should cat be an outside cat

krlyr

Personally, I'm not a fan of free-roaming cats. It used to be the norm for dogs to roam neighbourhoods too, but in today's society, it's not safe. Not just for the animals either, cats on the road can cause accidents which might result in people getting hurt too, IMO owners have a responsibility to society to keep their pets under control. Plus aside from the safety, there's the other impact - cat mess in people's gardens (had to clean cat poo off my garden table the other day - thanks neighbourhood cats!), entering people's homes (especially an issue with allergies and asthma sufferers), stealing items, attacking garden pets like rabbits and birds, etc.

A young cat who's never known any different is one of the most ideal candidants for keeping indoors. You could accustom the cat to a harness and lead for some outside access, I do think it's important that domestic pets get adequate mental and physical stimulation. It may mean a bit more effort is needed to meet this with an indoor cat - so some creativity with indoor toys and some controlled outside time, but plenty of people manage it

seven-day-weekend

I would leave it up to the cat. Give her access to the outside (unless near a main road) and let her decide. Some like the outdoors, some don't. Access to rear only if at all possible.

Our two elderly sisters (nearly 17) still love to lie outside in the sun, and still love to jump and climb, although they do seem to have given up hunting.

LittleOne83

I keep mine indoors. I'd be worried they'd get stollen, injured, unwell, pick up nasties etc. They show no signs of wanting out at all. As long as kitty has access to different level platforms, toys that's are rotated so that she doesn't get bored, lots of play and exercise she won't miss it at all.
You could also look into a catio, cat proofing your garden or a walking harness.
X

chocolatelover93

I personally think all cats should be allowed outside, you wouldn't want to be indoors allday just staring out the window. I can understand though about the cost etc. Why not make your garden escape proof?
I would suggest getting her chipped, my two are and it gives me a peice of mind that if anything were to happen they have got the chip. I have two moggies so they didn't cost me money. But I love them so much and would be destroyed it they were to get lost or stolen but I let them out whenever they want. They love it!
When we first got them because they didn't go out they would run riot around the house (normally about 2/3 in the morning - not fun!!)
So they need to go out and get rid of the energy!!

donnac2558

No, if you want her out get a harness and lead and walk her. Very easy to train a cat to walk on a lead.

Pretty cat, lifted sold on.

Un neutered cat lifted and used a breeding machine.

People who love birds, gardens etc do not like cats = Dead cat.

Marmaduke123

I think it all depends on the cat. Persians are notorious for being very laid back, and I can well imagine they might not be bothered abou! going outside. I have a bengal, a very lively and energetic cat needing a lot of exercise and stimulation. I know people do keep them as indoor cats, but mine would be miserable.

Wait until your kitten has been neutered, get a cat flap, and leave it up to her. To begin with just let her out in the garden for short periods with you and take it from there. Cats soon settle into a routine of sharing outdoor space at different times if there are a lot of local cats

lindze

I used to have two cats but after one was killed by a fox i was scared to let the other one out. I did some research and decided to cat proof my garden so the cat could go in the garden but no further and other animals cannot get in. Best compromise i could come up with.

lindze

Ps cat proofing doesn't affect your garden as it just attaches to the top of your fences. I used secureacat but loads of options open to you. Not a fan of indoor only cats...just because they need the smells and fresh air only they can get from being outside. i would attach a piccie of mine to show you but no idea how to do that!

GwylimT

Marmaduke123 wrote: »

I think it all depends on the cat. Persians are notorious for being very laid back, and I can well imagine they might not be bothered abou! going outside. I have a bengal, a very lively and energetic cat needing a lot of exercise and stimulation. I know people do keep them as indoor cats, but mine would be miserable.

Wait until your kitten has been neutered, get a cat flap, and leave it up to her. To begin with just let her out in the garden for short periods with you and take it from there. Cats soon settle into a routine of sharing outdoor space at different times if there are a lot of local cats

Our cats tend to be persian (chinhillas) all bonkers and most definitely not happy to be confined until they are old enough to go out at a year!

gettingready

OP - you paid a lot of money for what essentially is a moggy cat.

Nothing wrong with cross breeds as such but it is the same thing as people saying "oh my dog is a cockapoo" or whatever silly name they invented for a cross breed.

Walk the cat on a harness or cat proof the garden fence if you are worried but stop going on about the cat not having been cheap as it only shows you have been taken on by the "breeder".

No responsible breeder would cross 2 breeds like that and then sell kitties on to just anyone.People paying this sort of money only encourage back street "breeders" to produce more and more kittens.

Good the kitty seems to be healthy - have you taken out an insurance? Very important to have one in this case.

All the best