I just got a kitten a couple of days ago. She is very well behaved and everything, but since I live in an apartment I can't really let her outside. She doesn't seem to want to go out or anything, it's just that I feel really bad keeping her locked up. My brother thinks it's cruel and wants to take her because he has his own house and can let her outside on his property. Do you think it's mean to keep a cat inside? Should I give her a home where she can roam outside? She seems very content living inside...
2007-08-29 18:16:57 · 15 answers · asked by mandy 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
no! cats are so much better inside! if you let her roam, she may leave, get stolen, get attacked by a dog or other animal, get run over by a car and die, or catch a disease and fleas... if you think its mean than get her a friend so that they can keep each other company.. but please keep her inside, its not cruel at all!
2007-08-29 18:24:05 · answer #1 · answered by animluv 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
NO! It is certainly not cruel! As you said- she seems very content inside. Be sure to get her a kitty condo or a window perch so she can see out though. My Persian loves to try and catch the snow flakes as they fall in the winter. My 16 year old Persian was "the happiest cat" my vet had ever seen. He never once went outside in all of those years.
It is also a proven fact that outdoor cats live MUCH< MUCH shorter lives than indoor cats.
Bless you for being a responsible cat owner. I know, I know, she owns you but can't tell her that you know. ;)
2007-08-30 01:57:13 · answer #2 · answered by 8 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, cats are fine living inside. In fact, they SHOULD be indoors for their safety. Good job keeping the kitten inside. This way she will learn that outdoors is not OK unless you say so. It's not cruel to have the cat inside. If it were a caged animal, like a rabbit or another small animal, I would say let it run through the house. If it were a dog, THAT would be cruel. But kitties like the indoor life as long as you treat them good.
Best of luck! :o)
2007-08-30 01:34:00 · answer #3 · answered by Sunshine G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She will be just fine in the flat! I had cats in a flat for over a year, and they were perfectly content to live there. They never went out the door other than when I went to visit the flat next door, then one of them would come over and fetch me after a while. I made sure they had grass to eat on a regular basis, and they were perfectly content and healthy. I don't know where you live, but if there are any cars or predators around, it is far better to have her indoors than roaming around outside where she could be hurt or killed, and she could easily pick up any number of illnesses from other cats and dogs.
2007-08-30 03:59:42 · answer #4 · answered by sparrow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's nothing wrong with keeping a cat indoors. In fact, indoor cats tend to live longer than outdoor cats since they aren't exposed to diseases, cars, dogs, or antifreeze spills. I have three cats, all of whom are kept indoors, and they all seem perfectly happy. I would suggest leaving a window open, though, as my cats seem to really enjoy being able to smell what's going on outside. They also like sitting in front of the window and watching birds and squirrels go by. But other than that, they are perfectly content to stay indoors.
2007-08-30 01:52:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, cats actually like it inside. I had a cat for 20years and she very rarely had the desire to go out. If you don't get her fixed, she will want outside so that she can find a mate. But, kitties like to be warm, dry and out of the weather. I think she will be fine. Maybe you could start leash training her and taking her out for a walk with you. Then you will feel better about keeping hwe.
2007-08-30 01:26:27 · answer #6 · answered by textank76 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Indoor cats have a longer life span.I have 2 cats, 1 has never been outside, the other 1 does go out and has been injured by other animals several times. Had to be taken to vet for treatment,can be very expensive. Also there have been many nights I would be waiting up for him to come home and he didn't and I would be frantic thinking something terrible happened. For you own peace of mind and your kitty's well-being please keep her indoors. Good luck.
2007-08-30 01:41:27 · answer #7 · answered by Deeday 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually cats can be just as happy inside if not more happier than they would be outside..
It is also healthier and more safe for your cat aswell..
Your cat would be exposed to the dangers of teenagers of ppl who just dont like cats, larger animals, poisonius plants, feline diseases, traffic and many more things..
This is not cruel behavoir towards your cat..I also felt guilty for keeping my animals inside all the time..So I bought a harness and leash for my cats. You can walk them, take them to animal parks and many other things..Even if your cat doesn't walk with you...they still like to be outside and explore..
Another good thing to do is buy scrath posts or scratch boards with catnip in or on them. If they can sit or sleep on higher places in your home its just like them being outside and sleeping on a roof or a tree for example.
Your brother is wrong..You are not cruel for keeping your cat inside...Just let him know that it's much better for them and explain the dangers when letting your cat outside..
Your cat will live longer too when you keep her inside...Its been proven that animals who live inside and are rarely let outside live much longer and healthier lives..
If you work late or work alot most of the time...and not able to spend alot of time with your kitty...I would suggest getting a playmate for her (Small dog or another kitty). Only do so if you are able to provide for both of them financialy. If you cant afford it or your not able to...Just make sure she has plenty of toys to play with on her own and leave the TV on sometimes...This way she doesnt feel alone and has something to keep her active.
So you can keep your kitty and stop feeling guilty about it ^ ^!
2007-08-30 01:45:51 · answer #8 · answered by Wakishea 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not cruel at all, esp. if she seems content living inside. it is actually much better because she is safer!!! Just be sure to play with her a little and give her something to do. Cat grass is also not a bad idea.
2007-08-30 01:33:19 · answer #9 · answered by Annie 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get her a nice window perch, some scratchboxes or scratching posts, and some toys, and your kitty will be fine. It really is best to keep kitty inside for the reasons mentioned above.
2007-08-30 09:17:29 · answer #10 · answered by VeggieTart -- Let's Go Caps! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋