Can I keep a cat inside?

Question

i live on a busy road, and my cat recently got hit by a car and died. i like the affection and attention, and, although i miss him terribly, i feel its time to gat another one. The only problem is that i dont want my new cat running out onto the road, but mu backyard is to small for a cat run. Ive heard that you can keep at cat inside if theyve never been out, but i tried that with my cat, and it didnt really work, that, and the kitty-litter doesnt decompose very well in the garden. are some breeds of cat beter inside than others, and is it different for males and females? also, what type of kitty-litter should i use, and how should i dispose of it?

Answer 1

Some cats are better than others. I usually suggest to people to get cats from a pound but in your case you need to know the breed so that you are asured it will be happy inside.
British Short hair / British Blues are FANTASTIC indoor cats and usually aren'tinterested in going outside. Either sex
Devon / Cornish Rex - males
Burmese (they should all be indoor cats as they are notorious for being hit by cars) Males
Persian either sex
Buy Breeders Choice Kitty litter or similar made form recycled newspaper and dcomposes well. Hooded litter trays are good as they can't flick and scratch the litter everywhere.
Buy scrathing poles, toys, tents, tunnels, boxes for them to play in.
You can almost make any cat an indoor cat if you get them young and thats all they know!

Answer 2

I think someone already suggested the local animal shelter, and I think that's a great idea. Many times people must give up their pets for various reasons, and the animal shelter will know the circumstances for each cat. At our SPCA, information is provided on the cages to help match up cats with potential owners.

I recall having seen some cats that were tagged as "inside" only.
If you could get a cat that was already accustomed to being indoors, I think it would be good for both you and kitty.

I used to just dump the cat litter into a garbage bag and put it out with the trash. If smell is a problem, it can be double bagged.

Answer 3

Yes you can keep a cat indoors. My cat was an outside semi-wild abused kitty when I found him. When I moved he had to learn to stay inside at my new apt. I make sure that he has lots of toys, a stand set in a window that I can open so he can sit in it (just make sure the screen won't pop out). Some sort of scratching post. ect. Some thoughts on litter might be natural ceder or pine or a scoop-able litter that you can flush. Remember your going to do just fine....mine has made the adjustment and is doing extremely well. Good Luck Cindy

Answer 4

Cats who are kept inside live longer lives then cats who are allowed out. You have to get a proper litter pan and make sure that your cat is spayed or neutered. Cats that do not want to reproduce are easier to keep inside. When you get your new cat do not allow him/her to go into heat or become sexually active.

You should clean the litter out every day. That means you have to scoop the poop. Every other day you should give your cat fresh litter. The cat will also need protection from fleas. This protection isn't just for your cat, YOU do not want to have fleas in your house. They bite people too!!

My cat too was hit by a car because he would shoot across the road and the cars that use my street use it to get to the main street and think they have to get there faster then everyone else. So I know how you feel.

Answer 5

Yes you can keep a cat inside. Just do not let it out. It may look out the window or door but keep it in. I have 2 cats the male is more loving and affectionate. He is neutered also that helps alot. Go to the pound and look for kittens they are great. I enjoy Tidy Cats litter anything with bakingsoda is good. i scoop it out and throw it in a dumpster not the garden. scoop it out into an old plastic grocery bag and take it out to the trash. i think you can get any breed but short hair is recommended for indoors.

Answer 6

Not only can you ..but you should. There are way too many dangers outside for a cat. Even the ASPCA recommends cats should stay indoors.

As far as kitty litter, I just scoop the waste out into a old grocery bag, tie it up and throw it in the garbage. There are however litters that are flushable.

Answer 7

Yes keep the cat indoors for the love of all cats. and as far as kitty litter use fresh step and put it in bags and dispose of it in the trash. No cat litter isgoing to decompose well in a garden. Your cat will live longer and you will have a healthier cat, but you don't sound like someone who wants to malke the effort. why would you throw the cat litter out in the garden for god sake? If you are only having one cat, I would get a boy cat they are more affectionate but have him neutered. I wish you well with your cat if you decide to get one.

Answer 8

Keep Your Cat Inside

Answer 9

Agreeing with the other answers, I have one more suggestion. If your new cat gets sneaky and tries to get out, wait until a good rainstorm and toss him/her out the door. Stand there so he can come back in. The outside will then be a bad experience for the cat and won't try to get out so much. A kitten from a shelter would be my choice.
Double bag the old litter and put it in the trash.
Sorry you lost your old cat.

Answer 10

Of course you can keep a cat indoors, I have owned cats for 35 years and they have all been indoor pets. If they never go out, they don't know what outside is....therefore they don't miss it. Indoor cats are much safer and live longer. As you well know ONE of the dangers is being hit by a car, also outdoor cats are prone to fleas, ticks, getting into cat fights that can result in wounds and abscess and the transmittal of feline leukemia and feline AIDS, distemper,etc, they can be poisoned by a human or inadvertantly by eating rat, snail, gopher poison, antifreeze, and they can be attacked or eaten by dogs or wild animals. So, yes, keep your cat indoors, it will do just fine.