Is it ok to keep a cat indoors all the time? I live in an apartment and I want a cat.?

Question

I've had cats before but they all could go out, bcos i lived in a house.

Answer 1

Not only is it okay, it is better for your cat!.
Aside from the obvious dangers of car fanbelts, tires, dogs, and cruel people, there are many hidden dangers to cats allowed outdoors. Life-threatening dangers include:

Diseases for which we currently do not have vaccines for (Feline Aids), or vaccines that are not reliably effective (Feline Leukemia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis).
Heartworm. Yes, it is true that a cat can get heartworm, through mosquito bites. Shorthairs are at higher risk than longhairs.
Antifreeze- It's sweet taste is irresistible to cats, and a cat who has walked through a small pool of antifreeze and cleans it's paws has ingested a fatal dose.
Skin cancer. Light colored kitties (especially white) are at risk for skin cancer due to exposure to direct sunlight.
Hanging/choking. Those neat little cat collars which do not provide breakaway or stretch releases have killed many a cat.
Fighting among outdoor kitties not only spreads disease, it can result in painful abscesses which require medical attention. Unaltered tom cats are prime candidates for such fighting, not to mention they will impregnate any and all receptive females they come upon.
Toxoplasmosis. A single celled organism that cats can ingest while eating prey that has been exposed. Not only can it kill a cat, it is contagious to people and can result in severe birth defects to human babies who's mothers are exposed during pregnancy. Wearing rubber gloves while handling litterpan duties and gardening is highly recommended for pregnant women. Finding another home for your cherished pet is NOT necessary.

Indoor cats generally live much longer and healthier than cats allowed outdoors.

Answer 2

I've had two cats that have never gone out. They are/were quite content in my apartment. One has since died, but she lived to be at least 16 and was a very happy content kitty. She started out as an outdoor cat and adapted well to indoor living once I adopted her. My other cat, who is currently 17 years old, has never been an outdoor cat. She's happy and healthy.

One thing you can do is get a leash for your kitty and take him out once a day just to wander. Some cats like this, others don't. Just don't expect him to walk like a dog! You pretty much put the harness on (must be a harness and not a collar cuz a cat can slip out of it) and follow wherever he wants to go...within reason! I took Sammie out on a leash when I first got her and she tried to go after the Canada geese in the park! Silly girl...lol.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose, and remember, cats are safer indoors!!

Answer 3

It depends on that cat. I've had cats had basically refuse to come indoors unless it's raining or they're hungry.

I also think Indoor cats shed a lot more than outdoor cats.

I would recommend looking through the paper and see if anyone is giving away a cat that is 7 years or older, especially female. They don't feel the need to go out and marked their territory like males and younger cats do. Check with the current owner and see if she is good inside.

Good Luck.

Answer 4

In all honesty it is better for a cat to live indoors rather then outdoors. A indooor cat lives at least 5 years longer then an outdoor cat. Not only that they age about 6 mo. to 1 year slower then an outdoor cat does. Check out www.realage.com and read thier information about cats. Also they offer a quiz as well.

Answer 5

That's fine. It's not necessary for cats to be outside. But, so you don't have an unhappy kitty, adopt either a kitten to raise inside or get an adult that has already been raised inside and will stay content in that situation. If you check your local shelter or rescue agency, you will probably find a sweet adult that had to be surrendered for some reason or another that was raised as an indoor kitty. You can even find those that are already altered and even declawed, a bonus for a strictly indoor cat.

Answer 6

I've had two cats for over two years and their perfectly fine.They never go outside. Just remember to give them something to scratch on besides your furniture a cat condo is great I built one and the cats have a ball on and in it.Give them a place to crawl into and sleep in, cats like feeling comfortable and secure.With a area over their head and a soft place to lay down they will use it all the time.Make sure to keep the litter box clean or teach the cat to do his duty in the toilet.You may have to put up with the cat having a stir crazy moment once in a while but other than that everything should be fine.

Answer 7

Yes it is fine, but do yourself a favour if you are going to be living on the ground floor you could still leave a window open, or alternately you buy a stack of little fluffy toys, balls chewy stuff, scratch pole and some treats and your cat will be a very happy kitty. But for your own peace of mind have the kitten either neutered or spayed, that way you will be more secure in knowing that your cat is happy to be at home all the time.

Answer 8

My brother keeps two cats indoors all the time, they have never been out. You have to give them plenty to do so they don't get destructive.

There is nothing wrong with having a house cat, as long as you can care for all the needs it has.

Good luck if you get your cat.

Answer 9

I have 3 cats that I keep indoors all the time.

When I got a house I was thinking of letting them go outside, but then the neighbor lost two of her cats in less than six months.

Just make sure they have enough toys to keep them happy and they will be fine inside.

Answer 10

I have three indoor cats (fixed!) and two of them have never had dirt on their paws. They have very active, healthy, happy indoor lives that are limited to two bedrooms, the living room, kitchen and two bathrooms in which to live. Providing them with adequate litter boxes, toys, food, clean water and safe surrounding is really all a cat needs to live a very full and happy life. Oh and lots of love from you too!