Keeping a cat indoors - cruel?

CharlieRabbit01

My boy is an indoor cat by his own choice, we've given him the option of going outside but at most he sits by the open window and looking out but rarely ever puts a paw outside i'm happy with him being indoors.

My MIL has a large enclosed garden and her cat only goes out when she is out otherwise doesnt step outside.

Person_one

Caveat, I'm a dog owner and have never had a cat.

I think that all animals need to get enough exercise and mental stimulation. With some animals, you can give them this without them ever leaving your home, or even one room in your home, like a hamster or a guinea pig.

Can a cat really get these things without going outside at all? A dog couldn't. Do you have a balcony or a shared garden or is there no outside space at all?

Mrs_Z

When the time comes, just look to rehome indoor only cat/s from a shelter. From time to time you see them advertised for various reasons.

~Chameleon~

calicocat wrote: »

Is that a scam....lol. I keep getting emails about stuff from them...I got it wrong though..you are right he is physician...his side kick is the vet one...bercola I think.

Take everything they say with a HUGE pinch of salt. Or better still, unsubscribe from the newsletters if you can. They make so many false claims but can appear to be quite convincing to the unwary. I cringe every time I see someone promoting their site or taking their advice as gospel.

adouglasmhor

Mercola has been warned by the FDA in America about claims on his products and use of equipment.
He also thinks HIV does not cause AIDS, Avian flu and swine flu don't exist and that sunscreen increases the risk of skin cancer (unless it's his special ones that he sells).
Quack.

CharlieRabbit01

Person_one wrote: »

Caveat, I'm a dog owner and have never had a cat.

I think that all animals need to get enough exercise and mental stimulation. With some animals, you can give them this without them ever leaving your home, or even one room in your home, like a hamster or a guinea pig.

Can a cat really get these things without going outside at all? A dog couldn't. Do you have a balcony or a shared garden or is there no outside space at all?

My cat has lots of toys and we live in a 2 bed flat, he runs circuits around the flat and plays with loads of toys to keep him stimulated.

adouglasmhor

We had an indoor cat in a flat for over 6 years. We could of course have let the shelter put her to sleep as difficult to rehome. She seemed very happy and secure with us and really came out her shell when she came to live with us.

Person_one

CharlieRabbit01 wrote: »

My cat has lots of toys and we live in a 2 bed flat, he runs circuits around the flat and plays with loads of toys to keep him stimulated.

My dogs are no bigger than lots of cats, they have toys and play fight and potter around my flat, but it would be incredibly cruel for me to never walk them, never take them for a good run in the park.

Do cats just not need this? My hounds would be stir crazy and driving me up the wall within about 48 hours of no walks!

adouglasmhor

Person_one wrote: »

My dogs are no bigger than lots of cats, they have toys and play fight and potter around my flat, but it would be incredibly cruel for me to never walk them, never take them for a good run in the park.

Do cats just not need this? My hounds would be stir crazy and driving me up the wall within about 48 hours of no walks!

Cats don't need this. I have never seen anyone taking a cat for a walk either though I understand it can be needed for bigger cats like Norwegian Forrest cats, Swedish Longhairs and Maine Coons sometimes.

adouglasmhor

And my dogs have not had a run off the lead for months. Though they have been out running with me on lead. (they need an enclosed space to run in).