indoor cats (safe, smells, food, dogs)

[nail in da coffin]

This is my first visit to this part of the forum and I havent gone through th at many posts but I have this question that always bugged me. Why do some people go nuts when their cats go outside? dont they know they will find their way back no matter what? (unless you are in a nyc apt of course and they have the buzzing door to get in problem and all that) but other than that , what in the nation can happen to an adult cat taking a stroll out there? or is this perception not correct?

Our cat sometimes spends as much as a third of the day outside, sometimes even half, warm months we dont even bother to know where he ( i mean she, a neutered one) is?

[jessiegirl_98]

There have been studies that show that cats that go outside live much shorter lives (due to disease, etc) than cats who don't. I think it's up to the individual person to decide. Here's an article on this issue

The Great Debate: Indoor Versus Outdoor Cats


My aunt, for instance, lets her cats out now, but previously, she lived in an area with a lot of predators (e.g., mountain lions) so that was a BAD idea. I always have lived in citities with enough traffic that my cat would likely be hit by a car if they got out. If you live in an area that is safe enough, in your mind, that's cool for you and your cat. My cats will forever be indoor cats.

(BTW, I get just as bugged when I see cats roaming around outside alone as I'm sure you may when you think about cats cooped up indoors!)

[nail in da coffin]

I see. Our cats has grown accustomed to going potty outside and she asks to be let out(usually after meals) . We only put out the kit litter when its really cold and either Mimi or my wife thinks its too cold to go outside. a bad side is when she tries to sneak in mice and birds she killed but she hasnt tried lately and we find the prey outside in the morning when we open the back door. i know about the migratory birds and i bet she has killed a fair share. i was made aware of this recently and plan on tracking migration of birds for area next spring and have her grounded or just let her out daytime when she doesnt really enjoy herslef out that much and will come back soon. as far as kids being cruel to her i think from living with us from very little she can read body language pretty well, bcuz i see when i m trying to catch her for a cleaning she will just run and hide.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Cats outside are prey to other animals - dogs, cats, coyotes, foxes, etc. Depending on where you live, some of these may not be a concern. They get parasites and diseases more often than house cats. They get stolen and abused by kids. Much safer inside!

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by nail in da coffin

This is my first visit to this part of the forum and I havent gone through th at many posts but I have this question that always bugged me. Why do some people go nuts when their cats go outside? dont they know they will find their way back no matter what? (unless you are in a nyc apt of course and they have the buzzing door to get in problem and all that) but other than that , what in the nation can happen to an adult cat taking a stroll out there? or is this perception not correct?

Our cat sometimes spends as much as a third of the day outside, sometimes even half, warm months we dont even bother to know where he ( i mean she, a neutered one) is?

I don't know about where you live, but where I live people won't even slow down if they see a cat in the street. In fact, they have been known to swerve to hit a cat on the shoulder of the road. Lots and lots of sick people out there just don't like cats. I have seen people who will stop for a turtle crossing the street that wouldn't even take their foot off the accelerator for a cat.

That having been said, did you know there are dogs out there who kill cats for the fun of it? German Shepherds seem to be the worst, but I knew a pair of Scottish Terriers once who would run a half a mile just at the thought of chasing a cat down and killing it.

Not to mention naughty little boys who like to experiment with the laws of physics when it comes to cats (I shudder to even think about THAT one).

Cats, being the curious creatures they are sometimes get into situations they cannot get out of. I had to rescue the neighbor's cat once who wandered into a garden shed with an open door, only to have the door shut behind her! Cats jump into dumpsters lured by smells or sounds only to find poison, broken glass, or other harmful objects waiting there. Unthinking people might set out poisoned bait for rats or other vermin that is accidentally ingested by an innocent cat.

I could go on. But I think you get the picture. Responsible cat owners keep their cats indoors.

20yrsinBranson

[kc50down]

My cat is an indoor cat because he has full run of our house including sharing our bed. I would have a problem with him running around outside and then bringing who knows what back to our bedroom. I know that sometimes he would like to be outside and he will occasionally make a break for the great outdoors but once out there he is more than ready to come back in. We let him out on our screened in porch and he seems fine with that. He also enjoys sitting on the window seats that we bought for him.

[Laura707]

Mine have been inside since the day I got them! There is just to much danger and meaness out in the world to let them roam free. People poison them, shoot them, run over them.. A neighbor get PO'ed at you, they take it out on your cat.. Nope, mine are indoor only...

I do hope to move someday where I can build them a outdoor enclosure or have a enclosed porch where they can enjoy the fresh air, But for now, they have to settle for a open window.

There is just to much danger outside for them.

[ShelbyGirl1]

JMO, but letting your cat roam outdoors is an accident waiting to happen. Also, in many communities, it is illegal to let a cat roam free.
I think it is a frame of mind that we were brought up with. Years ago, it was common practice to "put the cat out for the night". These days, it is more and more common for cats to be indoor beings only. As stated above, it has been proven over and over, between predators, cars, and various diseases, a cat is safer inside. My guys are completely happy having the run of the house. ( I'm guessing ,what they don't know, doesn't hurt them!) They have never once tried to bolt out a door...In fact, I can leave a door open for a few minutes...and all they will do is come to threshold and look out.
They have 3 cat trees and more toys then I care to even think about. I have placed a bird feeder at a window where they can sit and watch the birds all day long. Along with being in air-conditioning 24/7, all the food and water they want at their disposal, and lots of love and attention,I feel they are probably better off than some humans!

[Kryssy]

i keep sash inside also....the wolves like cats out here.... and it would break my heart to walk out and find him on the road when i go get my main.....I live on a main hwy...

[Siobjuan]

Kitties are pretty low on the food chain here, so mine are all indoor, all the time.

Can you see how they suffer?