animals, which generally have not been vaccinated.

Outdoor cats also are at risk for tapeworms, fleas and urinary tract infections.

If your kitty is a hunter, catching wild rodents can lead to toxoplasmosis from ingesting raw meat.

None of these dangers exist indoors.

Florida state law requires anyone with a cat more than 4 months old to have the cat vaccinated for rabies and licensed each year. Animals also are required to stay on your property, within your control.

The Great Indoors

You can bring some outdoor enchantment inside to make life more fun for your cat.

A tall cat tree with a solid base and two or three levels can offer the same climbing fun as that oak tree in the yard.

A window hammock allows cats to enjoy outdoor action such as bird-watching and sunbathing.

Cats enjoy variety, so try rotating an assortment of cat toys, especially those with movement.

Electronic toys, balls and a Buster Cube that releases treat morsels can provide stimulating distractions.

Appeal to your cat’s hunting instinct by making a game of mealtime. Hide small portions of food around the house, or put morsels in a container that challenge its brain. Try putting some kibble in a muffin pan, a few pieces in each cup, and watch the cat flip pieces out with its paw before eating.

If you have the space and the money, consider having two cats to provide each other companionship.

Talk to your veterinarian or a feline adoption counselor to help find the best personality mix for two cats. There may be some territorial issues at first, but after an adjustment period, most cats get along.

(CHART) CRITTER CALENDAR

YARD SALE: Treasure hunt for a good cause at the SPOT (Stop Pet Overpopulation Together) yard sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday at 7820 43rd St., Pinellas Park. Items available include books, music, plants and collectibles. Proceeds benefit spay-neuter projects sponsored by SPOT. Call (727) 545-3463 or go to www.

spotusa.org.

TEA PARTY: Tea for two, three or more will benefit four-legged friends at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Join them from 1:30 to 3 p.m. today for afternoon tea at the Tampa Women’s Club, 2901 Bayshore Blvd. The society’s Mobile Adoption Unit will be there, too. Proceeds benefit the society. Tickets cost $10 per person. R.S.V.P. at (813) 839-7457.

ADOPTION DAY: Join volunteers from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Lakeland for an off-site adoption day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at PetSmart, 11331 Causeway Blvd., Brandon. The SPCA will offer a diverse selection of dogs and cats for adoption. Call (863) 646-7722 or go to http://www.lovemyspca.com.

Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; fax at (727) 934-6451 or e-mail .