So i have 2 cats that are 1 and a half years old now and have been indoor cats. Now we have moved to a clean apt and they are not using their litter and destroying the carpet so we had to put them outside. There are other apt cats and a few strays outside too. Will they survive as outside pets since they never have been?
2007-10-25 17:45:11 · 13 answers · asked by dani L 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
No. A cat's lifespan is 20 years or so. Outdoor cats survive a maximum of 5 years, according to the research. They get hit by cars, are poisoned by angry neighbours for pooping in their gardens, drink anti-freeze they find in people's garages, hide in the warm engines of parked cars, only to be pureed into a sauce when the car is started, killed by dogs and wild animals (like coyotes), contract disease, become injured, get lost...there's more.
Stupid, bad idea.
2007-10-25 17:49:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Oh they'll survive but not as long as outdoor cats. If your cats are causing a problem in the apartment and you cannot keep them inside, my suggestion is adopting them out to someone else. Cats like to scratch things it's in their nature to do so. Buying a scratching post will help. Smear catnip on the post to encourage scratching. Purchase a small but good shooting water gun and when cat scratched the rug give them a squirt. Don't let them see you shooting them or they'll know it's you. Let them associate scratching the carpet with a wet face. As for them not using the litter box. You've moved to a new place. They've lost their bathroom and familiar surroundings. This happened to me when I moved. I have three cats and they were confused for awhile. "WHERE IS OUR TOILET HISSSSS"? Set out several litter boxes. When the cats chooses a certain one to go to then eliminate the other ones. OR by setting their food and water next to JUST ONE LITTER BOX (and not putting out several) can help as well. Putting your cats outside after they've been indoor cats is not a good idea at all. I am always baffled why anyone would allow their cat/cats to roam about outside in the first place. Hope these suggestions help. Remember when you buy a cat/take in a cat or cats. You take those cats in for life. It's unfair to the cat(s) to just toss them out when the going gets tough. I wish you luck. Just have patience. I'm sure your cats will be just fine and fall into routine real soon.
2007-10-26 01:31:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
bad idea. if you live anywhere near a busy road its an automatic no. also its a bad sign if there are other cats escpecially strays running around, you cats can get diseases and injuries. and since they have never been outside, this is another red flag.
there are a number of reasons why your cats may be destroying your apt. go to your vet and see if there are medical reasons for the aversion to the litterboxes, they could have a urinary tract infection. if there is none then there are things you can do to deter this behavior. try adding more litterboxes and placing them around the apt. tthey may have a specific preference for where they want to relieve themselves. hint its the spot on the carpet where they are soiling.
ask your vet about this. they would be able to give more in depth advice.
also do not punish your cat by putting them in the liiterbox after they have soiled the carpet. this leads them to associate the box with negative things and worsens the problem. you can only do this if you catch them in the act, and then be careful to to scare them and put them in front (not in) the litterbox and praise them if they go in the box. if they do not do not try to correct them or punish them.
it doesn't seem like your cats are well suited for outdoor life. and putting them outdoors will not solve the problem unless you never let them back in.
2007-10-26 01:09:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No your cats will not be okay outside. They have lived there entire lives inside and will now have to adjust to being too cold in the winter. They may try to get warm by climbing up into a car's engine to stay warm, only to lose their lives when the car is started. They may be eaten by Coyotes, if you have them in your area.
I have been told that Indoor Cats live a lot longer than outdoor cats. My 2 cats are totally indoors.
Please try again to get the cats to use their litter box. Ask your vet for advice, they are a good resource.
2007-10-26 01:04:14 · answer #4 · answered by Joan F 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 cats an adult and a kitten. The adult has been an outside cat for about 4 years now and has lived a very good life out there. As long as there is food, fresh water and shelter they will be fine. A animal knows how to adapt. Humans need to stop trying to give human atrubutes to animals. A cat will be perfectly fine outside. Yes there are more dangers, but cats are smart animals God made them that way. Plus my grandmother had a cat in Alabama that lived to the ripe old age of 15 and was born, lived and died as a outdoor cat...used as a mouser. Your cat will be fine
2007-10-27 13:16:05 · answer #5 · answered by melissa 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Average lifespan of an outdoor cat is less than two years here in Milwaukee.
Between cars, dogs (ALL the strays are terrified of dogs), owls, kids trying to run cats over with bikes or cars, kids trying to grab pets out of the yard (I had to escort six out of my back yard this past summer, they kept asking if the cat was 'free'), and diseases---all I can say is no, your cats won't be ok.
Can you build them some sort of outdoor enclosure that's secure so nobody else gets into it to take them? Can you work with why they're not using the litter box? It's in their best interest for you to take responsibility because the outdoor environment is definately not good for long term life for a cat.
2007-10-26 01:21:43 · answer #6 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No way in the world would I put my cats outside. They would be dead in a short time I'm sure. What you may try, is caging them when you're not at home and monitor them as you would a new puppy. They seem to be rebelling over the move and they are having a hard time adjusting. Each time you see that they have not used their litter box (and you catch them in the act) pick them up and put them in the litter box. Also make sure they have a few scratching posts. Work with them and I'm sure they will come around. You have to teach them all over again.
2007-10-26 00:59:35 · answer #7 · answered by Hope S 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the cat. I've had an outdoor cat for like 7 years now and she is doing just fine. The thing to worry about here is all the foxes around, but I think she is just too quick for them and too fiesty. If you think your cats have what it takes, then they'll be fine. Plus outdoor cats always seem so much happier.
However, like other people have mentioned, don't do it if you live in a high-traffic area. That could end badly.
PS to the person above me - It's not "cruel" to own an outdoor cat. They were meant to be outdoor animals in the first place. It's more cruel to keep them inside, if you ask me.
2007-10-26 04:08:34 · answer #8 · answered by sunny-d alright! 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have been told the average lifespan of an outdoor cat is three years as compared to fifteen of the indoor. My cats showed up at my door two years ago, they are inside/outside cats. Mr. Whiskers was struck by a car and lived but a month later he left one morning and was never seen again. Brandy however is alive and well coming and going as we do. I would certainly not want to live my entire life indoors.
2007-10-26 00:53:37 · answer #9 · answered by verafyde 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
not really a good idea! your cats will not know anything about cars, dogs, other cats(fighting), or anything about outdoors. if they are declawed they cannot protect themselves. if they are fixed, other cats will have a tendency to dislike them and your cats will be less likely to defend themselves. they might not be using the litterbox if someone used to have cats that sprayed in the apt. before you. cats can smell a lot better than people. try useing an enzyme on your carpeting. we get our bottles of enzyme at wal mart.
2007-10-26 00:59:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋