I want to get a cat and keep it outdoors only. How do you do this when you bring it home? Are there steps you take in order for it to become completely outdoors without it running away?
2007-09-25 09:28:53 · 11 answers · asked by katie 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
There are some cats in rescues who are not suitable for indoors, prefer the outside life, not feral but... If this is the type of cat you are getting Good for you. Do you have a out building or garage he can go in for awhile? If so put him in there with his food and water litter box? for several days till he gets used of his new place, then allow him to go outside, make sure he knows where his food and water is, this usually works. Please make sure he has a place to go in the heat of the day and cold winter nights and a safe place from predators.
Some cats here who have not been socialized and do not like people but are not wild are kept quite nicely here in out buildings and barns, some even start to like us humans and come inside, if not for the people who let them stay in there out building they would be put down. of course they are all spayed/neutered and have shots.
2007-09-25 10:07:14 · answer #1 · answered by doxie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure you leave a bowl and fresh water out daily. Also, spending quality time with him in the yard is a must. As long as the cat feels loved - even though he's strictly outdoors - he'll know that's his home and be grateful for you.
I have a quasi-outdoor cat at the moment. :) We're going to make him an indoor cat though. But he stuck around because we pet him constantly, show him love and make sure his food and water are fresh.
Congrats on the outdoor kitty! Tip: If it gets chilly during the winter nights, I knew a neighbor who once let her outdoor cat crash in the garage.
2007-09-25 16:40:17 · answer #2 · answered by Jeannie B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the cat has a better option, I'd say don't get it. You would be leaving a cat out in the cold, alone, well basically the worst things for him. Either way, you need to keep it inside for at least 2 months before he can start going outside gradually, so that he knows the place. And of course you need to put a tag on him with your phone, give him constant flea and worm protection, have a house for him, neuter/spay him, and still he may be lost or killed.
2007-09-25 16:34:44 · answer #3 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We did this when we wanted to add barn cats to our rural home. We got 2 young barn cats who were brothers. Getting just one and leaving it outside alone seems cruel. We confined both cats to the garage for 1 week with food, water, and litter. We put a shelf up under the window for them to perch on. Then we let them out while we supervised them for another week. After that they were attached to us and their new territory. At that point we installed a cat door to the garage so they could come in out of the rain and snow. We also bought a heat mat that is made specifically for outdoor cats and dogs. We also neutered them and updated their vaccines and dewormed them and bought Frontline flea protection for them. You need to be responsible if you are going to care for animals. They are much better off than they were on the farm where they got no vet care whatsoever. Also, we live on a dead end road with little traffic. We are not breaking any laws. We are not bothering any neighbors. I hope all of these conditions fit your situation. If not, you are asking for trouble.
2007-09-25 17:10:49 · answer #4 · answered by KateN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you want to get a cat, just to keep it outdoors? Whats the point? Am I missing something? Are you looking for a barn cat?
2007-09-25 16:33:42 · answer #5 · answered by bulldogclover75 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Cats are picky, and go where they want. If you give the cat love, food, water, and I warm spot to call his own he may want to stay there. If he doesn't like it he will find someplace better. Just please make sure you protect him against fleas and keep him up to date on shots. I know several people here think it is unlawful to keep a cat outside. Try not to tell the cats that. They all love it outside and at heart are still wild animals.
2007-09-25 16:53:36 · answer #6 · answered by triem1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We adopted two little feral kittens whose mom got hit by a car. We just always have food and water for them, a covered shelter, and a cat house for the winter. The "cat house" has a heated pad in it for cold nights. They are completely happy outside and we see them every day. Good luck!
2007-09-25 18:04:55 · answer #7 · answered by Leisha L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do the cat a favor and let it be adopted by someone who will keep it indoors. Sure it'll be fine for a while. Then it'll get some disease, or fleas, or ticks, or be attacked by another cat or another animal, then get heat exhaustion, then get frostbite, then get hit by a car. Cats shouldn't be outside. We've domesticated them, so now we have an obligation to take care of them.
2007-09-25 16:37:09 · answer #8 · answered by ck 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
hi! do you stay on a farm? do you need a mouser? i wouldn't get a cat to keep it like this, you need to look after your cat because it'll turn ferral probably, you need to worm a cat, deflea, the list will go on and on, the cat will bred like crazy if not nuetered!!! and may even die.
2007-09-25 16:55:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Replied only to say "ck" provided the perfect answer. I couldn't have put it better that that - bravo!
2007-09-25 19:09:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋