2006-07-21 00:08:57 · 48 answers · asked by joinlondon 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Very much so!! In addition to grass and fresh air, the outdoors poses many risks to your pets. Lethal risks that can be completely avoided:
TRAFFIC: To listen to some people, a pet's "getting hit by a car" is just part of pet ownership. Your pet is not likely to agree....
POISON: Cat's don't usually resist the temptation of checking out neighbors' yards, the hoods of their cars, and their flower beds. Although it is illegal and inhumane, some people put out a poisonous substance to get rid of those pawprints on a car. Poison also may be put out for other animals, and pets are accidentally poisoned, such as by eating poisoned mice.
CRUELTY: Unfortunate, but true, there are more than enough people in this world who are intentionally cruel to animals.
INJURIES: If your pet goes outside, it risks injurious or deadly fights with other animals, and also exposure to those animal's diseases. Bite wounds often abcess, resulting in a serious injury for your pet, and a veterinary bill for you.
DISEASE: Even if your pet is vaccinated, it runs the risk of serious diseases: * Leukemia - The vaccine for feline leukemia, although valuable, provides about 80% - 85% protection, leaving your pet still at some risk of contacting leukemia, a deadly disease transmitted basically by saliva, from another cat. * FIV - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus - FIV is a disease that compromises the immune system of the cat. There is no vaccine for FIV, and there is no cure. FIV is generally transmitted between cats by biting. A blood test determines if the cat is FIV positive. Scientific evidence indicates FIV is not communicable to humans. A number of stray cats are FIV positive, and your cat runs a significant risk of FIV contact with these outdoor cats. For more information regarding FIV, contact your veterinarian.
No cat, no neighborhood, is immune from these dangers. Give your cat a long, safe, healthy life - indoors!
Make Life Inside Fun -- Toys, playtime with you, a window to look out of, scratching posts, and a few twigs of catnip from time to time more than compensate for the risks your cat faces outdoors!
2006-07-21 00:25:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
It is fine. It's easier if you start with a kitten, so they are used to the idea or adopt a cat that was already a house kitty. You would be amazed at how many cats are turned in for the dumbest of reasons, after owners have trained and cared for them. You can find a cat that is up to date on it's vaccinations, spayed/neutered, even declawed and is waiting for a new home. Check out Petsfinder.com and you will see all that is available in your area.
2006-07-21 01:10:10 · answer #2 · answered by buggsnme2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be illegal to have an outside cat. We once had one that we found. She had lived outside her whole life, so could not use the litter box. We had to let her out every hour or so, and then she would meow at the door constantly. If she wasn't let out, she would relieve herself on the walls. Then, a party about ten houses behind us had alot of kids I knew. They decided to come to my house and chase her around. The cat lived alot shorter life than my many housecats, no doubt because of the exposure to parasites, etc. If you do keep it ouside, which I highly dissagree with, DO NOT use a collar with her. Instead, get a microchip for identification. Training cats to a litterbox is 20x better than letting it out every hour, as well, so, it's easier on you and the cat to keep it inside.
2006-07-21 00:30:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in a flat in a dodgy area. My cat stays in the house most of the time. She was born on a farm, so I though it was cruel to not let her see outside after being able to run free with her bro's. when I got her I got a cat harness and lead. As soon as she see's it she gets so excited. I look a bit daft with a cat on a lead but she's my baby and she likes it.
2006-07-21 02:34:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have 2 cats and because of their breed they are not allowed to go outside.
the good thing about hosecats is that you don't have to worry about them getting run over or stolen and you will NEVER need to worry about fleas, ticks or lice, since they won't be going near any other cats or animals that they normally catch them from.
As long as you can cope with cleaning out litter trays a couple of times a week and they have somewhere to sleep and play during the day and at night (mine sleep in different places) you should be ok.
They don't miss not being outside, though they do like to sit on the windowsill watching the birds!
2006-07-21 02:12:07 · answer #5 · answered by sian_raven 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the type of cat. I have owned siamese cats, normal rescue cats and now have a Ragdoll. I would never attempt to keep my rescue cat (black and white normal cat - not sure what you would call her) in doors nor the siamese as they are inquisitive and very active. Ragdolls are especially bred for a number of reasons which make them perfect house cats, and in fact they are not supposed to be let outside unsupervised. My Ragdoll is a very happy chappy indoors and only goes outside with me on hot summer evenings. Hope this helps.
2006-07-21 00:50:18 · answer #6 · answered by Mika 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, if it's not going crazy to get out, it's great. It's better, studies show that house cats live like 6 years longer than cats that are indoor/outdoor or outdoor only. 13 years average to 7. I have one of each and everyday I try like h e ll to get Chewy Lewis to stay in for one more hour... we're almost there!
2006-07-21 00:15:55 · answer #7 · answered by Sidoney 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I currently have 2. They are amazing and funny to watch..no 2 cats I have ever known have the same personality. Oh and there's a lot less maintenance with cats than dogs.
2006-07-21 00:13:46 · answer #8 · answered by Windseeker_1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, cats are the no.1 favourite pet!
I have just 1 cat but spoil her completely. Mind due she pissed me off yesterday when she had a bit of a barney with another cat.
But they are really loyal and make great companions - make sure u are available for them most of the day no cos they get really lonely! Ah bless them they wait for u to come home, and follow u everywhere! Plus they're cheap to care for!
2006-07-21 00:14:10 · answer #9 · answered by purpletear2003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES. my cat is awesome and he isn't fat. But he is a lap cat, only he prefers me. He get's lots of exercise and I play hide and seek with him and jump out of closets and stuff. we have fun. I buy grass from petco (petsmart) and he likes to eat that along with fresh catnip. It's fine. Plus, I think having a house cat keeps them safe. At least I dont have to worry about him getting beat up by heathcliff in the neighborhood or getting run over by a car. Could you imagine going to work just to find your kitty with his eyes popped out in the middle of the road? NO WAY! that would be so sad.
2006-07-21 12:31:24 · answer #10 · answered by kimberly_0054 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋