Is it cruel to?

Question

keep a cat indoors.

Answer 1

Absolutely not. Indoors is the safest place for a cat. If you give a cat toys and places to scratch, a soft place to sleep and someone to pet him, he can be perfectly happy, and he'll certainly be much healthier. Outdoor cats are subject to a huge number of hazards, from disease to cars to parasites to fights with other cats. Cats are also hard on the environments around them, and can wreak havoc on local birds and small mammals. Keep your cat inside and you will have your cat longer, and you'll both be happier in the long run.

Answer 2

You will find two opinions on this. Generally, animal experts will say that kids live longer and healthier lives if they are kept indoors. They are not exposed to viruses or other health conditions, they don't get into cat fights, and the chance of being hit by a car is nada. Plus, some people hate stray cats so you never know what may come of them if they run into a crazy neighbor. As long as they have fresh air (leave windows open for them to sit in), toys and scratching pads and your attention, they will be very happy inside. I have 3 cats who are all indoors, and they are very happy and active. They still have the chance to explore and hunt when they see a bug run across the floor. Plus they have lots of toys to keep them busy.

Now some would say it is cruel because they are animals and deserve to be outside if they want to. There is some truth to this, but again they aren't wild animals. We have domesticated them. But there is still issue of cats killing songbirds, etc. Some people will train their cats to take walks on a leash and that way they can still be outside sometimes. My sister does this with her cat.

I prefer to keep mine inside.

Answer 3

I live on a really busy main road, so my cat stays in most of the time. I do however take it out for a walk on a harness and lead. He loves going for a daily walk.

It isn't cruel to keep a cat indoors, just provide it with enough toys and things to keep it occupied.

Answer 4

The average life span of an outdoor cat is 10 years, the average life span of an indoor cat is 15 years.
The reasons should be obvious!
50 years ago I thought all cats should be outdoor cats and because of where I've lived (moved frequently in those 50+ years) most of mine have been outdoor cats. Now there is far too much road traffic and far too many un-neutered tom cats where I live. So my cats are indoor cats. They have several beds, a couple of litter trays, lots of toys and several scratching posts. They are played with and their hunting instincts are met by hiding dry food around for them to find instead of just leaving it in a dish. They also get a lot of exercise playing with the dog! Neither of them has been trained to a harness and the one who will go out is too old to walk far but my daughter lives on a main road and has taught her cat to wear a harness and we take him for walks with the dog! That raises a lot of eyebrows I can tell you, but it's also a great conversation opener!
Don't let anyone make you feel guilty whichever you decide on.
Circumstances dictate whether a cat should be kept in or not!

Answer 5

i don't think its cruel providing they,ve never been out. i have a house cat who is the sweetest little thing. i make sure she has the run of the house a basket full of toys which are usually scattered around the floor. i live by the motorway so i weighed up which was cruel lying dead in road or keeping her safe and warm in the house and the house won. she's not bored she is a happy and loving cat. she has a scratch pole in nearly every single room in the house and her toys give her hours of fun. cruelty is neglecting your cat and putting it in danger if its done for the safety of the cat how can that be cruel.

Answer 6

I wouldn't say its cruel because you sound like someone who cares about your cats health and well being

Cats are free-roaming animals so really they belong outdoors running around chasing birds and scrounging chicken off neighbours that sort of thing.

It depends on what area you live in and what your cat is like. If you live beside a high traffic area and your cat is fair stupid (no offence) then its probably for the best you keep him inside. If you live beside a field or something your cat would probably love to be outside and should be fairly safe.

It is totally up to you but overall i don't think your cruel, you just care about your cat :-)

Answer 7

No, all depends tho if the cat is used to being outdoor tho, then its cruel. Mine are all indoor cats, have been since they were kittens, (live on a busy main road.) They know no better as they are used to it. They come out into the garden with me either on their leads and harnesses/ but deffo indoor cats. They are happy and contented, have plenty of play toys, I.E. newspaper rolled up ect. But other wise no its not.

Answer 8

No. I have a cat that loves to be indoors, and there is less chance that he will pick up any diseases, and he will not get hit by a vehicle, and is much safer. My cat doesnt even want to go outside. He is afraid to go out. I think they are lucky to be indoor cats!

Answer 9

I don't think its cruel, as long as the cat had been raised in that way. You must give cats plenty to do because they will get bored.....

...I have a neighbour with two cats and they don't like letting them out and they do have problems with the cats scratching the walls and furniture and not using their litter trays....its because the cats want to go out - these cats were not totally raised as indoor cats!!

So bear all that in mind.

Answer 10

Absolutely not. I have 2 adult cats that are strictly indoor cats and have not had any problems. One of them had gotten out briefly but wanted nothing to do with the outdoors in a matter of minutes and was crying to get back in. It is also much safer for them.