How can I ensure that a Cat will remain an indoor cat?

Question

My cat was recently killed when she was hit by a car on a main road near to my house. My wife and I are absolutely devestated and at first said she simply could not be replaced. A week has gone by now and we are starting to realise that we need something to fill the void left by her. We are keen now to get a kitten but are very concerned about the dangers of the near by main road. Is is possible for a cat to be contained within either the house or the house and garden. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Answer 1

Cats can be perfectly content being indoors only but it all depends on the owners of the cat and how they treat their cat. One person on here said to put the cat on a leash and tie it up outside but that is a bad idea because the cat can get loose or hurt it's self. If you want to allow your cat to go outside but still remain safe there are those new cat tunnels and cat strollers that you could buy.Keep in mind that most cats won't walk on leashes.

Answer 2

If you want him to be an outdoor cat, invest some money into re fencing your backyard. Chicken wire lined around your existing fence so there are no holes to escape through. Should be tall enough that he can't jump over. And the chicken wire should be covered completely with something so that there are no jagged edges and so that the cat can't climb up over the fence. I always reccomend to keep the cats indoors because they are safer being indoor cats. But if you insist on an indoor/outdoor cat then you should take every precaution to keep him in your yard excl;usively, and other strays out. Good luck ^^

Answer 3

If you and your wife get a kitten just make sure the kitten isn't let out at any time. Cats that are strictly indoor cats can be just as happy and healthy as indoor/outdoor cats.
As you have already sadly found out outdoors can be really dangerous for cats. After I lost my favorite cat to a car I began to keep my cats indoors. Easier said than done for cats used to going outside but do-able. Get a kitten and keep it in. The kitten won't know the difference and you will have peace of mind.
LL

Answer 4

If you get a new kitten never let it outside and it will not want to go outside it will not like the outside, But if you must get a cat or kitten harness and tie it to a clothing line so the kitten will learn to stay in the garden but you must stay with the kitten all the time it is out side that is the only that the kitten will be aloud outside only with it's human then the kitten will be safe. I'm sorry to hear about your lose I know how you must feel I have lost five cats already, I understand
wolf

Answer 5

That's easy, don't let your cat outside. If you have a kitty door then have it sealed off so that your cat can no longer go outside. Just don't let your cat near the door.

Most kittens are more content to be cuddled and to be played with, they have no interest in the outside world. In fact if your cat has only been outside long enough to get in the house then he/she isn't interested and would rather be nice and safe inside. Just make sure your cat doesn't get the idea that outside is an interesting place to be. Keep the outdoors door shut.

Answer 6

I have 3 cats, and none of them go outside. My husband used to let the one go out, but we put an end to that because once they have a taste they want more, and plus outside cats can bring diseases inside to the others. The only and best way to insure the cat remains an indoor cat is to just not let them out. If you don't show them the outside, they won't go out. My one cat will challenge the door sometimes, but we are aware when we come and go not to let him out. A spray can of air can be a good investment, and good for keeping them away from the doors. A cat can be ok with just seeing the outside. My cats love our bay window, and if we didn't have one we'd get those shelves you can attach on the inside of a window so they can lay and see the outside and breath the fresh air.

Answer 7

yes i have a cat and ever since he was a kitten i had him inside doors now he is a over a year old and never ever has gone out doors. i know its sounds harsh but even vets recomend having cats indoors to avoid tragedies and runways since cats love to hangout outdoors for long periods of time. my cat is a very healthy beautiful cat no problems yet . what i recomend to close all doors when leaving the house ,lock windows as well. have lots of patience the kitty will cry alot . just to go out and play. and try to buy the kitty a scratching play area cat nip toys too. good luck :) xj

Answer 8

There's only one way your new cat will be an outside cat and that's if you let him outside. You already know some of the dangers of having an outdoor cat so don't let it happen to this one. Letting it in your garden would be a mistake, too. He's going to be curious and want to go further. Be a caring pet owner and keep him inside.

Answer 9

Of course it can just be an indoor cat! My cat never really liked going outside.just got too scared from the noises.

Plus on nice days you could get a harness and leash and tie the cat up outside for awhile. The winter is such a good time to get one too since it won't want to go outside anyways.

p.s. don't buy cats from the pet store either! :)

Answer 10

You can actually leash train cats, we had a polydactle (extra toed) cat that was leash trained because of the place we lived (we mangaged a campground) its pretty simple, also you could simply make sure the cat never goes out side. They will never stay inside a fence either.
-K