Is it ok.or cruel to keep a cat strictly an indoor pet and never let it outside?

Answer 1

I think it's perfectly okay to keep a cat indoors only. I have 2 indoor kittens myself. My younger kitten hates going outside. My older kitten loves it. When I am out on my balcony he comes out with me and just sits in the sun. Neither of my kittens try and run out the door. I think it's better for them to be indoor since indoor cats aren't as prone to accidents and fleas as outdoor cats.

Answer 2

Depends. If your cat wants to go outside and you live in a reasonable area (i.e not near any busy roads) then yes, I would say it's cruel to make them stay in.

Cats can do perfectly well as indoor pets so if they're happy with this then fine. However cats are not dogs (obviously), they are more independent animals that can be just fine being allowed out. Nobody would suggest never letting a dog outside, and cats need their exercise just as much as dogs do.

I'm sure people are going to come on here and quote the 'statistic' that cats who are allowed out have a much shorter lifespan than strictly indoor cats - which is BS basically - that's an assumption, not a fact. Keeping them indoor saves them from cars and predators, which are not the main cause of death in the domestic cat - viruses are, and these can be caught by indoor animals too. People are also going to tell you that keeping a cat indoors saves it from fleas and worms - it REALLY doesn't.

Chalice

Answer 3

It's the best thing for it.

Here are things that CAN'T happen to a strictly indoor cat

Hit by a car
attacked by dogs/cyotes/other wild animals
lost
contract feline aids or feline Lukemia from stray cats
tortured/harmed by sick people (there are lots of them. My neighbor found his dog with 17 bullet holes. Someone thought that someone else's pet made good tarrget practice)

If a cat is kept indoor all it's life, it won't think it's "missing out" on anything, and will be perfectly ahppy and content. Natural curiosity will make it wonder what's on the other side of the door. Mine do. But if they accidentally sneak out, they're back in 10 minutes wantng back in. The bigg bad world out there scares them.

by the way.. the person who says that keeping cats inside doesn't prevent fleas and worms.. Well, my cats have no fleas or worms (yes, I know that for sure) and I never give them any medicine or anything. Having them inside works for me! They're clean, happy, and comfortable. They live like kings.

COnsidering all the things that can happen to a cat alone outside, keeping it inside is really the best thing.

Answer 4

It is possible, but here are some hints:
- The cat should be young when you get it, or already have been kept strictly inside. If you want to keep a pet indoors it should have been an indoor pet all along.
- You need enough space in your flat.
- You will have to put up with damaged furniture etc. because the cat will not have the possibility to whet its claws on trees.

Answer 5

It is perfectly fine to keep a cat indoors. That is where they should be kept, as they live longer and are normally healthier than outdoor cats. As already mentioned, a lot of things can happen to a cat outdoors, so keeping them indoors is actually for their own protection. I have had cats for over 15 years, and they have never been outdoors. They are quite content inside, they cuddle with when they want to, they play and they sleep. Just be sure to have some toys for them to play with i.e. crinkle balls or a mouse on a string - this will give them exercise as they jump for it. I have included a link that explains the pros and cons of keeping both indoor and outdoor cats.

Answer 6

No, it's not cruel as long as there are more than one cat in your household or unless there is always some human at home for her to have companionship and someone to play with. You are a caring owner who wants to keep your cat safe from disease, other animals, parasites, and CARS!! I have 6 indoor -only cats and they NEVER even want to go outdoors cause it only means a trip to the vet and they KNOW it!! LOL

Answer 7

I think it's fine. My cat has been an indoor cat for his whole life, and although he wants outside, it's safer for him indoors. We live across from a park, so there are lots of kids around, and some people can be nasty. I remember when I was in junior high, one of my classmates had a cat that was shot through both eyes with a bb gun.
Also, fences don't keep cats in a certain area like dogs. And I hate it when other peoples' cats pee in my garden, so why would I let my cat do that to other peoples' yards? It's rude.

Answer 8

As long as you give the cat plenty to do it should be fine never going outside. One of our cats is strictly indoor and has no desire to go out and seems confused when he is out side - sort of like "Hey! What the heck did you all do with the ceiling this isn't right!"

Answer 9

Its fine if you want to keep your cat indoors, its not cruellty. We have six cats and thier all indoor, I don't see why some people think its cruell to keep your cat indoors. We have never once had an outdoor cat. And all our cats are perfectly fine with that, they don't seem to care at all. You can keep your cat indoors or outdoors, its your choice.

Answer 10

I have two completely indoor cats and they are perfectly happy and healthy animals. Plus I don't have to worry about them getting run over by a car or coming home injured or with a disease.