Having an outdoor cat in Tucson? (new home, safe area, to live in)

[LisaD88]

We're planning to move to Tucson summer of 2011. We have 3 kids, a dog and a cat.

The dog is big and I don't have any worries about him. He'll be in either a fenced yard on a leash when outside. My concern is our cat. Here in Ohio he's an indoor/outdoor cat. He pretty much comes and goes as he pleases. He would be absolutely miserable as an indoor cat.

The things I've read have said small pets should not be outside. When we move should we find a home for him? It would break my kid's hearts but I'd prefer this to something happening to him when we move.

[M.A.]

Well, your cat will most likely end up as dinner for a coyote unless it hangs around very close to your home. Or, the sicko kids around will get a hold of it and torment it. Sadly, it happens a lot around here.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by LisaD88

We're planning to move to Tucson summer of 2011. We have 3 kids, a dog and a cat.

The dog is big and I don't have any worries about him. He'll be in either a fenced yard on a leash when outside. My concern is our cat. Here in Ohio he's an indoor/outdoor cat. He pretty much comes and goes as he pleases. He would be absolutely miserable as an indoor cat.

The things I've read have said small pets should not be outside. When we move should we find a home for him? It would break my kid's hearts but I'd prefer this to something happening to him when we move.

What is your idea of an "outdoor" cat, Lisa? There are variable degrees of what you have been told. Also, where are you planning to live in the Tucson area?

Although not the safest, I have neighbors with cats that are allowed to roam around during the day but are always brought inside after dark. Other neighbors never allow their cats outside except on a secured patio.

[movintime]

Don't leave your cat outside in Tucson EVER! Our vet says their lifespan is a yr or so if outdoors here. Everyone agrees about coyotes, kids hurting animals, etc. There's just too many problems to even consider it. I have a cat we caught on patio last yr, that was a stray, & we keep her indoors safe from other cats now. Please don't even think of letting your baby kitty out. I guarante it is not worth it if you love your cat as we do ours.

[mohawkx]

My current cat was an outdoor cat for his first year or so. When I moved to my new home, I built a "catio" in the back for him. He adjusted very well to the new arrangement. He comes in the cat door to the catio and moves freely between in and out. Most every indoor/outdoor cat in the neighborhood has been snatched by coyotes or hawks in the last two years. Terrible to hear the scream of a domestic housecat snatched by a coyote. My current cat at the old house had two coyotes corner him but he made it to the open door first. He had a bobcat chase him for 30 minutes in the open field behind the desert. Another time a red tailed hawk flew into the freshly washed patio door trying to snatch him while he sat inside looking out. If you want to keep him, don't let him roam free. my honest opinion based on experience. If you let him run free, one day he just won't come back.

[Marcy1210]

I have a Yorkshire Terrier and I won't let her outside on the balcony unless I'm with her. The hawks would have a feast on her. We have a neighbor who has had a succession of outdoor cats. She'll get a kitten, and when it's adult size let it out, and within days, literally, it's gone. Then she gets another and starts all over again. Hawks, owls, coyotes, mountain lion, cars, snakes, it's dangerous for cats outdoors. Small dogs, too. Not to mention, for people who love songbirds, a cat at the bird feeder or bird bath is an invitation to shoot it. I have a wimpy little CO² powered BB hand gun, but if you're a cat who's butt I just hit, it's not so wimpy!

[adventuregurl]

I have heard there is something called 'cat fencing' and you can make a safe area with it for your cat. I'm sure he or she will adjust to that.

[LisaD88]

Thanks for all the info.

Our cat generally stays out about 75% of the day, sometimes overnight. He generally sticks to the vicinity around our house.

Right now we're leaning toward finding a home for him before we move. I think my MIL would be willing to take him. He's a really neat cat (all black, a polydactyl) so it is going to be really hard to leave him. But we'd rather him be safe and happy here in Ohio, rather than die in Tucson.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Marcy1210

I have a Yorkshire Terrier and I won't let her outside on the balcony unless I'm with her. The hawks would have a feast on her. We have a neighbor who has had a succession of outdoor cats. She'll get a kitten, and when it's adult size let it out, and within days, literally, it's gone. Then she gets another and starts all over again.

Wow, that's some animal lover! Does she do the same with people?

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Wow, that's some animal lover! Does she do the same with people?

GO TO YOUR ROOM, Sierra!

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