Is it fair on the kitten which one day will grow up to be a cat to stay cooped up inside? I've always had cats all my life but never have had a "house cat" before. But I'd really like a kitten! Can anyone give me some advice?
2006-09-20 21:13:03 · 24 answers · asked by No-ni-nu 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
We have six cats, all indoor cats and thier perfectly happy and healthy. A bit demanding at times but always entertaining.
2006-09-20 21:15:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
As long as you pay attention to the kitten, play with him and love him a lot, it's quite all right to have an indoors cat. I also live in a flat over a busy road and I have a very well-behaved one-year-old neutered tom. And I wouldn't dream of letting him outside on his own (I am considering getting him a leash and walking him, but as he is not really troublesome, I deduce he is content.
We do have regular play sessions each evening and whenever else is possible. I love him sooo much, I can understand your wish for a cat...
2006-09-20 22:33:34 · answer #2 · answered by AlphaOne_ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Some Chick" gave a great answer, I just want to say. Make sure if you have a house cat that you dont let it out sometimes. If she/her never knows whats outside, then they wont every try and get out. My 3 indoor kittys always want out because my sister will take them in the backyard and let them run around when they come to visit.
If you live by a busy road - please make the kitty indoor. The only unfair thing would be if it got hit by a car. You may want to concider 2 kittens - then they have company.
DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT DECLAW your cat. Its completely cruel. Just teach them from an early age what they can and can not scracth, getting them toys and scratching posts.
bets of luck with your new addition.
2006-09-20 21:35:28 · answer #3 · answered by sassysharli 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If your flat has at least two rooms, then I think it will be big enough so that the kitten can run around. Indoor cats live longer than outside cats
2006-09-20 23:19:44 · answer #4 · answered by Sydney 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been around both "indoor" and "outdoor" cats over the years, and they both seemed to be equally happy. The advantage of "indoor" cats is that you don't have to worry as much about fleas, worms, getting hit by a car, getting shot at with BB guns by the local
If you do get a kitten, adopt one from the local Humane Society and DO NOT DECLAW!!! No matter WHAT anyone says!!! They CAN be trained not to claw where they shouldn't.
2006-09-20 22:10:29 · answer #5 · answered by Philip B 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
keep the cat indoors. indoor cats live MUCH longer healthier lives than outdoor cats. it you feel guilty, then buy some "cat grass" sold at petsmart, and plant some grass for kitty, it gives them some piece to the outside world without the dangers. it would be mean to let the cat outdoors knowing that there's a busy street and other dangers.
2006-09-20 22:54:08 · answer #6 · answered by mamacat78 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a house cat is a very happy cat,as long as the litter box is kept clean. it has plenty of water,and food. when i got a kitten for my birthday, the vet said i should take two. he said cats get lonely. and a companion is the best thing that you could do. lots of love is needed to , that's the easy part. good luck.
2006-09-20 21:27:03 · answer #7 · answered by david l 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats should ALWAYS be kept inside. To say that it's unfair and that they're hunters is not only ignorant but ludicruous. Cats are now a domesticated animal, and it is the owners responsibility to keep them safe, healthy, and out of harms way. The average indoor cat lives to be 15, while the average age for an outdoor cat to die is 2-4. Think about that.
Also, DO NOT get the cat declawed. Not only is it outlawed in most countries, but it's amputation of each first joint on the cats fingers. MANY cats who are declawed experience behavioral problems and/or litterbox problems later on, as a result of the traumatic experience. Declawing is CRUEL and that is the advice of a lazy catowner who cannot lift a finger to do some research on how horrible it is. Give the cat a scratching post and it will be fine once you teach it not to claw furniture. If the cat continues to claw, which it most likely won't, check out http://www.softclaws.com
You're kitty will be fine if kept in your flat. Make sure that you will be able to care for it for its entire life, which could be anywhere up to 20 years. If you guarantee that kind of commitment, you and your cat will be absolutely fine in an apartment. Good luck!
2006-09-20 21:29:20 · answer #8 · answered by ChloeCat 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If you can give your kitten/cat the attention it needs then it would be allright to keep it inside. The trend now is to keep cats inside. They live twice as long as outside cats. A kitty condo or a ledge on a window for kitty to sit and look outside would help keep kitty entertained.
2006-09-20 21:17:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 cats who live exclusively inside. They seem perfectly content and happy to me (with all the purring they do!). The one thing I'd advise is to get 2 so they can keep each other company when you are not home.
2006-09-20 21:21:15 · answer #10 · answered by Kleineganz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is obviously safer for the cat to be an indoor cat - and you will love it too. You don't need to worry about the cat getting hurt, or dirty or bringing home strange diseases.
2006-09-21 02:51:40 · answer #11 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋