is it safe to keep a cat outside?

Question

my dad keeps putting my mom's cat outside and it just seems so sad. is it safe to do this? she does have her front claws so I am sure she can protect herself but again I am just a bit concerned about her safety...thanks

Answer 1

i just wanted to say that Devin's answer was stupid, let's report YOU for being CONCERNED about something you arent even doing!

I would suggest keeping the cat indoors and if out doors, keep it monitered. It could jump the fence and leave and is also out risk of third party attacks good luck

Answer 2

Reasons to Keep Cats Indoors

1) An Indoor Cat Is Relatively Safe from Communicable Disease
2) Indoor Cats Do Not Get Hit by Cars
3) Indoor Cats Are Safe From Predators and Dog Packs
4) Indoor Cats Don't Create Neighbor Problems
5) Indoor Cats Rarely Get Abscesses From Fighting
6) Indoor Cats Are Safe From Human Abuse
7) Indoor Cats Can Get Plenty of Exercise
8) Indoor Cats Are not a Danger to Wildlife
9) Indoor Cats Don't Get Lost
10) Indoor Cats Are Not Stolen

Answer 3

Well this is a hot-button for some cat enthusiasts so expect to get some heated answers. I work for an animal rescue and we require that our cats be indoor only. When you adopt or buy an animal, you are taking on the responsibility of caring for the health and safety and happiness of that animal. The domestic cat is not entirely equipped (claws or not) to deal with the dangers of living outside. Evolution did not prepare them for cars. And since they have been domesticated, they were bred for friendliness and the ability to adapt to human life, not their ability to survive in the wild. While they do maintain some of their wild instincts, they aren't trained predators. Basically, I suggest you keep your kitty inside, but if your dad wants it outside, there isn't much you can do other than show him the facts and try to change his mind. Or at least try to make sure the kitty comes in before dusk (when most predators wake up) and stays in until after sunup.

Answer 4

Depends on if you are going to put the cat on a leash.I would be careful she might not know the boundaries and run off on you.Maybe make sure that no neighbor hood dogs run around they could hurt the cat if your yard is not fenced in,i would also keep a close eye out for snakes cat's can "play" with them and get bitten the same thing with frogs some can be poisonous so i would bring your cat in when it rains and inside at night.Also at night you run the risk of your cat getting into a fight with another cat.Also poisonous plants search on the internet for plants that are deadly to cat's so their is no chance that is would eat something get sick and die.Another thing feline leukemia it's a disease that is easily spread from cat to cat and their is no cure that i know of,but time has changed and their night be one but i am not sure.Hope your cat stays safe,good luck

Answer 5

I think it is always best to keep a cat indoors all the time. An outdoor cat can get into fights with other cats, can be hurt by wildlife, and may pick up infections and diseases. Furthermore, if you keep a cat indoors, you are better able to monitor what/how often she eats and drinks, and whether she's having any digestive problems. Cats that aren't spayed or neutered and are allowed outside can contribute to the growing pet overpopulation problem.

Answer 6

Cats are only semi-domesticated creatures which easily convert back to a feral state when confronted with the need, so they fare better outdoors than most pets; however there are a variety of dangers, both wild and urban, that can injure and kill them.

Note: Confining a cat who is used to outside privileges indoors is almost impossible in most cases, so 24/7 indoors might make your kitty VERY unhappy.

The best solution for a committed nature-loving kitty might be to install a cat door so the cat can come and go as she pleases; able to find a safe haven from any stray dogs or raccoons that attack her, but still able to enjoy catching mice and songbirds.

Answer 7

Having claws will not protect her from a sudden attack by a vicious dog or a nightime predator who is larger than she is. You and I are not "safe" should we encounter a 3,000 lb automobile.

So at least persuade your dad to let the cat have a safe haven at night in your comfortable home.

Answer 8

There's always a risk that an animal will get hurt if left unattended outside.

It can be attacked by other animals, it can be hit by a vehicle, it can stumble into the hands of someone who is cruel to animals.

That's not to say that all animals will meet this kind of fate, but that's just the way life goes unfortunately.

Answer 9

I personally couldn't imagine keeping my cats outside. I fear that they will get hit by a car, attacked by another animal, stolen by someone who thinks she's a stray... If you can convince your dad to let your cat live inside, I think that would be best for both of you, it sounds like you want him inside, and he wants to be inside. One of my cats really wants to go outside, so I am going to by her a harness and a long lead so she can be outside when we are outside, but out of harms way. Good Luck!

Answer 10

NO its not good...
there are insects that get poison her with some disease...
i heard that house cats live longer than ones outdoors...
i think its true..my friend's cat lived to be an 18 year old house cat.