Cat owners (kittens, declaw, feline, dogs)

[tinman01]

Why do cat owners feel that its okay to allow their cats to roam unsupervised?
I wonder because quite honestly I am tired of dealing with other peoples cats.
I don't own a cat and never will. I don't feel that its acceptable for people to allow their pets unrestricted freedom dog or cat.
Cats and their spring time destructive behaviors, digging up the lanscaping, getting into the trash etc. How many cats get killed on the roads? How many accidents because foolish drivers swerve to avoid them? Living in the country I also deal with people dropping off unwanted kittens and adult cats. I have no issue with someone who owns a cat and is a responsible owner. Its those who put their cat out at night and think the cat is a good kitty.

[maxyman2500]

ok our 8-10 year old cat is free to roam every single day in the morning evening but not in the night because of skunk and racoon problems. So far our cat has never gotten into trouble that we know of, and most of the time she's always either in the garage or in our yard, i know it must get frustrating but cats are those types of animal. And not all cat's do that... just the bad ones

[tinman01]

Originally Posted by maxyman2500

ok our 8-10 year old cat is free to roam every single day in the morning evening but not in the night because of skunk and racoon problems. So far our cat has never gotten into trouble that we know of, and most of the time she's always either in the garage or in our yard, i know it must get frustrating but cats are those types of animal. And not all cat's do that... just the bad ones

How do you know what your cat does or doesn't do? They roam throough peoples yards. They do what cats do. So why is it ok exactly to allow your animal unrestricted freedom? Your cat may very well be one that is well behaved. Just as I feel my Lab is well behaved. I still control her movement no matter what. It just seems cat owners don't feel that they should be held accountable for their pets. They make excuses. Well cats are free spirits you can't control their every move. I ask why not?

[annriley]

Not this old chestnut again!! read my reply to the cat indoor/outdoor problem under the declawing question.

I have a cat she is allowed some access to the outside in my large garden, she never roams (yes, i am positive)

BUT, on the off chace i'm wrong, I went around to all my neighbours and said Please if you see my cat doing any damage to you garden, i apolgise and let me know what damage she has caused and i will immediately put it right.

This is common neighbourly manners. BTW, have never heard a thing from neighbours in that respect because i am a responsible cat owner.

Don't tar all cat owners with the same brush, you are making a very big generalisation.

And BTW, a bit of compassion would not go amiss, your tone is very harsh.

[kshe95girl]

Originally Posted by tinman01

Maybe people who hat cats hate them because cat owners dont control their cats at night. Maybe they are sick of dealing with cat Urine stinking up their property. Maybe they are sick of other peoples cats ripping open trash bags. Maybe they are sick of people mistaking their property for a cat dumping ground. Other than these things I can't imagine why anyone would hate cats.

Are you having a bad day, or what? I know you posted this in the men and their feline dislikes thread, and now you started this thread. If you are a dog person, thats fine. I know you like Labs from reading your posts, but why are you stirring things up?

[tinman01]

Stirring things up? Not at all I asked a valid question. Yes I know that some cat owners actually take good care of their pets. I know that some actually take responsibility for their pets. I also know that the majority do not. Most cat owners don't declaw and keep the animal under control.
Bad day? Just about every garbage day, every day in the spring as my property is left with the smell of cat Urine.
The purpose of the thread is to:
1. Find out why (some) cat owners feel its okay to allow their pets unrestricted freedom.
2. Maybe let some of them that are willing to look beyond their own yards see that their cats do in fact cause issues.
I understand cats as compared to most dogs are wanderers. They like to prowl and hunt. Not always a bad deal. They do kill off mice and other small rodents.
However they also do unwanted things like scent their territories. Fight and meow in the middle of the night. Walk on other peoples cars and scratch the paint.
Living in the north the foot prints in the snow tell the story.
Believe it or not I don't hate cats. I detest bad owners. That includes bad dog owners also. The only difference is the level of accountability. There was no intent to hurt feelings.

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

I have three cats and they are never allowed access to the outdoors other then the screened in Lanai. This would be the case even if they had claws.

Vets will tell you, studies will tell you they will be healthier and live longer if you keep them indoors.

I agree, my choice to have a cat or 3 should not effect others in anyway. I know cats have some natural instincts like you mention, digging, fighting and who knows what else that are not fun to deal with.

My three babies are laying here with me at this very moment.

[kshe95girl]

Originally Posted by tinman01

There was no intent to hurt feelings.

And none taken, tinman, I was just trying to understand what was going on with you, and perhaps help.
I love my kitties, and my dogs. Bad owners offend me also, they are all over. We seem to have something on the news every day here. What really disturbs me is the large animal abuse we seem to have in this area of Florida, I find it very puzzling.

[tinman01]

Originally Posted by kshe95girl

And none taken, tinman, I was just trying to understand what was going on with you, and perhaps help.
I love my kitties, and my dogs. Bad owners offend me also, they are all over. We seem to have something on the news every day here. What really disturbs me is the large animal abuse we seem to have in this area of Florida, I find it very puzzling.

Yes abuse of animals is a cowardly inexcusable act. Pets like small children have an infinite ability to forgive. A dog by its very nature wants nothing more than to please its master.
Cats it can be argued go out of their way to avoid conflict with humans. By this I mean they avoid social contact with all but their prefered human.
I don't like small dogs, The never ending barking etc. But to torture one or hurt it? Naw I'll go kick the heavy bag hanging in my garage instead. Better still I will not own one therefore I avoid the conflict.

[tinman01]

Originally Posted by Lindsey_Mcfarren

I have three cats and they are never allowed access to the outdoors other then the screened in Lanai. This would be the case even if they had claws.

Vets will tell you, studies will tell you they will be healthier and live longer if you keep them indoors.

I agree, my choice to have a cat or 3 should not effect others in anyway. I know cats have some natural instincts like you mention, digging, fighting and who knows what else that are not fun to deal with.

My three babies are laying here with me at this very moment.

You are the perfect owner. You are the example that I would hope others would follow.