they don't come home one night? What if some evil person picked it up and started to do awful things to it??? (That's actually how a lot of serial killers get their start.)
My co-worker's cat just got sprayed by a skunk the other day....while not funny at the time, it is now. You wouldn't believe what they had to go through to clean the poor baby up, plus their house!! And they didn't let their cat wander off on its own, their cat actually had a harness, collar and leash and they would leave her tied to the front porch (a long leash) so she could "enjoy" the outdoors. Well, I don't think they'll be doing that again anytime soon!!!
Some people feel it is being nice to the cat to let it have its "freedom". But the fact is, indoor cats are cleaner, live longer and not neighborhood nuisances.
Anyway, I would like to hear from anyone who thinks its okay to let their cat outside, their rationale, and if they worry about him/her getting into any trouble.
2006-08-19 08:38:54 · 13 answers · asked by Left Footed 5 in Pets ➔ Cats
Im with you on indoor cats but should you want your cat to be outside why not get enclosures instead. They can explore the outside and laze in the sun without the hazords of outdoor activity
See website!!!
http://www.purrfectfence.com/
2006-08-19 08:50:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have several cats. Only one of them stays indoors only. The others come and go through the doggie door. I didn't let them outside until they were older and only when they showed an interest in going out. They seldom leave the yard, but I have had one disappear. One of the construction guys took him. My oldest cat that goes in and out is 18 years old and acts like a kitten. I don't have a problem with it. All of my cats have been spayed or neutered. So I am not adding to the animal population!
2006-08-19 15:49:16 · answer #2 · answered by bcringler 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have two cats and I live on acreage in a very rural area and a dead end street. My cats go outside, they hunt and explore. They are happy, healthy, contented, affectionate animals. I take them to the vet every three months and have them wormed, they have all their shots and they have been altered. I never leave them out at night and the dogs are out there to protect them if any animal comes near. Worst thing that ever happened was one got stuck in a tree we got a ladder up and got him down. Inside cats are frequently fat lazy cats that may develop habits their owners can't live with, BECAUSE they're bored and have not been allowed to live like a cat should. Maybe something bad will happen to one of my babies one day but if they could choose I think they'd prefer a real cat's life to a long boring one. Fear should never get in the way of life.
2006-08-19 16:05:03 · answer #3 · answered by LAUGHING MAGPIE 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
My cat stays outside im not afraid she will go to the street because the furthest place she has ever gone is to my neighbors house and she beats up any dog that goes to my house and about the serial killer thing i have a pit bull so he'll bark if a stranger enters our property and i think its great that we keep her outside so we wont have neighbors dog poop all over cuz like i said before she scares all the dogs away , i think my neighbors dog is even traumatized because of her.
2006-08-19 16:19:23 · answer #4 · answered by beast 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've got a cat-flap so they can come and go as they please. I've got 4 cats. 2 of them stay in most of the time anyway. If I don't see the other 2 for a few hours I go to look for them. I fear for their safety all the time, but I don't live near traffic.
I wouldn't like to keep them shut up in the house.....maybe if that's all they had known all their lives it would be different, but it's too late to change things now.
It also gets very cold where I live. I wouldn't like to think they couldn't get in my house and get warm.
Cat-flaps are great.
2006-08-19 15:51:35 · answer #5 · answered by lou b 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Out cat regularly goes outside for entertainment. While it may be true that 100% indoor cats are cleaner and live longer, they are not having as good a life. Our cat loves going outside to play (including with other neighboorhod cats) for hours on end. He really enjoys it, and that's what most important.
2006-08-19 15:47:52 · answer #6 · answered by Mike 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
It's the arguement - quality of life vs. quantity of life. Yes, outdoor cat owners (not me) worry about them while they are out.
Also, indoor/outdoor cats, or outdoor cats, rarely have a problem with inappropriate urination in the house, which is the #1 reason why cats are abandoned.
2006-08-19 15:45:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i have a cat...she comes in and out as she plaeses..i used 2 worry but then i just accepted that if nething happend...its life...sure we would miss her but u cant spend ur time worryin about her....plus many people have allergys an love animals but simply cannot keep them inside....i believe animals were made 2 be outside..i also have a dog...he comes in 2 but he stays out @ night...but we have him trained not 2 leave the yard...an he wont......so my point is...its not animal abuse 2 keep ur animal outside...they were meant 2 be able 2 explore and be free!
~kim~
2006-08-19 16:22:06 · answer #8 · answered by kc 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's dangerous outside...not just for cats, either.
So, from now on, stay in your house, Don't even go out for the mail.
There...how does THAT feel? My kitties feel the same way. They come and go as they please, just as I do, and just as you do.
Oh, by the way, my cats are spotless clean and sweet-smelling, have never chased a car, or bitten anyone, or barked all night. And, when they borrow the car, they always gas it up again before bringing it home.
2006-08-19 15:58:41 · answer #9 · answered by silvercomet 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
our cats stay indoors every night.they get into a routine and it becomes second nature to them.if they have their main meal at the end of the day they are more likely to want to come in.very occasionally one escapes, and we are at our wits end until we can coax them in.i am totally in agreement with you on this.
2006-08-19 16:18:14 · answer #10 · answered by tony4cats 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋