The Rising Danger of Electric Vehicles to Outdoor Cats: A Silent Threat

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, they bring with them a new set of challenges. One of these is their impact on the safety of pets, particularly cats, who are at a higher risk of being involved in road accidents due to the near-silent operation of EVs. According to a study by the insurer Axa, electric cars are involved in 50% more traffic accidents than their petrol and diesel counterparts. This alarming statistic points to a new hazard—one that our furry companions, especially cats, may not be able to avoid.

The Silence of Electric Cars: A Hidden Danger for Cats

Cats have keen hearing, which often helps them avoid danger, but the whisper-quiet nature of electric vehicles can catch them off guard. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines that produce a hum or growl, electric cars glide through streets almost noiselessly. Luxury car manufacturers like Tesla, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Mercedes, and BMW are striving to make their EVs as quiet as possible for a more serene driving experience. However, this quietness can make it harder for outdoor cats to hear vehicles approaching in time to escape.

Even more concerning is that as more electric cars hit the streets, the frequency of these accidents may rise. Cats rely on their hearing to detect approaching threats, and with the near-silent approach of EVs, many may not have the time to react appropriately.

Indoor Cats: Bred for Safety and Affection

For those of us who breed easygoing, affectionate, and indoor-only cats, this issue reinforces the importance of keeping our cats indoors. Our cats are raised to be relaxed, trusting, and person-oriented, traits that make them excellent companions but ill-suited for outdoor life. Unlike their wild ancestors, these cats do not have the high instinctive or reflexive drive needed to safely navigate the dangers of the outdoors, especially in an environment increasingly populated by electric vehicles.

When you buy a cat from us, you're not just getting a pet—you're welcoming a family member bred to thrive indoors, away from the noise (or lack thereof) of city streets. These cats are affectionate, relaxed, and designed to adapt to a loving home where their safety is paramount.

The Way Forward: Raising Awareness and Protecting Our Pets

As the uptake of electric vehicles grows, so too must our awareness of the potential risks they pose to our pets. Simple measures such as keeping cats indoors, ensuring they have a safe outdoor space like a catio, and raising awareness about the dangers posed by quiet electric cars can make a big difference in keeping them safe.

In the future, cities may need to introduce regulations that require electric cars to emit sounds or alarms at low speeds, a solution already being explored in some regions. Until then, we, as responsible cat owners and breeders, must take proactive steps to protect our feline friends from this new, silent danger.

Keeping your cat indoors doesn’t just keep them safe from the increased dangers of electric vehicles; it ensures they are living their best, most affectionate life right alongside you.

The Limitations of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for Protecting Cats

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems represent a significant advancement in vehicle safety technology. Designed to scan the road ahead for pedestrians and vehicles, AEB systems can automatically apply a car’s brakes if the driver fails to respond to an obstacle. This has undoubtedly saved lives, but for pet owners, the technology may not be enough to protect their beloved animals.

While some AEB systems include large-animal detection, small animals such as cats and dogs often go unnoticed. A recent investigation by Carwow revealed troubling results: even vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including AEB, failed to apply the brakes when approaching a life-size model dog or a taxidermied cat. This exposes a gap in the technology that puts our smaller companions at risk on the roads.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has voiced its concerns over this issue. Dr. Jane Tyson, senior scientific officer for the RSPCA, stated:

“We know how devastating it is for both pets and their owners when pets are sadly hit by a vehicle. We have also seen first-hand the tragic fatalities or severe injuries animals can suffer as a result of a collision. We would therefore welcome car manufacturers developing auto-braking systems that detect pets as well as people and other vehicles in order to stop tragic incidents like this from happening.”

At present, most AEB systems are designed with human pedestrians and larger animals in mind. Unfortunately, this means that many of the small, agile creatures like cats and dogs may not trigger an automatic braking response, leaving them vulnerable to accidents. In fact, a study conducted by Cats Protection in the UK highlighted that almost one in 20 cats was injured in a traffic accident in 2021, underscoring the importance of enhancing safety technology for our pets.

Madison Rogers, senior advocacy and government relations officer for Cats Protection, added:

"Cats Protection’s ‘Cats and Their Stats’ report 2021 found that road-traffic injuries were stated as a cause of injury for 4% of cats in the UK."

As the development of electric and autonomous vehicles continues, it's essential that car manufacturers expand AEB technology to account for pets, not just people. The integration of pet detection could help prevent countless tragic accidents involving our furry friends.

By keeping your indoor cats safe and secure, you’re not only avoiding the dangers posed by electric vehicles but also the limitations of current AEB systems. Our cats, bred for indoor life, offer affection and companionship without the need for outdoor adventures that might place them in harm’s way. However, for those who still let their cats explore the outdoors, it’s important to be aware of these technological limitations and advocate for better pet safety on the roads.

(Photos featured are for effect and illustration only)