is it normal for my strictly indoor cat not be interested about going outdoors?

Question

I have an all black 2 yr. old (spayed) female cat who I've had since she was 5 wks. old. she is kept indoors 100% of the time ( I believe that cats live longer healthier lives indside and they don't come in contact w/ all the dangers and diseases that are out there for them to stumble upon). she has never explored the outside world since I've had her and I'm not planning on her doing so either. people have informed me that because cats are natural born hunters then they are "should" be interested in being outdoors and wanting to go out. my female is scared to even look outside the front door. she lays in a window all day long and watches the birds but when you finally open the door for any reason, she looks out and then runs away. is this normal for an total inside cat to do? maybe since she's ome attached to being indoors for so long then she's become afraid of what's out there. people have told me that cats want to go out and explore at least once. what do you think? Thanks

I'm just curious! not concerned! Thanks!!

she's a VERY happy, loving, sweet cat who just loves to watch the birds outside!

Answer 1

I think it's normal. If she doesn't want to go out there is no reason she should. If she enjoys watching through the window that's fine. These people who are telling you this have too much time on their hands. (Not like me lol!) It sounds like she has a great life. She doesn't know she's "supposed" to be a hunter. You are just lucky that she doesn't try to escape every time the door is opened.

Answer 2

Totally normal. I've owned many cats, all of which were (supposed to be) indoor cats. Some, like one I have now, I have to fight to keep away from the door as they just can't stand being cooped up inside. Others have no interest in going outdoors at all.
Animals, just like people, all have very different personalities and temperaments. In my opinion, you can't generalize--statements like "all cats..." are always wrong. There are always exceptions to every "rule"! Just like cats being natural hunters...some are, some aren't. I've had cats that actively hunted (indoors as well as out! nothing like finding a dead mouse under your kitchen table when you get home--yuck!) but then I've had some that didn't even want to play with toys.
I'm glad you are keeping your kitty inside. It is the safest, healthiest lifestyle. In general, indoor cats can live 15-20 years, whereas outdoor cats are lucky to make it to their fifth birthday. So don't let anyone tell you your kitty is abnormal. She's just fine.

Answer 3

It depends on the cat. Some cats don't even want or attempt to go outside. Others will try and sneak out constantly. I have 2 strictly indoor cats, and they are not much interested in going outside either, they are pretty much scared of EVERYTHING...even other people that are not their owners. I does seem like some indoor cats want nothing but to go out, while other (my next door neighbors cat who is an outdoor cat) desperately wants to be an indoor cat!!

Answer 4

I have two cats, and they both were once outdoor when they were really little. One (the male-neutered) Is afraid to go outside, but will still walk out with me when I smoke, but if he hears any loud noises he JETS back inside! The girl kitty I have used to be an outdoor kitty for like 6months (longer than the boy) and she's ALWAYS trying to get outside. You're cat's probably just happy, and content with her home life, that she doesn't feel the need to explore the great outdoors. Besides, I'm sure she finds some flies, crickets or coca roaches to keep her entertained. Or Hair ties....my kitty can play with one of those for hours!

Answer 5

First of all, I think it is great that you keep your cat inside. She is much safer there. I have two black cats that are six years old. They have never truly been outside and don't seem to mind at all. Spooky didn't even like being outside in a carrier when I moved last year. I think if the cat never goes out, he/she doesn't know what is out there so he/she can't miss it. They can still get enough exercise inside. If you have toys, they can also use their hunting skills. Don't worry about what other people say. Just continue to do what you feel is best for your cat.

Answer 6

I adopted a 4 yr old cat a couple of months ago. She too is uninterested in the outdoors. She was a "stray", but she was too well groomed and pretty to be an outdoor cat, so I suspect her previous owners gave her up because she was pissing on their stuff.

She is totally uninterested in going outside. The cat I had growing up would stand nose to the door meowing his head off until you let him out.

Weird.

Answer 7

Good for you keeping her in! :)

Cats do not **need** to go outside. As you know yourself, that is dangerous.

I have 3 cats now...all were abused when they were strays. One cat I can put on a leash and take her outside and she will putter around. The other 2 are petrified of outside. We rigged up a cat perch by a window, put a double sided mirror on the window and then a bird feeder outside the window. The cats LOVE to sun themselves there and watch the birds. (the birds have no idea) The only scary moment was when a bear decided it wanted bird food...but he was outside and that is a different story....

(Here is a cat perch like we have, but our's isnt heated and was only $20
http://www.thedailycat.com/animalforum/meowza/kitty_sill/index.html)

Your cat is normal. :)

Answer 8

Those people who have told you that your cat should want to go out don't know what they are talking about.

I have 4 strictly indoor cats. Two are intrigued by the out doors and will look outside if the door is open but have no desire to leave, one doesn't even care that there are doors that lead to the outside, and one is determined to run out whenever the door is open but then freezes in fear when he actually makes it out.
All cats are different.

Answer 9

I believe that because she hasn't had any real expirence being outdoors that it has alot to do with her being scared. If she is a particular timid cat then it would explain why she wouldn't want to go outside. If your are concerned after you get some answers online, call your vet and ask. I'm positive that she is happy,safe and comfortable being in the house. Therefore, she doesn't have a reason to be outside. Goodluck!

Answer 10

2 of my cats are terrified of 'outside'. I have 5 cats, all indoor pets, and 3 sit by the door and peek outside when we go in and out, but two are petrified of it.

Cats like to feel safe, the world outsid the door is very large, and it smells odd to them, so they're scared.