After getting hit by a car, I have not let my cat go outside anymore. he can only go out on a lead. trouble is, he wants to stay out longer than i usually have time for. i was considering getting a cat tie-out for the backyard ( so i can watch him through the window and go about my day) but i am nervous that this may not be a good idea. i couldn't bear it if something else happened to him. any ideas?
2006-12-28 05:18:03 · 13 answers · asked by Brandon K 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
As others have suggested in response to your question, tie-outs for cats are absolutely FORBIDDEN. Cats can easily escape from a collar, but they can also more easily become entangled in a lead if UNSUPERVISED, which can cause at a minimum, extreme frustration and terror in the cat, but it could also cause death. Your cat would soon come to hate being "tied-out."
In addition, please remember that cats also can jump about 8 times their height! If your cat were to be tied out on a 2 or 3 foot leash and attempted to jump a fence or up the side of a tall tree, the jump could easily injure or kill your pet.
Cats that will walk on leads (all cats can be trained!) are great--as you suggest though, sometimes the cat wants to lounge around and linger longer than you prefer. Plan your cat's walks so that you allow sufficient time for this animal to relax and enjoy the outdoors (you can relax and enjoy the walks then, too).
Be sure as well that your cat knows that you are in control. When it's time to go in, it's time to go in. Over time your cat will look forward to the walks (and so will you!) and so will become accustomed to their brevity. Also, consider taking short walks but more frequently.
The outdoor cages are a great idea, especially so, if you own your home and can have it arranged close enough to be attached to your home so that a "doggie-dog" flap can be installed--then your cat may come and go out without your assistance.
2006-12-28 05:39:16 · answer #1 · answered by Kathy S 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it were my cat, I wouldn't even consider a tie out, my personal opinion of course.
I would just make my cat a house cat with a litter box.
If you live in a high traffic area you sure don't want to chance another hit by a car but with low traffic, I think I might let my cat out, but not as often.
Make Kitty more of a house cat.
Good Luck to you and Have a Happy New Year !!!!!
2006-12-28 06:26:29 · answer #2 · answered by Jill ❤'s U.S.A 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So many problems with this I don't know where to start.
#1 Cats are VERY good at wiggling out of things, so chances are he will get loose and run off and may get hit again.
#2 if he CAN'T get out of it if a rouge dog, cat, raccoon, possum, coyote comes after him he will be completely defenseless and have no way of escape.
He just needs to learn to be indoors. You can try putting him in a large sturdy cage so that a cat or dog couldn't get to him through it or knock it open. But if you do this I would recommend steadily decreasing the amount of time he is outside so he gets used to it until he doesn't need outside at all.
2006-12-28 05:31:34 · answer #3 · answered by weeaboo0 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems clear that, despite what happened, your cat still wants to go outside to explore, hunt, socialise etc. You should respect you cat enough to let it make it's own decisions.
If you had a bad accident in your car which you survived, would you appreciate someone telling you that you were not allowed to drive ever again? I think not.
You would however be more cautious and maybe your cat will to.
2006-12-29 03:28:12 · answer #4 · answered by ewganhoff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Animals should NEVER be allowed to wander outside at-will. Humans have domesticated cats and dogs, and they have no real survival instincts. I have three cats, one who was allowed to go out at her pleasure until I came along. I was told I could never make her an indoor kittie. I did. They are NOT "missing" anything by being kept inside. Spend more time with your kitty playing indoor games...NEVER tie-out your cat. It can choke or hang itself.
2006-12-28 05:33:38 · answer #5 · answered by Toots 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had one set up for my cat, but she would get out and run off. They sell cages for animals. If you were to buy one of those fenced in areas (they get as big as 10' x 20') then you wouln't have to worry. I like Pet Care Supply. I bet they have an online store where you could find something safe enough for your cat.
Good luck
2006-12-28 05:21:30 · answer #6 · answered by Brandy W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He could very well choke himself when being tied outside, especially with no supervision. I had my porches enclosed for my cats and they LOVE it. That is a bit more expensive, but well worth the enjoyment that my cats get out of watching, and chasing the birds and squirrels.
2006-12-28 06:18:53 · answer #7 · answered by Kitty Mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are not the best idea.... exspeccially if you have dogs in the neigborhood...my cat just got killed by a dog. he was an indoor outdoor cat. he was 16 years old. now i have an indoor cat. cats dont need to be outside though....so whenever you have time to take him out for awhile is good
2006-12-28 05:29:49 · answer #8 · answered by Cyrus The Great 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be a good idea, but you would have to keep an eye on him when he was on the lead. The only problem with it is he could choke on it. (which wouldn't be good.) Another thing, you should trust him to "make his own descisions." Good Luck!! :)
2006-12-28 05:28:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they are. Try a cat tunnel. You can buy them pretty cheap off the internet. Just get a bunch and connect them, and your cat will have a blast, I have one.
2006-12-28 05:26:58 · answer #10 · answered by poniexpress4ever 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋