i dont want my kittys running away, but i also dont want to have them couped up inside all day when its so nice outside :)
2007-11-24 09:41:48 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
When you put your cat outside, you subject it to rabies, feline distemper, leukemia, feline herpes, feline HIV, fleas, ticks, predators and sick animals.
We have 11 indoor cats, have 7 catboxes that are cleaned 3 times a day, and everybody is happy. The only time my cats go outdoors is in a carrier, to go to the vet.
Having companions, they do not need to go outdoors.
2007-11-24 09:59:58 · answer #1 · answered by Cat Lady 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a kennel for the kitties and you don't have to worry about them running away or being hurt by cars or predators. 8 years ago I lost my 18 year old black Siamese cat when he was killed by pit bull dogs also running around loose in the neighborhood (the good new is that by fighting the dogs he probably saved other kitties.) I swore I'd never let another kitty run loose. But I like my kitties to have fresh air. I don't always have the time to take them out, so I got them a 6 x 12 kennel. Their kitty door allows them to go in and out at will. they get fresh air, get to visit with the roaming kitties and doggies without getting hurt, and I don't have to worry.
Just an idea, and it sure works for me. The kennel cost about $150. I saved up for it (meant to get it before I lost the old kitty who had been my companion for all of my adult life!)
Keep your kitties safe and happy at the same time.
2007-11-24 09:54:10 · answer #2 · answered by MNTequila 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please don't let them outside! Last year my cat was killed by coyotes in my driveway. I live in the city and the coyotes where bad that year. If you must let them out why not build an out door play pen? Just a bit of chicken wire, a roof for shade, maybe a tree for climbing ect. Then they will be safe and you won't have to worry about them.
I had a cat when I was young, we moved and let him out after about a month. He ran away, a few months later he was at the old house. We took him home again and lost him again. Cats know their homes and your cats may not accept the new house as their home.
2007-11-24 09:57:50 · answer #3 · answered by pharfly1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I did adoptions at the shelter we always recommended that a new cat (essentially the same as moving house) be kept indoors for three weeks to a month.
Personally I feel you need to know your new "territory" for the safety of your cats - traffic patterns, predatory wildlife in the area, how the neighbors feel about cats in their gardens, etc.
Are you in Australia where the weather might be nice at this time of year? Certainly November-December in most places in the States is not pleasant outside or in the UK either.
You are not spoiling the cats' whole lives by keeping them in for a while till you know it is safe for them to be out.
Using a leash and halter is a good way to take your cats out safely to learn where the new home is. Cats find their way home by smell and not sight. So some time spent letting them get to know the new territory while you still have control is time well spent.
2007-11-24 09:53:38 · answer #4 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Keep them indoors and safe! You can buy little "porch" things for the windows so they can sit in the window and be surrounded by air on three sides.
Why risk them being lost or run over or attacked by other animals (especially in the strange neighborhood).
As long as you have open windows, they will be happy with you inside.
2007-11-24 09:54:13 · answer #5 · answered by irvingfan 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should keep your cats in for at least two weeks. I think a month is about right. I'd suggest going out in the garden with them at first and bringing them in when you go in, for another week or two, so that they get used to their surroundings and smells before going it alone.
Log on to www.allaboutpets.org.uk. There's a leaflet on there called "Moving house and travelling with cats" which has got lots of useful information and handy tips in it.
Best Wishes.
2007-11-24 10:06:51 · answer #6 · answered by topcat1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since it sounds like you have more than one cat, they'll be safer and happier in the house! They won't be lonesome, since they have each other, and they won't be exposed to the MANY DANGERS that being outside brings. My cats have always been inside cats, and they don't even try to go outside, since they have all the company they could want. They sleep most of the day, anyway, so they'll be ready to "play" when you get home. Just make sure they have adequate food/water, and a clean litter pan each day. Good luck................
2007-11-24 09:50:52 · answer #7 · answered by brutusmom 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If these have been outside cats before then you will be hard-pressed to keep them in. I would give them a couple of days then do what our grandparents did - rub butter on their paws. It lets them think that this is where the food is so we better not go too far ! Crazy, but it seems to work.!
2007-11-24 09:52:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
cats' lives are cut by half when left outside to the dangers of the outside world- they should be kept indoors at all times- this is a statistical fact.
2007-11-24 09:45:15 · answer #9 · answered by janmarbol 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
at least 3 weeks,then dont feed till they come back inside
2007-11-24 19:56:32 · answer #10 · answered by sky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋