Cats indoors?

Question

Is it cruel to keep cats indoors as they are always trying to get out when i open the doors or windows.

Answer 1

no.
It's a lot safer indoors than outdoors.
what with illness's that they can pick up,fights with other cats,
traffic,roads,other animals(dogs)fighting.
all the cats(2 Siamese&2 Bengals) are kept indoors as I live on a main road that goes through the village,and is verry busy with traffic,and they are happy.

Answer 2

It's up to you, alot of people have indoor or outdoor cats, or like me, he's got a cat flap and he can come and go as he pleases. It is a worry for him going outside, as he could be attacked or have an accident injuring himself, keeping cats indoors, is safe, but I think they might get a little bored as they can see the big outside world through a window and naturally want to go and investigate. I started taking mine out on a lead and harness to get used to being outside, now he's old enough, he's got the cat flap, but I do worry when I'm at work all day, what's he's up to and whether he's safe. Having said that, I have had two cats from kittens before, sadly, they died when one was 12 and the other 14 (naturally causes) and they had a cat flap and could come and go as they pleased. On another note, I can't believe that some people would pick up a cat that was outside having a walk around and take it to a pet shelter, that's someone's pet, how could people do that ?

Answer 3

It's not cruel at all, a lot of breeders won't sell you a cat unless it is going to be an indoor pet.
They do try to escape at first but eventually they settle down and don't even want to go out any more.
It is much safer for a cat to be an indoor pet as they won't get run over, they won't get into fights, thery are unlikely to go missing unless they sneak out when you arent watching!
Also if you do have a garden and feel guilty that your cat can't go out you could enclose it ( with small wire mesh and tall posts) to make it un escapeable for your cat, this is exactly what I am in the process of doing.

Answer 4

I have three beautiful indoor cats who I love and would never allow outside without being leashed. There are way too many dangers outside the home - too many to risk the life of your pet. My cats are loved by the family, are given all the luxuries a cat could need and never try to get out the door. It's not cruel and many vets advise against letting cats outside due to safety reasons. My three cats (aged 6 months, 8 months and 11 months) are happy, active, SAFE and healthy inside and love to play with each other indoors. A cat who is given free access to the outdoors won't ever show as much love or affection as an indoor cat will. My grandma has a completely outdoor cat who simply comes inside when he wants FOOD. My opinion; leave the cats inside unless they are with you and securely leashed.

Answer 5

It is not cruel to keep cats indoors. I have 2 very happy, healthy indoor cats. I open our sliding door and let the cats sit in front of the screen. They like the fresh air.

I saw someone's cat get hit by a car. Believe me, if you saw that you would never want your cat going outside. It was awful. My sister in-law's cat also got hit by a car and she lived in a rural area.

I personally don't think it's worth it. I bought cat harnesses and once in a while I will let my cats in the backyard on the leash.

Answer 6

I have had both indoor cats and outdoor cats. not at the same time. I have found that what ever they get used to as kittens is the way it should be in there adult life. the one cat that I have now is terrified to go out because she wasn't raised that way. also a side note she is the most affectionate cat that I have too.

Answer 7

As this question is posted in the UK Q&A section, then I'm assuming you live there. It is common for people living in the UK and much of Europe to allow their cats access to the outside for some time during the day. Provided that they are fully vaccinated they will be safe from contagious feline diseases. They should also be spayed/neutered so that there are no unwanted pregnancies and this will also curb their desire to roam further afield looking for a mate. They need to be microchipped or at least wear a collar for identification purposes. Obviously they should always be kept inside over night as this is when most accidents involving cats and cars occur.

People from North America on the other hand, often prefer to keep their cats indoors all the time as they have the risk of coyotes, eagles etc. and diseases such as rabies to contend with. I believe legislation in certain states also dictates that cats are kept indoors all the time. This is why some people answering your question are voicing their belief that cats should never be allowed outside.

Personally, I believe cats enjoy the mental and physical stimulation of being allowed outside. It's in their nature to be curious and explore new smells and sights. They can also run round the garden burning off their energy. If you're concerned about allowing them free access then you can teach your cat to walk on a harness so that they only have supervised visits outside. Or let them outside on an empty stomach so that they never wander too far whilst they're awaiting their next meal. All of my previous cats have been allowed outside during the day. They all lived a minimum of twelve years and my last cat lived to be 19. Medical ailments such as kidney failure, heart disease etc. happen whether cats are allowed outside or not.

I now live in Cyprus and due to widespread poisoning of animals locally I don't allow mine outside unless I take them on a harness. Originally I had just one cat, but I adopted a friend for her so that she wasn't bored and had someone to play with. Indoor only cats, especially when they are young, have a lot of energy to burn off and having a feline companion to playfight with helps. If you want to keep them indoors, then make sure they have plenty of toys and that you set aside lots of time to devote to playing games with them.

Answer 8

My cats spend most of the winter indoors but now the weather is warmer they like to sit outside in the sun. Do you have a garden? If so try and find the time to sit outside with your cats, i sit out with mine and i find that as long as i am out with them they tend not to wander far and i can keep an eye on them. If you really dont want to let them out then make sure you provide them with plenty of scratching posts and toys. Also i have kitty grass for mine and they love it. I wouldnt say its cruel to keep a cat indoors providing it has never been out but if they are used to being ale to go out then i would let them out. Make sure they are neutered and all innoculations are up to date and that they have an id tag and preferably are microchipped before you let them out.

Answer 9

No not at all. But, if your cats want to be outside that bad leave a window open( with the screen down of course) and put a pet bed in front so that they can lie in front of the window and enjoy everything about nature from inside. Keeping your cats indoors prevents them from being stolen or runover of from running away. Keeping them inside is the right thing to do.

Answer 10

its safer for the cat to be kept inside that way there'll be no risk of being knocked down by cars, no risk of disease ticks fleas etc. (i lost 4 cats who got hit by cars which is why i keep the others inside now) -- And cats adapt quite readily to living indoors so long as they have plenty to attract their attention (toys, scratch posts and a companion...)

I recently adopted a kitty from cat protection who was hit by a car and had to have a leg amputated as a result , which would never had happened if he'd been an indoor cat..............
he's not affected at all by the fact he never goes out, he has plenty to do all day with my other cat, loads of toys, scratch posts/platforms etc to keep him occupied and also "advantage" points to see whats going on outside.