Indoor Cat or Outdoor Cat?

amibovvered

I've never had a cat so I'm not really qualified to comment, but I've never liked the idea of indoor cats, it seems unnatural to me. That said, I've kept hamsters and gerbils in cages so I suppose that's no different!

I think I prefer the idea that the cat can go out if it wants to (cat flap etc) and have no problem with a cat that chooses to stay indoors. And of course, I do see the problem of cats not being contained by garden fences in the way that dogs are so they are in more danger outside.

Just one of those silly gut reactions to feel it's wrong - sorry!:o

wilykit

You can put fences up but most cats will climb over them. I find it odd that my cat doesn't want to go outside...but it's more 'unnatural' for me to force him to go out. He is given the option and decides that sleeping on my duvet is more appealing that going outside in the cold!

I have never wanted a cat flap as I have dogs and my doors are doubled and the outdoor ones have glass in so I couldn't have one anyway. And like I said - he won't go outside!!

My sister's cat is even worse - put him outside and he goes beserk!!!

Mankysteve

Don't find indoor cats offensive. Just don't agree with it. In my experience of cats in doors and out outdoor cats are more relaxed, friendly and healthier. They need space to run around chase things scratch and jump from that a house simple cant provide no matter the collection of toys. You cant really take a cat on run on lead although i know some do. You wouldn't keep a dog inside all the time so why do cats get that treatment.

If the cat is given the option to venture out doors and declines it thats fine its the cats choice not the persons we had a young cat who unfortunately was run over god knows how she got to the spot where she got hit as it was some distance. She would stay indoors all the time because she liked to play with us and our other cat wouldn't join in.

Medical reason are the clear exception. If you live in flat with no garden then choose a flat friend critter.

wilykit

Mankysteve, you said 'She also said there were indoor cat which is another pet hate(pardon the pun) of mine(medical circumstance withholding) buts that a different argument and not as half as offensive as what she talking about.'

That implies that you find it somewhat offensive.

Believe me, my indoor cat finds plenty to jump from and scratch!!!

Rev

I have two indoor cats. One 11 and one 6. We live in a very rough area, the things the gangs do to cats around here do not bare thinking about.

I keep my cats indoors because it's not worth taking the chance of letting them out.

forgotmyname

People only have outdoor cats so they dont have to clean up their mess.

Since living here i have come to hate cats. Well its not the cats its the owners i hate i suppose.

bluebeary

my cat is an outdoor cat and he comes inside to use his litter tray

i wish he was an indoor cat as that would be less concerning but to keep him inside all the time would be unfair to him, he whines to go out, even in this weather, hes a good boy though and usually in before it gets dark

LittleMissAspie

I don't agree with getting a cat to keep it indoors all the time, just like I don't agree with putting cats out and then not letting them back in. It should have the choice of going outside or staying in. If you're in a flat or whatever and want to keep a cat indoors then I think you should get a disabled cat or one with FIV, they are hard to rehome anyway so it's an ideal solution.

I'm sure indoor cats are happy if it's all they've ever known but I think they should have the choice. Even my very homely cat loves to hide under a bush and watch the birds and sniff the breeze. Some cats would be really depressed at being kept in. My mum's cat goes mad if she doesn't let him out - she's been worried recently about letting him out in the deep snow but he is desperate to get outside.

My cat has the choice of going outside but always declines in cold weather, and never stays out for long even in good weather. She is only allowed out while we are in so we can sort of keep an eye on her. She's kept in overnight and while we are out.

niklepic

We've added to our cat brood over the last year (now have 3). The oldie (13 next month) has always been an outdoor cat but over the last year or so stays in more and more sunning himself on the window sill. He was semi-feral in his younger days so its great to see the change in him. He even comes for cuddles now!!! The 11 month old cries to go out and then goes out the front door straight over the garage and through the back door so he's not made his mind up yet. The littlie is only 12 weeks so is not allowed out yet. He does try to follow the other two out so you've got to have lightening reflexes to catch him. At the moment he's quite happy staying in and terrorising the poor pooch - and climbing the xmas tree!!!

Kimberley

I feel that with the amount of unwanted cats and kittens in a cattery in rescues who desperately need homes that keeping them as indoor cats in loving homes in flats or houses is far better then them being stuck in a small pen in a rescue centre being unloved and uncuddled etc. I think rescues should consider people living in flats more so at least a cat can have a home.