I was thinking of getting a kitten but I live near a busy road. Although there is a large area out the back where it would probably be ok, I'm not sure it would be worth the risk. Would it be cruel for me to keep it indoor all the time?
2007-06-13 10:25:19 · 26 answers · asked by anon 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Not one bit! Vets are always very happy to hear that we keep our cats indoors only!
While cats may like to go outside, it only exposes them to dangers like cars, dogs and other animals, diseases from other cats or animals, etc. Indoor cats get sick less and live longer. Plus, there's a good chance he will wander out by the road -- cats in nature have rather large territories and often wander pretty far!
Just make sure that you provide your cat with a stimulating environment indoors! Make sure he can see out windows, and if the windowsills are narrow, consider buying one of those kitty beds that attach to the windowsill or place a chair or kitty tree near the window so he can lay down and relax, or crouch down and "hunt"! Also make sure the cat has plenty of toys to keep him occupied -- since cats get bored with the same old thing, just keep a few toys out at once and rotate them. And of course play with the kitty and snuggle with him when you're home! Your cat should be just fine if you do those things!
2007-06-13 11:13:31 · answer #1 · answered by Jen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it is not cruel, it is actually safe. Some cat's will go out side and get sacred and not be able to find there way back home. If you are afraid of the cat being unhappy don't get one if you are away from home a lot. Cat's like a lot of attention and if you leave them for to long they actually get mad at you. But if it is anything like my cat she get's over things fast. Also if you are keeping Your cat indoors it is good to by an indoor cat food. And don't keep it's food out all day so it can just it just give is some food for breakfast and dinner, or it will get over weight. Make sure you get it toys to play with and a scratching post. Also cat's love high places where they can sleep. It makes them feel safe. I hope I have helped some.
2016-05-19 03:57:45 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you mean would it be cruel to keep a kitten indoors, and no it would not. If your cat is kept indoors it will be safer for her, even though she/he may want to go out. I have two cats and I let them out all the time, but I don't live in the city. If you live near a busy street, it would be more cruel to put her at danger of being hurt or killed. You would be a good pet owner for taking precautions that are good for your cat!
2007-06-13 10:35:45 · answer #3 · answered by kiratess 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I highly recommend keeping your kitten indoors. Indoor cats have longer and healthier lives. Cats do not have to be outside - everything they need can be provided indoors. Just think how you would feel coming home from work one day and passing your cat on the street having been hit by a car. Keep him inside.
2007-06-13 13:16:44 · answer #4 · answered by photobuff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. My kitty is staying indoors where he can happily play with his toys. This way I know he won't get eaten by a dog, poisoned, hit by a car, or any other thing that can't happen in the house.
I know quite a few people who have indoor cats. They are as happy as can be and never venture outside. Yeah sure you clean the litterbox more but the chances of finding your sweety in the street as roadkill are slim.
2007-06-13 10:32:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I assuming you mean cat not car(typo I guess). Any how in answer to your question no it's not cruel. We have two cats and they have never been outdoors and they are perfecting happy and I believe healthier for it. Both cat belong to my 14 yr old daughter. She got Popcorn for her 3rd birthday and Taurus she found him adbondoned when he was just 3 days old and that was 5 years ago. They've been indoors for so long and their so use to it that I can leave my door opened and they won't go out.
2007-06-13 10:46:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone else has already said what I was going to suggest. It's best to keep your cat indoors all the time. They are healthier and live longer.
But my cat still longed to go outside, so I got my cat a harness and a 6' leash. I take him outside in our yard, and he loves it. He loves to go exploring all around the house, and he's not bothered by the harness at all. (Note: It's not good to connect a leash to a cat's collar. Cats' necks are very fragile and could get injured easily.)
2007-06-13 10:48:41 · answer #7 · answered by kaz716 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep it indoors!
Our cat is strictly an indoor cat now. We used to let him out in the backyard from time to time but they can jump over fences etc. He got bitten by a stray a couple of times and we had to shell out a couple hundred dollars for medicine to fight the infection. The Vet explained to us that the cat can contract many diseases (such as feline HIV and lukemia) while outside as well as fleas etc. So for his safety, keep him inside.
Now, you can leave a screened window open for him from time to time, grow some kitty grass inside for him to smell/eat, and they also have screened cat strollers so you can take him for a walk and let him smell the plants. There are tons of toys sold out there for them to play with to keep them entertained while in the house too.
2007-06-13 10:43:44 · answer #8 · answered by Artist1320 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I put the car in the garage but it's OK to keep the kittens in the house. In fact thell live longer. I will only keep mine indoors( I'd be heartbroken if they were to get run over by a car or eaten by a dog or even stolen,or in a fifght with another cat).
2007-06-13 10:32:49 · answer #9 · answered by Binky 5 · 6⤊ 1⤋
It is perfectly fine to keep your cat indoors! My mom's cat is almost 15 years old and he's never been outside except for when he's gone to the vet - and that was in a carrier. He is perfectly happy, healthy, and not even overweight.
2007-06-13 10:39:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋