I wouldn't let him be an outdoor cat, There are to many dangers for cats outside. Cats that are let outside don't live as long because they can be killed by a dog, cat fight,or being hit by a car. There are some mean people who kill cats! I had a neighbor who would kill the neighborhood cats. He killed my other neighbors cat baby. They can also become sick with a disease.Please keep your cat inside and he will live a very long and healthy life.
2007-06-04 03:40:25
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answer #1
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answered by pkvan 4
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Hi!
I am vet tech at a feline only veterinary hospital.
Do not make your cat an outdoor cat --- it is a terrible idea. And I can assure you, the chances of it reducing the lifespan of your cat is very high. An indoor cat can live to be 15-20, outdoor cats are lucky to reach 7.
Cats have been domesticated for thousands of years, they are NOT wild animals and should not be left unattended outdoors. The world has become an even more dangerous place for outdoor cats than it used to be. Vehicles, toxins, predators and neighbors are all just a few threats your cat would face outdoors.
Think about this, people used to let their kids roam the neighborhood and play outside away from home all day long without supervision, but would you do that now?
They can get all the sun and fresh air they need to be happy from an open window or screened porch.
Good luck in your new home, and don't worry about the cats. Your stuff will still smell like you and them, so after some initial crouched skulking and sniffing about... they will have lots of fun exploring their new home.
2007-06-04 04:03:34
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answer #2
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answered by damemeow 2
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It depends very much on your cat and the area you'll be moving in to.
If your cat is happy indoors (i.e. doesn't meow to go out, doesn't seem bored - no excessive grooming etc) then it might be best to keep her in.
People will tell you indoor cats have longer life expectancies than outdoor, this is not actually true (not in my country anyway - I'd love to see someone actually produce statistics to back this theory up). You're going to get all sorts of dire warnings about the horrors of letting a cat go outside, but in fact cars are the only thing you really have to worry about. If you live near a busy road, it isn't a good idea to let cats out - particularly if she's used to being indoors, she might freak when allowed out.
If you're going to let your cat out it is important to keep her up-to-date on vaccinations, and obviously she must be spayed. When you move, she'll need to stay in for a good few weeks anyway, so she learns where her home now is. After that, if you don't live near busy roads you could allow her out. Just open the door and see if she wants to go, don't make her if she doesn't want you! You might want to supervise her the first few times so you know where she seems to want to go and if she's OK with the outside. After that, a catflap is a good idea of course so she can come and go as she pleases. Keeping her indoors at night might be advisable.
Chalice
2007-06-04 06:05:35
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answer #3
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answered by Chalice 7
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If your cat is used to living inside the home, then keep it that way. Cats are better off inside the home. There are way too many dangers outside the home. They can get lost, run over by a car, attacked by other animals including other cats or catch a disease from other animals or cats. However, letting them play outside for a little bit is not bad. I let my cats play outside (about an hour) each day. They do enjoy it but they won't go too far, just a few meters away from the door. Also, I need to keep the door open or they freak out. I did not let them go outside when they were young though. I waited until they were older and used to living inside the home before letting them out, that way they are too afraid to wonder too far away from the house.
Cats do prefer to live outside if they get used to it so if you let him wonder outside for long periods of time, then he will only come home to eat or go to the bathroom. Also, whatever you decide, at least make sure he is neutered.
2007-06-04 03:42:08
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answer #4
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answered by 3cats 2
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I had this same experience and it ended very badly, so I would say no. My husband and I were preparing to move, and my cat accidentally got out one day. He played outside and layed in the sun and seemed happy, so I would let him outside every once in a while. Once he picked up on the sense that something was changing, he ran away. Cats don't move well, and they pick up on those things. I've heard stories of cats running away from their new homes to return to their old homes. I've since talked to my old neighbors, and they still see him wandering around. Now, I live 300 miles away and can't pick up him up to bring him with me.
I would definitely advise against letting your cat outside, especially if it's a kitten. Maybe after you move and you're settled, you can let him become an outdoor cat. Just make sure he's not declawed so he can defend himself if necessary. Cats never lose their instincts, so they will be able to tell what's dangerour and what's safe outside, constrast to what other people have answered. Good luck!
2007-06-04 03:35:02
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answer #5
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answered by MILF 5
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If the cat still has his claws i think it's fine, my parents have indoor cats from a long time back and when they moved to the farm let them outside....though now they liek both and my parents will let the ones in that want in (only the ones that used to be indoor out door) and make sure that your shots are up to date, if they don't have claws they can't defend themselves and easily. Another option is a screened in area if there is room. As for introducing them to the area take them outside and sit with them, leave some food out make sure they know it's there and they will find there way back, most likely they won't venture too far the fist few times out.
2007-06-04 03:30:33
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answer #6
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answered by R S 2
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It is best to keep your cat indoors. It's true that cats love being outdoors. However, there is too much danger out there that they are not aware of. I have had cats for years. I have 11 now and I know what can happen to them outside. The get in fights, they could get hit by a car, they could get stolen, they could eat the wrong thing & get poisoned, they could get abused. Maybe you could considere getting your kitten a playmate, like another kitten. Cat toys are helpful too.
Both the veterinarian and articles about cats say to keep cats indoors.
2007-06-04 03:53:38
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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If you live near a lot of other houses and roads that's probably not a great idea just for their safty. But if you live out in the open I'm sure your cat would love it! What I did with my two cats growing up (I was like 10 doing this so I'm sure you can) was I would take them a couple yards from my house with their favorite treats sitting next to the door so they knew where their food was and I could grab them if they made a run for it. It worked fine for me and they always came home when they were hungry. Make sure you get them some sort of flee protection medicine though and just check them for ticks every now and then. I know some people will tell you not to cause they'll kill birds and mice but that's up to you. Have fun with your little kitten! =)
2007-06-04 03:32:10
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answer #8
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answered by Michelle S 2
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its a bad idea. The cat wont know what is safe or dangerous. Theres always the risk of getting hit by a car, getting lost, getting attacked by a bigger cat, or dog. It would also be able to get fleas and ticks much easier
it wouldnt make the cat happier, if you want it to be able to go outside, get a cat harness and let her walk around supervised
It would be safer to just let your kitten stay an indoor cat
2007-06-04 03:28:16
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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I won't do it if I were you. If your cat is used to staying indoors, keep him there. It's the safest place for him. I adopted 2 young feral cats and I wish I could keep them indoors all the time, but since they were living in the wild before I got them, they demand to go out when they get bored inside. I have to worry about them getting hit by a car, attacked by another cat, picking up illnesses from other cats, etc. Not only that, they bring us home dead birds, rabbits and mice. Consider yourself lucky and keep him in.
2007-06-04 03:32:23
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answer #10
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answered by DAR76 7
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