I know someone who has a cat in a flat and never lets it outdoors as she lives in a city. She reckons it's infe as it's fully adapted to life indoors and has no need to go outside. But I think it must be mentally if not physically unhealthy for it.
2006-10-15 23:05:42 · 25 answers · asked by jaunty 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
YES.. In fact most vets will tell you to NOT let your cats outside unless its in a kennel so it cant roam or come in contact with other cats.
THey are called House cats for a reason. Your friend is 100% correct.. Her kitty is just fine inside.
If she wants to improve its immune system she can buy a UV light bul and put it in a lamp or overhead light the cat sits under but its not necessary.
The cat is fine and better off inside.
:)
Wismom
2006-10-15 23:13:42 · answer #1 · answered by Wismom 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Can Cats Live Indoors
2016-12-12 08:43:15 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats should be inside. It is a documented fact that a outdoor cats lifespan is 3 yrs. An indoor cats lifespan is something like 15 yrs. True they need to make sure the cat has toys to play w/ for mental and physical stimulation. W/ all the hazards of disease and trauma the cat is safer in doors.
2006-10-16 00:16:16 · answer #3 · answered by tera_duke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two cats and they have been inside cats since they were born. Having two cats means they can keep each other happy, content and amused when my fiancee and I aren't there. They also have plenty of toys, a minature cat couch each and two scratching poles near the window so they can view the going-on's outside, they just love to watch. Keeping them inside is a personal choice and one I don't feel bad about. They can't hurt themselves or other wildlife, NOBODY ELSE can hurt them, they can't pick up diseases or ticks and I believe they are more affectionate to their owners and love it when you come home at the end of each day. If the weather is nice I will sometimes take them outside on a harness and lead to let them eat some grass, but I NEVER leave them unattended. I also have a Cat Nip plan inside in a pot and they LOVE IT.
So respect your friend for loving and respecting her cat. Imagine how she would feel if it got out and something happened to it?
2006-10-19 13:39:23 · answer #4 · answered by narba777 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cat is a domesticated animal; as such, it is dependent upon human beings for survival. An excellent case in point is the fact that while a cat may kill a mouse or a bird, it has no concept that the creature might be *eaten.* My Abyssinian cat has lived indoors for his entire 15 years; he is quite healthy, and has never had to go to the veterinarian except for innoculations as required by law, and for neutering.
2006-10-15 23:53:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had cats all my life and I never let one of them go outside! They are very happy inside and they will live longer because it is too dangerous outside plus there's a lot of weird people out there who does mean things to animals!! Don't worry, the cat is just fine inside but it would be happier having another cat to play with!!
2006-10-16 01:39:30 · answer #6 · answered by CTU 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup - my cats are all indoor only to avoid injury, illness, killing wildlife, getting stolen & basic wierdos who like to torture cats. I keep them fit with laser pointer chasing, ball games & general hooning around. I rotate toys so they don't get too used to the one thing & make sure I set aside play time with them. Indoor cats can live fulfilling lives despite not chasing birds etc, I mean if they don't know any better what difference does it make? All of my friends outdoor cats have been hit by cars, fought with other cats, one even had his tail ringbarked to the bone somehow, one died when it got hit by a street sweeper. One of my friends has spent $4000 on his cat in the past 2 months just on abcess lancing, stitching his ear back on & anti-biotics to cure the infections he has got from scrapping with the neighbours cats & dogs.
2006-10-15 23:21:20 · answer #7 · answered by shirazzza 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have two indoor cats and they are fine. They don't get any of the germs outside cats get, they live longer and they are happy because we have a big house and lots of room for them to run around and play in, plus lots of toys too.
We don't have problems with them getting abcesses due to being bitten by other cats, fleas do not exist because they are not rolling around in grass, neither are ticks an issue.
So I do think indoor cats are healthier.
2006-10-15 23:14:41 · answer #8 · answered by lollipoppett2005 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
im not sure if they should i have a 10 wk old kitten and im scared to let her out when she is older as im worried she will get run over or attacked. she likes it indoors but am sure she is bored when im not around for entertainment. i have read lots of articles and most state the cat can live indoors quite happily and there are special foods designed for indoor cats. i suppose its upto the owner. maybe someone can help me decide 2 :) x
2006-10-15 23:13:32 · answer #9 · answered by karma 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, of course not. Even domesticated cats have that inner sense that they belon in nature- not just inside a house. Cats need to go outside the home every once in a while not just for that instinct, but also to keep them healthy. And besides, a cat that just stays indoors would not be very happy, not unless he or she has a lot of other cat friends to play with. So no, a cat cannot live in doors forever.
2006-10-15 23:17:16 · answer #10 · answered by Absurd Insanity 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋