my cat is 8 months old. i live in a ground floor 1 bedroom apt,close to alley with lots of cats. they all seem bigger than my Sheena, i take her out with a leash for a 45mins almost everyday, she is not fixed yet.
2006-08-30 17:55:50 · 22 answers · asked by Beeny 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Your cat is old enough to go outside, however you need to keep in mind that the other cats may not be updated on shots (and therefore transmit a disease to her), they will probably have claws (and may fight with her), there is probably at least one male they might not be fixed (so she may end up pregnant--and by far this is one of the biggest issues to worry about. You need to get her fixed before you let her out), not to mention the possibility of her being run over by a car (sorry, but it happens and you need to think about these things.).
There are many reasons why I wouldn't your let her out, but in the end it is your decision. I think it's great that you are willing to walk her outside on a leash, and at 8 months of age she is probably used to that form of exercise. Also, do not forget that there are plenty of ways she can exercise inside your apartment. There is a whole market of cat toys out there, and you can play with her with interactive toys. If you are afraid that she is bored at home, they even have videos you can put on when you leave the apt. that are specified to entertain cats.
I hope this is helpful to you in order to make an informed decision.
2006-08-30 18:09:21 · answer #1 · answered by miami1 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
On a leash is fine at 8 months, so long as you're not pulling her by it and they're comfortable. If the cat is unwilling to adapt to the leash, just keep her indoors. Don't force her to walk on a leash if she thinks you're torturing her.
I think cats shouldn't be allowed outside off a leash. Very few are willing to stay within the boundries of the yard. Your cat could be run over, stolen, attacked (by dogs or other cats) or could even get illnesses by stray unvaccinated cats/animals. If she's not fixed, she could end up with kittens.
I don't own any pets anymore (Landlady dosn't allow it) , however LOTS of neighbors all let their cats run loose. They crap in my flowerbeds, leave dead mice in my driveway, try to hid under my car and if I leave my garage open, they'll come inside when its raining.
All i can say is those cats are DAMN lucky I'm around. If I was a mean person (of which there are many out there), those poor cats could meet a tragic end. There are SO many people who wouldn't think twice about taking those cats to a shelter (even though someone owns them) , or worse. From me they get gentle petting and chin rubs, and the occasional tidbit of tuna (theres a sad old skinny stray that comes by for a treat on occasion). Who knows what fate they could meet, if someone wasn't so forgiving. :(
Keep the kitty safe!
2006-08-30 17:59:34 · answer #2 · answered by blandnamenotworthremembering 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats are territorial. You could end up with vet bills by letting Sheena outdoors to try and fend for herself. I would discourage that. Cats can be spayed starting at 6 months, so it's time. We lost 3 out of 4 cats overnight...and savvy outside cats they were, too. Then again, coyotes, owls, raccoons, or humans leaving out poison were the cause of their demise. I have two cats now - indoors - and they are a riot and smart. Having a second cat keeps the first one company and entertained.
2006-08-30 18:24:45 · answer #3 · answered by skylight 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no need to take a cat outside. A cat should be given all its shots and be neutered. Cats can get fleas, worms, and pick up feline diseases from other cats outside. Cats can get pregnant as early as 4 months old. If your cat is in heat no wonder there are many alley cats ouside your apt. Be kind to your pet and get her fixed.
2006-08-30 18:10:55 · answer #4 · answered by oldone 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With living in apt it's best ot keep your cat indoors because of all the traffic that goes through and probably half the cat's aren't fix either. If your apt is any like mine then you'll have cat nappers and they wont even answer you missing sign with an reward.
2006-08-30 22:18:14 · answer #5 · answered by medevilqueen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You certainly need to have her spayed right now.
I think it's great you take her out on a leash. Why would you want to "let her out"? You must know that she can be killed by aggressive dogs, bitten by other cats (she could get leukemia or FIV, killed or very badly injured by a car? If she is hurt who would be there to take care of you while you are away?
What possible reason could you have? Not to have to clean a litterbox? She will probably want to come inside to use it anyway.
2006-08-30 18:17:05 · answer #6 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For cryin' out loud, your cat doesn't want or need to go out on a leash. First, get her fixed. If the vet is too expensive, try your local clinic or SPCA; they will probably do it very cheap. Next, don't let kitty out--those alley cats will beat the crap out of her! If you want her to get the "benefits" of outdoor wandering, buy a catnip plant and some wheat grass (see your local pet store or garden shop). I'm serious here. I have a huge catnip plant for my kitties and they love it! Finally, if you think the cat is lonely, you may want to get another kitty, but PLEASE don't put her outside.
2006-08-30 18:00:15 · answer #7 · answered by tiggyman41 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Never. Outdoor cats develop behavior problems. Indoor only cats live longer and develop less health problems. NEVER let her out until she is fixed. I would be afraid to let her out, fixed or not, with a bunch of feral cats in the alley. They could easily kill her.
2006-08-30 18:03:19 · answer #8 · answered by charice266 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't let her out even if she is fixed. This way your cat stays healthy and don't get into a fight or get run over by a car. Your cat is fine in your appartment. Keep the kitty save.
2006-08-30 18:39:12 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHOA! First of all...your cat is old enough to be fixed already! Very important that you spend only 20.00 to 30.00 at the vet NOW. This should cover her feline leukemia vaccination and rabies shot. If she is going to be outside with other animals, she would be very likely to come in contact with contagious and deadly diseases. Unless you are willing to care for her numerous litters of kittens for the rest of all their precious lives...GET HER SPAYED. If you live near a street, or alley of fast and reckless neighbors in cars, keep her inside. If not, install a "kitty" door into your screen, or door, or window. Should she be chased by a stray dog, or a punk with a BBGUN, your cat shall very quickly be able to get safe inside!
2006-08-30 18:18:17 · answer #10 · answered by Redwood Mermaid 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋