Do you think it is cruel to have indoor only cats ?

Question

I have two kittens, brothers 15 weeks old (going to be neutered next week) They love to bask in the sun by the window and watch the World pass by. But as I watch them, I can't help but wonder if I am depriving them of a happier life if I let them out instead of keeping them indoors all the time. I have been told it is cruel of me not to let them out. What do you think ?

Answer 1

Mine live indoors, and on the few occasions that they have gotten outside, have not at all approved of the non-climate controlled Big Bad World.
It's a cat (or two cats.) Food, water, clean box and love is enough.

Answer 2

I think, in fact I know, that cats can live happily indoors. But, it depends on the cat. They're all individuals, and some are more into exploring than others.

I haven't read the other answers on here yet, but I know that the majority of the Yahoo community is in favour of cats staying inside at all times. This seems to be an America thing - I suppose there are more natural predators i.e more dangers in America. I'm from England, and there aren't really any predators over here - foxes maybe, but they don't really attack cats.

Anyway, I'm of the opinion that cats should be allowed outside if it's relatively safe to do so. In England, the majority of cats have access to the outdoors. The only real danger is roads, so if people live near busy ones it's wise to keep cats indoors.

I live in a semi-rural area where all the cats are allowed outside. Never had a problem. I'm sure there are similarly safe areas in other countries, so I don't agree in a blanket-ban of keeping all cats inside. They're independent creatures and many need their freedom.

Here's a GREAT article about this debate, which has been raging on Yahoo for a while!
http://www.messybeast.com/indooroutdoor.htm

Chalice

EDIT: Oh yeah, forgot something important - keeping cats indoors does NOT make them safe from fleas and worms, and only keeps them safe from 1 contagious disease (Feline Leukaemia). People are often under these illusions, and it's a shame cats are being kept indoors because of it. The whole thing about indoor cats having a longer lifespan is most certainly a myth in England.

Answer 3

Not cruel at all! Cats can be perfectly happy indoors and will be SAFER. There are many outside dangers including : being hit by a car, being poisoned by a human, snail bait, antifreeze, rat poison, etc, being attacked or eaten by a wild animal or dog, getting in cat fights resulting in abscesses and infection and possible disease if they are not vaccinated, they can also pick up parasites such as fleas, ticks, worms, ear mites. You can open a window for them to get fresh air, and they can lay in the sun even inside the house. Make sure they have plenty of toys for exercise or a carpeted "cat tree". (my cats love to climb it!) I also have some bird feeders up right outside the window so my cats can be entertained but cannot get at the birds. Also, if you did not know, cats have become a huge problem in the decline of migratory birds...house cats kill millions of birds each year across the US...more worldwide. Many organizations have started a "cats indoor" campaign to help solve the problem.

Answer 4

some cats don't like going outside, and then others love it. My cat is now an indoors and outdoors kitty. When he was a kitten, he would stay inside. Then he started looking out the windows and getting curious. So we let him out. Most cats have a pretty good sense of direction.

Don't get me wrong, cats love being inside, they are like lions, very luxurious. So give them the best of both worlds. Plus they will get some exercise outside so they won't get unhealthy.

Just make sure you invest in a good flea medicine before letting them out. Go to your vet. That way they won't infest your home. And get it's shots.

And also, if you live on a really busy street, just leave them inside. Most likely a car will get them. If you live in a quiet suburban neighborhood, it's a little safer.

Answer 5

Consider that the lifespan of an outdoor or indoor/outdoor cat is significantly less than that of an indoor-only cat. Outside they are vulnerable to cars, dogs, and other predatory animals depending on where you live.

Cats are not wild animals and it is not cruel to keep them indoors. They might like to look out the windows and bask in the sun, so let them. But they would likely rather enjoy your company than leave the comfort of their home.

Also consider that your neighbors might be incredibly annoyed if you let the cats roam. They poop in gardens and sandboxes. They kill birds and rodents. They leave footprints on cars. They fight with other cats.

On the extreme end, some nasty people wouldn't hesitate to shoot any animal that came on their property or run over any animal that crosses their paths.

Keep them inside, and be confident that your cats are safe and sound and that you'll be able to enjoy them for many years to come.

Answer 6

It's more cruel to let them out to wander around. They are pets, not wild animals. They are not natural to our eco system either. Cats often get hit by cars, get diseases or parasites, get in animal fights etc. if they go outside. I have 6 indoor cats with access to open windows and fresh air..all happy and content.

Answer 7

I'm glad to hear you are neutering them.

I think, that if you take an adult animal that normally was outside, and bring it exclusively inside, that is cruel. At 15 weeks, your kittens won't know the difference, so no, its not cruel.

If you do want to take your cats outside, since they are so young, you could probably harness train them very quickly. Or you could put up a cat fence. :)

Answer 8

If the indoors is all they know they it probably doesn't matter to them. However, some cats are so hyper they do better outside. I had a calico that became quite mean but once I let her out, she became the sweetest baby.

Answer 9

Actually, it is much better for them to be indoor cats. It is healthier for them, not to mention much safer. Outdoor cats are beset by all sorts of things - competing for territory, getting into fights, run ins with dogs or other animals, cars/machinery, etc. Not to mention the fact that outdoor cats have a definite negative impact on the environment/eco system in which they roam.

Indoor cats can be completely happy living their entire lives indoors. I have had *many* cats over the years (12), and every single one of them have been indoor cats. As long as they have things to play with, an indoor environment to explore, attention, love and sustenance, then they are completely happy.

Answer 10

Depends on your neighborhood, whether rural, suburb or city, but personally I have never seen anything terribly bad happen to an indoor only cat and have seen bad things happen with outdoor cats. Indoor cats tend to lead longer lives, and there's something to be said for it. I own two indoor only.