what do you think about having a house cat?

Question

I want to get a cat and in the past when I was young we never used to let them out, I now am wondering if this is cruel. The thing is there are a few dogs that just roam the streets around here because I assume the owners cannot be bothered to walk them. Would the cat be safe going out. There are a few cats in this street that go out and they seem ok.

Answer 1

I have two house cats. They live a lot longer indoors then they do outside. Think about it.

Answer 2

i dont think its cruel to have just a house cat my cat is just a house cat dogs are more better with direction so they always seem to find their way home.. most the time. cats are more adventurous and independent so they may get lost or hit by a car or hurt by another animal they alos get distracted easily and might find a mate and decide not to come back. ive had many cats and every cat ive had that was an outside and inside cat has never returned after a while or killed :( so i am afraid to let them outside. but i do know many people whos kittys come in an out of the house when wanted and never run away or wander to far from the house i think it all depends on the cat.

Answer 3

I have always had pet cats that were outside cats but when I moved into a flat next to a main road and got a cat I decided to keep him indoors, he is now 3 and I cant see that this has affected him in any way. The only difference I have noted is that he is more clingy but I dont know if this is due to him being an indoor cat or if he would have been like that anyway.
As long as you are not near a main road I would say it is safe enough to let your cat out, maybe you could compromise and let him in at night?

Answer 4

No i dont think that keeping a cat inside is cruel! i have one and he is very happy and fat! he has no desire what so ever to go outside and when i put him out he will not leave the yard and he comes back in within an hour of him being let out. But i think that youre cat would be safe outside with those dogs as long as they arent large dogs! A cat can run much faster than a dog, but if the dogs are large and there is two of them he may not be able to out smart them.

Answer 5

cats are teritorial and so adding a new cat into an existing location that has cats is likely to cause fights. It is not cruel to keep your cats inside all the time, it is a good way to protect your cat from all of the issues in the outside world. You still will need to take your cat to the vet and get it shots and get it fixed when the time comes. My cats have been very happy to live indoors even though we only have a 2 bedroom apartment.

Answer 6

It is hard to say whether your cat will be safe. It all depends on where you live. Most cats do enjoy to go hunting at night. I find that if i lock my cats up, they hunt more. They also need some kind of stimulation. I do think it is cruel to keep the cat indoors. Cats are also alot more independant than dogs. But remember, cats dont have owners they have slaves!!!

Answer 7

Cats can lead very productive lives as exclusively indoors or exclusively outdoors or both indoor & outdoor. Growing up I have had many cats. I currently live in an apartment and my cat is strictly indoor. My Vet said that indoor cats are the healthiest you can have. Less chance for them to become infected from bug bites, feline leukemia, or fights with other animals. I have also had indoor/outdoor cats that have lived very long lives. It depends on where you live and how well you will take care of your animal. However it would be very hard to make a cat that has already had the freedom of being outside strictly indoors. So if you want an indoor cat, get a kitten.

Answer 8

Hi I don,t think it cruel to keep cats indoors, I had 3 persian cats which never went outside, they lived a very good life, and when the external doors were open they did,nt try to go outside. I know have 2 cats, just moggies and one of them is a house cat and seems to be very happy. I hope this has helped you a little bit, feel free to contact me if you have any other questions Alison

Answer 9

i think inside cats are better off than outside they have a better chance an by this i mean the cats not gonna get hit or poisoned or beat up by another cat i think you should have in not out their better off my cats as a child were all indoors an my mom still has one that i got when i was 15 im now 24 i have no cats because my 4 year old son loves rabbits so instead we have 4 litter trained completely housebroke rabbits they play with cat toys an sleep in cat beds an got on the couch an sleep as though they might think they are cats they are easier i think though but yes i say go for it get an indoor kitten good luck

Answer 10

Cats are FAST. they can easily outrun a dog. If the cat is neutered, it shouldnt roam too far anyway.

Ive had cats all my life and have always let them out, they enjoy hunting and prowling around, its what they do naturally. Theyve all lived to good ages, 16, 17 years etc, and yes, I live in a town, not in the country.

All my cats have never roamed far, usually a couple of gardens away is about as far as they go, occasionally bringing me home a dead bird or mouse, but thats what they do naturally. They are predators and are doing what they do best.

Have one, let it out, it will be fine.

Answer 11

I had a house cat, who just passed away at the ripe age of 16. The only time she was ever allowed to be outside was if she was on a long leash (a lightweight one thats extra long...you know cats need their dependence). Being inside helps a cat stay away from problems like ticks, fleas, and other harmful problems from the outside. Just make sure your cat eats a healthy diet, and gets some exercise.