Dilemma about letting cat out

gazzak_2

Let him out and enjoy his short life. What happens happens. I'm sure he'll be fine.

Spudsey

I have two cats, one goes out and the other stays in but goes for harness walks in the back garden. He used to be allowed out but a few years back went missing and came back terrified and shaking so we chose never to let him out again.
Ideally I want the garden cat proofed but likewise its difficult. Small garden, trees that we want to keep literally touching the fence. Purrfect fence looks the best option but not sure on cost.
Presently the cat that is allowed out goes out for an hour before I go to work, then is in all day until I come home and then goes out again but is in overnight. I dare not leave him out all day as there is a main road not too far away which I am afraid if he got bored waiting for us to come home he could venture to, and I've seen far too many cats for my liking dead on that road so would rather him stay in.

clarabelle41

We live on a busy road. The 2 cats we've had since Feb are only allowed out when we are at home and kept in overnight, for the same reason. On the occasions I have found them out the front they are chased back but obviously I haven't got eyes in the back of my head. They do have a field next to us and a wood at the bottom so I hope they go in that direction....

Chickabiddybex

After seeing a cat get run over first hand I can assure you it is not worth the heart break if you live anywhere near a main road. I always was against letting cats outside from all the near misses and bodies on the side of the road. But when I saw what actually happens... I will do anything I can to even prevent this from happening even to one more cat!

I should hope it would be obvious for those living directly on a main road but if your cat's territory is likely to include a main road keep them in!

You might think "oh he looks sad looking at the birds out of the window" but imagine how sad he will look crying somewhere with a leg hanging off and slowly dying whilst wondering what hurt him and if he'll ever see mum again.

Ask yourself is years of "an outdoor life like nature intended" worth those hours in death??

I know this sounds dramatic. But it's true. 630 cats get hit by cars every day. Don't let it be your cat.

misty-mitts

How traumatic that must have been for you (and how sad for the cat). I agree with all you say. Fortunately we are nowhere near a main road, so that is not an issue.

Over the last few days we have been letting our cat out under supervision for short periods, and he is learning his way around, and very much enjoying exploring and sunbathing, so hopefully all will be well.

springer211

gazzak wrote: »

Let him out and enjoy his short life. What happens happens. I'm sure he'll be fine.

I agree. I life in prison/cage/glass/indoors is a life not worth living, for a human being or an animal, in my opinion. (unless there are compelling medical reasons, disabilities, which means that even a small flat can provide a great home to the right animal ).

Chickabiddybex

How can you say life indoors is not worth living??