Is it horrible for a cat to never see the outdoors???

Question

Is it really mean and depriving??

Answer 1

HI there...absolutely not! This website should provide you clear and cut reasons why the outdoors is not a good option: http://www.cathelp-online.com/health/indooronly.php

[edit] I just heard on the news that one Idaho family's cat tail was severed and left in their mailbox with a note by the perpetrator. An act of animal cruelty by someone who hates a free-roaming outdoor cat. If you are interested to read about the incident with video: http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-dec1707-cat_abuse.26d0bc2c.html

If you would like to let your cat enjoy a little bit of the outdoors consider leash training them so they are always under your supervision. Here are a couple websites which shows you how to leash train a cat:
http://www.hdw-inc.com/leashtraining.htm
http://www.peoriahs.org/catleash.html

Walking jackets to use for leash training: http://www.hdw-inc.com/walkingjackets.htm

Answer 2

If you mean never go outdoors, no it's not horrible. If the cat was indoors from kittenhood on, they don't know what they're missing. In many cases, it's much safer for them to be indoor only - not only do they avoid diseases picked up from strays or whatever, but they avoid traffic and mean small children and other sociopaths.

At the very least they should get the occasional open window, though. Screened of course. This way they can do their bird watching and pick up all the delightful odors of the great outdoors from the comfort and safety of their own home.

My last cat and my current two are indoor only and they've all been fine.

A formerly outdoor cat who is brought indoors might pine a bit, though. But again, depending on your environment it might best for them to stay in.

Answer 3

Nope, if I cat's never been outside at all, most of the time they couldn't care less. If a cat is used to being outdoors and is suddenly brought inside, they might be a bit stressed for awhile and try to get out, but they can adjust.

If you are horribly worried about your cat missing out on the great outdoors, or you have a previously outdoor cat who always wants out, well-made cat harnesses are a great option as they allow the cat to safely visit the world beyond the front door.

Answer 4

There's no problem with that at all, but cats do enjoy experiencing the outdoors. At the very least, crack your windows so that your cat can sit on the window sill and watch and listen to the sites and sounds of the outdoors.

We let our two indoor kitties out on our apartment's balcony when the weather is nice and they absolutely love lying in the sun. My little cat enjoys pouncing on leaves and then bringing them back into the apartment (somewhat annoying).

But no, it's not horrible if your cat can never see the outdoors.

Answer 5

I like the idea of a cat being able to live a "natural" life and personally I could not risk my dear cats to the dangers of being outside. I do have cat fence-in in my garden so my cats can be outside and not leave my property.

I adopted a 17 yr old cat last year who had been inside all his life. He was a white cat so that was best for him anyway. He enjoyed going out into the garden and he didn't really prefer it. He would go out for a few minutes maybe twice a day. He just preferred to be inside. He was a wonderful cat (he died of oral cancer) with a perfectly balanced personality so I don't feel he was deprived from being an indoor cat.

Answer 6

Hi there!

My husband and I have a cat that is strictly indoor, but I do take her outside on a harness/leash to walk around when the weather is nice. This way I can spend time with her, know she is safe but still give her the ability to experience the outdoors.

Also, in the spring and summer I open up the windows in our house and she lays on the sills and looks out.

I think as long as you give your cat supervised opportunities to go outside, there is no problem in kitty being indoor only.

Hope this helps! :)

Answer 7

Do you mean never go outside?
Then my answer is no, it's not horrible. I have indoor cats myself.

If you mean to never see the light of day by the means of windows, then YES!
Everything need s a little sunshine to live happy. And when it's nice out I have my windows open so my cats can sit in them.

Answer 8

Never see the outdoors or never BE outdoors? Inside cats can live a happy life.

Answer 9

No, it's horrible for people to let their cats roam freely outside where they become victim to disease, dogs, wild animals, cars, poison, extreme cold/heat etc....not to mention, I get fed up with the cats in my neighborhood urinating and defecating in my yard!

If you want to take your cat outdoors, get a harness. That's the safest option, that way you can walk them and not worry about anything happening to them.

Answer 10

I understand why you would like your pet to be as happy as possible and that virtue is very commendable - my compliments !
Your feline friend and companion would be happier out of doors ; however , safety is what you really have in mind and your friend will be much safer with you rather than risking the hazards of being outside . Indoors is , of course , safer for your friend because you can then help prevent any accidents , fights or diseases that your friend will encounter outside .
For your consideration , there are enclosures specifically designed for cats to be outside and yet safe too and you can look at products readily available for you to purchase ( if you can afford them ! ) .
It is , for me , a real pleasure to see someone else who has a sincere concern for their companions happiness .
Happy & safe holidays ! :0)