My cat is going to be 1 on tuesday but i've never let her out, i like to make sure she's ok and i like to be able to keep an eye on her is it cruel to not let her out or should i let her out??
2007-03-09 01:19:40 · 37 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Eh, depends. What did you put her in...
2007-03-09 01:23:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
It is not cruel to keep her as a house cat if that is all she has known. If she is safe loved and well cared for that is all that matters. If you want to let her out do so for a very short time at first and do it before food so that she is hungry and wants home for food. Also when I let my cat out for the very first ime I put her on a special cat harness and extending lead. So that she could explore the immediate area but still be safe. When I had done this for about three or four times then I let her go on her own. Is she spayed yet if not get her done a.s.a.p otherwise she will go off looking for a mate. If you are anywhere near a busy road then she is best being a house cat otherwise the risk of her getting run over by a car is very high.
2007-03-09 07:47:10 · answer #2 · answered by Betti N 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Please do not listen to the people who is saying let her out it is cruel. They mayfind it cruel, but how cruel would you feel if a neighbour was to knock on and say that they had found your cat dead at the end of the road as it had been run over or savaged by a dog or brutally attacked by a little bastard (Human). You would never forgive yourself. I used to let my cat out until it was found dead in a garden as someone had ran her over and she either made her way into the garden to dies or had been chucked in the garden. If you look at my questions i have asked in the last 4 - 6 weeks you will see i was out of mind as i thought the cat had gone missing but was actually killed. I will never forgive myself for putting my cat Molly through a painfull death even though i didn't do it. I caused it to happen. Please keep your cat in doors with lots of toys, scratching post, warm blankets, water, wet food and dry food and lots of hus, strokkes and attention. That way your cat will be still with you in another 19 -20 years time.
2007-03-12 11:05:33 · answer #3 · answered by fairylandk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your cat looks to go out then let her, most cats like to wander, they like to hunt, very few cats are house cats, your cat will always come home, I let my cat out after is injections, he was edging to get out from day one, I did by a cat lead, (yes they do one) so he could explore the garden first, just so he got the scent for a few days, then he was off, didn't go too far, he's 12 soon, and still he just stays near the house, most of the time he sleeps in the greenhouse or on the fence.
2007-03-09 10:04:15 · answer #4 · answered by lazybird2006 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it's cruel to keep her in.Cats are not babies or dogs.They need far more independence.
If you are in the UK you will soon be breaking the law.The new animal welfare act that soon comes in to effect says animals must be cared for according to RSPCA guidelines.The RSPCA say cats should be 'given the freedom to come and go as they choose'
Assuming your not one of the American idiots who has had a cat de-clawed then she will be perfectly capable at 1 of holding her own with dogs,other cats,foxes and raccoons. Keep her in at night to reduce the risk of fights.Obviously she should be vaccinated,spayed and microchipped first.
Keep her in around Christmas and New Year because of fireworks-the same applies around bonfire night in the UK or July 4th in the USA.
She will not come when she's called but will come back when she feels like it-that is feline nature.It is a lie that indoor/outdoor cats don't live long.Mine is 9 and several on my street are in their teens.
The only places indoor/outdoor cats would not be safe are on REALLY busy streets in any country or in the wilderness areas of North America (because of wolves,bears,lynx etc).However if you own a cat in either of these places you are irresponsible.
2007-03-09 14:01:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat tried hard to escape outside since she was 6 months old through opened windows and door. She really enjoys playing outside with other cats. I let her go in the day and keep her in at night. To be honest, i never thought it will be a problem to let her out. My area is very quiet and there is plenty space for her in front or at the back of my house. The only thing i do is to spay her. However, i saw many answer here today. It seems very dangerous to let her out. I start to think keep her inside the house.
2007-03-09 03:31:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
In most areas, yes. Large cities no. our cat loves going outside, we have a dog door that she uses as well and she comes and goes as she pleases. however, do not let your cat go out if she's declawed or not neutered. Cars aren't really that big a worry, cats are very smart. Dogs arn't either, cats with claws have a very good defense. (that's what our dogs would say anyway, having been on the receiving end, cats often pick on dogs.)
but understand that Cats do not often come when called. They do come back, but usually on their terms.
2007-03-09 05:53:29 · answer #7 · answered by The Big Box 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi, Does she want to go out? I have 1 house cat and 1 cat that loves being outside. You will be a bag of nerves if she starts to roam about. Have you tried her on a harness, (don't really know if that's a good idea) but it's a possibility. My house cat does venture out from time to time but he is never out for more than a few minutes. Sometimes in the summer he sit's with us in the garden but not for long. Just try her but keep your eye on her as everything will be different to her, and sudden noises may frighten her. You will know from her reaction if she likes being outside. Good Luck.
2007-03-09 04:00:03 · answer #8 · answered by kevina p 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most cats love to be outside but they also do quite well inside. Make sure she is spayed whether she's indoors or outdoors. You can let her out using a leash but keep an eye on her because she could get loose or tangled. If you have the money and the desire, you can get a special fence that will make it impossible for her to get out of the yard. They have them at most animal shelters where the top of the fence is angled inwards. If you keep her indoors, make sure she has a cat pole or something that she can climb high and sharpen her claws on. PLEASE do not get her declawed.
2007-03-09 01:32:57 · answer #9 · answered by poppywest1223 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You have lots of answers here. I do not think it "cruel" to keep a cat indoors. One thing I know for sure is if you keep her inside you will never have any regrets - if you let her out you may very well rue the day you made that decision.
2007-03-09 02:12:10 · answer #10 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's not cruel to keep her inside. If she decides to dash off, you just have to wait for her to come back (which she will) but while she's out of reach, she may go in the road, or encounter dogs. If you think you live in an area where she can't get into trouble by being let out, then go ahead. Be sure you get her spayed so she won't come home with a nice surprise.
2007-03-09 01:24:25 · answer #11 · answered by Nasubi 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋