Can/should I occassionally let my cats out?

[thinbluebrine]

We don't have a catflap but do you think I could let my cats out every now and again? They haven't been out since we moved house two years ago but with such fabulous weather, I feel terrible!

But I don't want to let them out every day - only days when I'm home. Do you think the cats would be ok with that?

[garybUK]

Our cats rule the house inside and out :P we just let them roam free (they have collars though) and nothing has ever happened. I'd let them out cat's aren't meant to be cooped up in the house.

[mcavjame]

Cats should never be let out:
- fleas
- fighting and injury. Cats are territorial.
- hunting of birds, mice and other small animals can introduce disease.

[mcavjame]

I also forgot to mention that in Ontario, if you adopt a pet from the local shelter, you have to sign an agreement that the cats will not be let out. Not only for the reasons mentioned in my first post, but to help keep the population from growing.

[jonbravo77]

We don't have a catflap but do you think I could let my cats out every now and again? They haven't been out since we moved house two years ago but with such fabulous weather, I feel terrible!

But I don't want to let them out every day - only days when I'm home. Do you think the cats would be ok with that?

There is no harm in letting them out and sniff around a bit. I let my 2 tabby's out in the backyard, the male doesn't leave the concrete patio and my female walks in the grass and rolls around in the dirt. But I am out there with them and herding them back to the house...

Brush them off when they are done, make sure they haven't picked anything up. Please do not let them out just to roam the streets and hope they come back... I have 6 strays that pretty much live in my backyard. They do not interact with my cats...

[thinbluebrine]

I also forgot to mention that in Ontario, if you adopt a pet from the local shelter, you have to sign an agreement that the cats will not be let out. Not only for the reasons mentioned in my first post, but to help keep the population from growing.

Maybe it's different here in the UK?? Both my cats are neutered so no problem with them mating.

[thinbluebrine]

Our cats rule the house inside and out :P we just let them roam free (they have collars though) and nothing has ever happened. I'd let them out cat's aren't meant to be cooped up in the house.

Do you have a catflap?

[garybUK]

Do you have a catflap?

yes it's a electric one and they have collars that only let our 3 in and out, they are all spayed and neutered.

[Dagless]

Of course you should. Unless you live in a stately home your cats aren't likely getting the exercise a domesticated animal needs. Dogs need daily walks, cats need to be let out. You wouldn't keep kids locked indoors just for their own safety or walk a dog on a treadmill :p.
When I look after my aunts or cousins cats I (like they do) let them out for at least a few hours a day. Sometimes they won't come back in at night so by 1am they'll be sat crying on the doorstep, heh.

*though all that said I don't live in a city or anywhere that is particularly busy. Verdant hills ftw!

[iShater]

We let our cat in the backyard every now and then. Very tall fence, but convincing him to come back in can be a challenge.

[dizzy13]

Would you rather live 100 years in a prison cell or 70 years exploring the world?

[jonbravo77]

Like I said, letting them out with supervision is fine. But why buy a cat if you are just going to let them roam outside and hope they come back. One of the strays that frequent my house used to have a collar until I took it off because it was damn near choking her since she grew. Which tells me that the people who bought the cat had the thinking of "we can let her outside and she'll come back" well, she didn't go back.

I get a bit frustrated with owners who let their cats out and that's that.. Please don't let them out and leave them and think they will come back, if that's your thinking do not buy a cat....

[thinbluebrine]

You wouldn't keep kids locked indoors just for their own safety

Excellent point!

Ok, so I guess I don't want to have them roaming the streets for hours on end, so the question is more: Should I let them out, say, once or twice a week, when I'm not at work? Or will this just make my cats start meeowing to go out all the time and drive me up the wall?!

And, to be totally honest, I ask this because one of my cats (a three year old that used to go out but hasn't dont so for well over a year since he got hit by a car and broke his jaw) has escaped and is out as I type! He obviously WANTS to be out. So I'm beginning to wonder if I should get in his way...

[garybUK]

Like I said, letting them out with supervision is fine. But why buy a cat if you are just going to let them roam outside and hope they come back. One of the strays that frequent my house used to have a collar until I took it off because it was damn near choking her since she grew. Which tells me that the people who bought the cat had the thinking of "we can let her outside and she'll come back" well, she didn't go back.

I get a bit frustrated with owners who let their cats out and that's that.. Please don't let them out and leave them and think they will come back, if that's your thinking do not buy a cat....

That's the most insane view i've ever heard and i feel sorry for your cats. Cats will and do come home, we have a huge field opposite our house and they go play and they love sitting on top of the cars etc, they always come back, we've had cats that we let out for years and NOT ONE has ever gone missing.

[dizzy13]

I get a bit frustrated with owners who let their cats out and that's that.. Please don't let them out and leave them and think they will come back, if that's your thinking do not buy a cat....

I think my cat that goes outside and gets to live its life is a lot happier than your prison cat, so save your frustration for something worthy.

Cats are pretty damn smart and know where they live / get food, if they don't come home when you let them out they probably just didn't like you and found a better place to live. :p

[That-Is-Bull]

We have three cats. One of them stays inside because she's a Persian with very long, fine fur and everything gets stuck in it. The other two can go out whenever they want. One's afraid to, and the other is outside most of the day/night. We've had him for at least five years and let him in/out all the time (on two acres of land with no fence), and he's still fine. He occasionally catches a bird or mouse (and one time an armadillo :eek:) but he's never gotten sick or anything. We moved a few years after he found us, just kept him in the new house for a couple weeks and walked around outside with him so he could see the place, then we let him out by himself and he's been fine since then.

[neiltc13]

I think it must be a very British thing to see cats roaming the streets. Where I live it is perfectly common for people to let their cats wander around freely and often they visit and leave presents in the gardens of neighbours.

[Rt&Dzine]

Not sure about the UK, but in US they are exposed to rabies, distemper, feline leukemia, worms, on and on ... So you'll need to keep them vaccinated.

[kastenbrust]

Cats should never be let out:
- fleas
- fighting and injury. Cats are territorial.
- hunting of birds, mice and other small animals can introduce disease.

never read so much bs in my life

[yellow]

I would try and dissuade you from allowing your cats out.

Do you love them? At least inside they're in a controlled environment. Outside, not so much. You'd feel pretty bad if one died be it act of dog, car, fall, whatever. Not to mention the dirge of feline immuno-viruses they could easily contract from meeting other cats in the 'wild'. Now you've got vet bills and constantly sick cats (they have crappy immune systems).

Keep them inside, keep playing with them, keep them safe and they'll be just fine.

[jonbravo77]

I think my cat that goes outside and gets to live its life is a lot happier than your prison cat, so save your frustration for something worthy.

Cats are pretty damn smart and know where they live / get food, if they don't come home when you let them out they probably just didn't like you and found a better place to live. :p

Thank you for being able to reply without being insulting. You have no clue the mental states of my cats are and I would appreciate if you left your narrow minded sarcastic views to yourself..

All I was saying is that if you let your cats out (and I guess it depends on where you live) just be careful. I love my cats and don't want anything to happen to them. I do let them out every now and then but I keep an eye on them since we live on a busy street. It saddens me to see all these cats that people let out and now they live in my backyard because I feed them and take care of them.

[mcavjame]

never read so much bs in my life

Really?

Before I knew better, our first cat was let out. We were forever trying to rid him of fleas.

He came home once and had obviously been in a fight. His ear was torn and he had a bite on his back. For a week I had to squeeze pus out of the bite and pill him with antibiotics.

He was an avid mouser and would often leave the carcass at the front door. When he died, he had been missing for a few days and I finally tracked him down by his smell. He was only 5. Cats should live well beyond 15.

[garybUK]

Not sure about the UK, but in US they are exposed to rabies, distemper, feline leukemia, worms, on and on ... So you'll need to keep them vaccinated.

Yeah the UK's a rabies free country so no problems there.

[miles01110]

I have 8 cats, all of them go outside on a daily basis. No problems for them or me so far as a result.

[iJohnHenry]

All the cats in our building are condo-bound, and don't know any difference.

A few people let theirs out in the hall for a good run now and then, which is cool too.

And especially with two or more cats, they have each other for company/exercise/play.

[Jaffa Cake]

Please don't let them out and leave them and think they will come back...I keep letting our cat out, but unfortunately the bloody thing keeps coming back.

...the people who bought the cat had the thinking of "we can let her outside and she'll come back" well, she didn't go back.Of course she didn't – she's locked up in your house. ;)

[Cassie]

Really?

Before I knew better, our first cat was let out. We were forever trying to rid him of fleas.

He came home once and had obviously been in a fight. His ear was torn and he had a bite on his back. For a week I had to squeeze pus out of the bite and pill him with antibiotics.

He was an avid mouser and would often leave the carcass at the front door. When he died, he had been missing for a few days and I finally tracked him down by his smell. He was only 5. Cats should live well beyond 15.

Sorry to hear that, but it sounds like your cat just had a bit of bad luck. We let our cats out all day and all night. They only come back to eat and occasionally take a nap. Sure, they get in fights and whatnot, but that's what cats do. Fleas? Just use flea medicine? Works pretty well for us. Protect them before they get them.

I mean really, the things you describe are what happens to cats and what cats do, you shouldn't try to raise one without accepting this.

[jonbravo77]

Sorry to hear that, but it sounds like your cat just had a bit of bad luck. We let our cats out all day and all night. They only come back to eat and occasionally take a nap. Sure, they get in fights and whatnot, but that's what cats do. Fleas? Just use flea medicine? Works pretty well for us. Protect them before they get them.

I mean really, the things you describe are what happens to cats and what cats do, you shouldn't try to raise one without accepting this.

I guess I just don't get the thinking of buying a cat and then letting it outside just so you can see it every now and then. I'm not being judgmental about what anyone does with their animals or property (which, I think animals are above being just property) it just baffles me that someone would buy a pet, then put it outside and see that pet every now and then. That's why we don't have a dog, I wouldn't be able to live with myself to just leave it outside because we are gone all the time.

[dizzy13]

Do you love them? At least inside they're in a controlled environment. Outside, not so much. You'd feel pretty bad if one died be it act of dog, car, fall, whatever.

Here is some generic quote I know I heard in some movie, but I think it's pretty fitting here:

"I'd rather die on my feet then live on my knees."

All I was saying is that if you let your cats out (and I guess it depends on where you live) just be careful. I love my cats and don't want anything to happen to them. I do let them out every now and then but I keep an eye on them since we live on a busy street.

Ok, that's a valid point. If I didn't live on a quiet street with a decent size front and back yard I probably wouldn't let them out like I do now.

[iBlue]

I've notided there is a small difference in cat ownership tendencies between the US and the UK. When I lived in the US I would never let my cats out, they'd get fecked up out there! Over here in the UK keeping them strictly indoors is almost seen as a cruel thing to do to a cat.

I think I prefer indoor cats but wouldn't do that to a cat that had previously been allowed to roam free. When they're kittens and have only ever traversed the house it's a bit different.

I digress.

[bartelby]

Cats should never be let out:
- fleas
- fighting and injury. Cats are territorial.
- hunting of birds, mice and other small animals can introduce disease.

You forgot sh*tting in other people's gardens.

[yellow]

"I'd rather die on my feet then live on my knees."


Applicable to humans, but not so applicable to the feline world. I'm not sure they'd understand the concepts of servitude and sovereignty.

[iJohnHenry]

"I'd rather die on my feet then live on my knees."


Cats as pets, are many things to many people, but Human they are not.

I think I prefer indoor cats but wouldn't do that to a cat that had previously been allowed to roam free. When they're kittens and have only ever traversed the house it's a bit different.

I digress.

Nope, that germane to the topic, and speaks to my point that what they do not know will not hurt them.

[mcavjame]

Sorry to hear that, but it sounds like your cat just had a bit of bad luck. We let our cats out all day and all night. They only come back to eat and occasionally take a nap. Sure, they get in fights and whatnot, but that's what cats do. Fleas? Just use flea medicine? Works pretty well for us. Protect them before they get them.

I mean really, the things you describe are what happens to cats and what cats do, you shouldn't try to raise one without accepting this.

I'm not chalking up the death of a 5 year old cat to bad luck. And that was only one point. The reasons go both ways as you can check in this article: http://www.scvas.org/index.php?page=text&id=keepcats

[thinbluebrine]

We have three cats. One of them stays inside

How do you stop one going from going out?!

[dejo]

Our cat almost never goes outside and when he does it's with strict supervision. The reason: where we live is frequented by coyotes, foxes, and possibly even mountain lions.

Occasionally we'll see posters for missing cats in the neighborhood. If your cat is missing for a few days, it's gonna be missing forever.

[Cassie]

I'm not chalking up the death of a 5 year old cat to bad luck. And that was only one point. The reasons go both ways as you can check in this article: http://www.scvas.org/index.php?page=text&id=keepcats

I'm not saying there aren't a few legitimate reasons to keep cats indoors. But I think they're a lot happier outside. Even if you think they don't know what they're missing, they probably do. Instinct and all that.

[jonbravo77]

Here is some generic quote I know I heard in some movie, but I think it's pretty fitting here:

"I'd rather die on my feet then live on my knees."

.

I can appreciate your thinking but it seems you have this view that people think animals are here to just serve us. While I agree that there are a lot of people that do have that view, I don't think it is fair to think that everyone who has animals has that view. I certainly do not, I love my cats more than anything and do not wish to see anything bad happen to them. I see these stray cats that come to my house to eat because I feed them all scratched up and sometimes bleeding due to the fights they get into. I refuse to allow my cats that I love greatly and that I have had my female for over 16 years be tore up because I think they are prisoners in my house. They are not prisoners, they have great lives and are very happy.

Again, I am not telling anyone what they should do with their pets, just giving my point of view. I do let my cats out for some fresh air and I think it is a good idea to do.

[és:]

I think it must be a very British thing to see cats roaming the streets.

You know, I'd never considered anything else. If you walk down the street then you're likely to see a cat. Damn it. I just looked out of my window and there is one cleaning its coat across the road.

With that said, my Mum has too indoor cats at her house. I always thought it was weird. I was like 'who the hell keeps a cat locked indoors'. I guess I'm a little naive on this subject. I don't particularly like animals so I don't take a great interest but it has always seemed to be the done thing.

[Cromulent]

Cats should never be let out:
- fleas
- fighting and injury. Cats are territorial.
- hunting of birds, mice and other small animals can introduce disease.

What rubbish. We had cats for 8 years and always let them out. God knows where they went, but they always came back safe and sound.

Sure, they caught some mice and rats every now and again but that is good for them. After all it is what they do naturally.

Personally it sounds like cruelty to keep them locked inside. Let them come and go as they please. If you do a good job with caring for them they will always come back.

[dejo]

If you do a good job with caring for them they will always come back.
Not always. Depends where you live. See my earlier post (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7289661&postcount=36).

[thinbluebrine]

there is one cleaning its coat across the road

Sure that's its coat it's cleaning?!

[Cassie]

Not always. Depends where you live. See my earlier post (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7289661&postcount=36).

You're always taking a risk, but generally it's worth it to see your cats happy doing what they've been doing for a very long time.

[Cromulent]

Not always. Depends where you live. See my earlier post (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7289661&postcount=36).
All I am saying is that if you let them out (and honestly I have never heard of anyone who did not let their cats out) then generally they are pretty safe. Occasionally a cat does get hit by a car or attacked by an animal, but then that happens to humans too and you wouldn't keep a kid locked up in the house because he might be hit by a car would you?

[és:]

Sure that's its coat it's cleaning?!

Let me get the binos!

[xUKHCx]

Not always. Depends where you live. See my earlier post (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7289661&postcount=36).

During the winter we have a family of foxes living down the bottom of my garden. Not once did my last cat ever get mauled by them. By the end of his life (19) he wasn't the quickest.

US houses tend to be larger then in the UK but still I find the idea of keeping cats indoors (unless you live in the centre of a city) really quite odd. Cats are animals, animals survived outdoors before we came along.

[IJ Reilly]

Have you ever seen a cat hit by a car? That should give any cat-lover reason to reconsider allowing their pet to roam around outdoors. Domestic felines are not wild animals. They don't need to evade cars, coyotes or other cats to live happy lives. They also won't be happier if they catch feline distemper or feline leukemia, and neither will you.

[Cromulent]

Have you ever seen a cat hit by a car? That should give any cat-lover reason to reconsider allowing their pet to roam around outdoors. Domestic felines are not wild animals. They don't need to evade cars, coyotes or other cats to live happy lives. They also won't be happier if they catch feline distemper or feline leukemia, and neither will you.

So your approach is to keep them locked up? Sounds more like you are looking out for your own happiness rather than the cats to me.

[és:]

So your approach is to keep them locked up? Sounds more like you are looking out for your own happiness rather than the cats to me.

Maybe this is a cultural thing.

[dejo]

All I am saying is that if you let them out (and honestly I have never heard of anyone who did not let their cats out) then generally they are pretty safe. Occasionally a cat does get hit by a car or attacked by an animal, but then that happens to humans too and you wouldn't keep a kid locked up in the house because he might be hit by a car would you?
In my society we do not apply the same rules to pets as we do to children. For example, I can leave my dog locked inside a kennel for hours on end while I'm away from the house. Try doing the same with a child and see what happens if someone finds out.

[kastenbrust]

Really?

Before I knew better, our first cat was let out. We were forever trying to rid him of fleas.

He came home once and had obviously been in a fight. His ear was torn and he had a bite on his back. For a week I had to squeeze pus out of the bite and pill him with antibiotics.

He was an avid mouser and would often leave the carcass at the front door. When he died, he had been missing for a few days and I finally tracked him down by his smell. He was only 5. Cats should live well beyond 15.

Our Vet gives our cats an injection once a year so they can't get fleas

Obviously cats catch animals, its in their nature, their natural born hunters, not humans, its cruel to keep them inside all the time and stop them being natural, its almost imprisonment. How would you feel if you were kept inside your whole life?
They leave mice and small animals at the front door as a sign of respect, its a present for you for looking after them and feeding them.

[IJ Reilly]

So your approach is to keep them locked up? Sounds more like you are looking out for your own happiness rather than the cats to me.

Yes, it's a cat prison over here. We also torture them, but only a little.

[thinbluebrine]

Let me get the binos!

In the words of Linda La Hughs "Blimey! If I could do that I never go out!"

[Cromulent]

Yes, it's a cat prison over here. We also torture them, but only a little.

Cats are independent and territorial creatures that like to hunt. Let them.

Anything else is depriving them of something that they are instinctualy obliged to do. Which by my reckoning is not in the cats best interest (even if it is in the owners best interest).

[és:]

In my society we do not apply the same rules to pets as we do to children. For example, I can leave my dog locked inside a kennel for hours on end while I'm away from the house. Try doing the same with a child and see what happens if someone finds out.

I agree. The moral of this story is... never let anybody find out that you keep your kid in a cage.

In the words of Linda La Hughs "Blimey! If I could do that I never go out!"

:D

[Dagless]

How do you stop one going from going out?!
Some just don't. One of the cats I look after likes to stay inside whilst its sibling prefers to stay outside (out first thing, in before bed). Needless to say the cat that goes out is generally healthier and weighs less.

Have you ever seen a cat hit by a car? That should give any cat-lover reason to reconsider allowing their pet to roam around outdoors. Domestic felines are not wild animals. They don't need to evade cars, coyotes or other cats to live happy lives. They also won't be happier if they catch feline distemper or feline leukemia, and neither will you.

So that's grounds to keep an animal locked inside, the small chance that something might happen to them? Seems a bit cruel. None of my girlfriends 8 cats ever ran away, got injured, caught anything contagious or came to harm from going outside. The spent most of their lives outdoors, though now they're old they tend to stay indoors infront of the fire. Which is fair enough after an active life.

[annk]

I think the answers here can all be summed thus:

It depends.

It depends on what sort of home you have, what sort of yard, what sort of area surrounds your yard, what sort of other animals / diseases etc are common in your area.

I would talk to the local humane society and a local vet who treats cats. You might well get different answers, but ask them to give reasons for their answers.

The local vet will be familiar with the area and with any specific dangers. And s/he will also be able to advise you about your specific cat after seeing it, observing its temperament, hearing how it's been raised.

And finally it all comes down to what your gut tells you, once you've heard and digested all the info. It sounds like you're truly interested in finding out what's best for your pets. :)

[yellow]

All I am saying is that if you let them out (and honestly I have never heard of anyone who did not let their cats out) then generally they are pretty safe. Occasionally a cat does get hit by a car or attacked by an animal, but then that happens to humans too and you wouldn't keep a kid locked up in the house because he might be hit by a car would you?

Not an apt comparison. You can teach a kid that cars are dangerous. You cannot teach that to a cat. They car curious by nature, and prone to getting themselves in trouble.

We've lived in our house for nearly 4 years. We've had 2 cats killed by neighborhood dogs, and 1 cat attacked 2 times by the same dog. Now, we try our best to keep all our cats in. 1 comes and goes as he pleases (he really needs to be let out to be happy), 1 who goes out very rarely, and 2 that never go out.

[IJ Reilly]

Cats are independent and territorial creatures that like to hunt. Let them.

Anything else is depriving them of something that they are instinctualy obliged to do. Which by my reckoning is not in the cats best interest (even if it is in the owners best interest).

What you are calling natural and instinctual is really just an arbitrary distinction made humans. Natural and instinctual behavior for a cat is feral. Trust me, you don't want to own a cat in its natural feral state. The cats we keep as pets are domesticated animals not wild animals. You might as well say that domesticated dogs should be allowed to run in packs, since that is their instinctual behavior.

FWIW, we've had both indoor/outdoor cats and indoor cats. The one we allowed to come and go never hunted. He was quite timid, didn't cross streets, and would tree at any threat. The two littermates we adopted 14 years ago were allowed to go outdoors for a year or so, until one of them was nearly run over by a car (while I watched) and was chewed on twice by other cats and got massive infections under his skin. That was enough -- we converted them to indoor cats.

We also know plenty of people who have a steady stream of new cats, because all of them eventually get eaten by coyotes. They usually last about five years. Hey, but until they get torn to shreds they've had a great life. Right?

We have a large house, we work at home, and our cats have our undivided attention whenever they want it. Maybe you're a kitty psychologist and can tell me that they're unhappy. But I've never seen any sign of it.

[jonbravo77]

Maybe this is a cultural thing.

I'm seeing this as well. And anyone who is anyone that has owned a cat knows damn well who is the master and who is the servant.... And just in case you don't know, the master is always the cat...

But for anyone who thinks that cats are in prison. This one will always make me laugh....

The Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!



The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of My Captivity

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!



There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...

And a few more for laughs link (http://www.kittens-lair.net/cat-humor/cats-diary.html)

[PeterQC]

We had 2 or 3 (can't remember) cats that never been out that flee at the first open door, never to be seen again, I know at least one was okay to go out. We had 2 others that were always going out, my favourite pets by far, that died by falling in our pool outside.

Now we have 2 others, they are still alive. They occasionally get worms once or twice a year. Like someone said, during summer they often go out to come back only to eat and taking a nap but during winter they are a lot more present.

We live in Canada. Around us it's pretty much just forest. Personally I have no problem letting my cats outs. They will get sick sometimes, yes. They will get in fights, yes. But not once their life outside has been life-threatening. They're not stupid. They will try to dodge a coming car after all.

[IJ Reilly]

I'm seeing this as well.

It might be, in part, but lots of Americans allow their cats to roam. We've got four or five that frequent our yard, a constantly changing parade really since in this part of the country at least, you're really just writing your cat's death warrant by keeping them out. They're probably going to last only a few years until they become coyote snacks. Many cat owners are in denial about this. Rather than visualize their pets being dismembered alive, they talk about how they just didn't come home one day, and were probably adopted by someone else.

[jonbravo77]

It might be, in part, but lots of Americans allow their cats to roam. We've got four or five that frequent our yard, a constantly changing parade really since in this part of the country at least, you're really just writing your cat's death warrant by keeping them out. They're probably going to last only a few years until they become coyote snacks. Many cat owners are in denial about this. Rather than visualize their pets being dismembered alive, they talk about how they just didn't come home one day, and were probably adopted by someone else.

I was talking more of a US/UK difference. And I know all to well about people letting cats roam. Like I said in earlier posts I have a bout 6 cats that frequent my yard. One was defiantly someone's pet before it got out.

[SpookTheHamster]

Wow, I've really learnt something about America today. Your cats are wimps and you worry too much

Like other people have said, in the UK it seems the norm for a cat to be allowed out.

At my real 'home' (in the country), it was common for our cats to spend the night out hunting. Even in Barnet now I see a lot of cats around. I've never heard a cat fight while I've been in London either. In my experience cats vs dogs has always resulted in the dog running away, one of our (completely blind) cats even managed to take on a fox and win.

There's a difference between a cat being domesticated and a cat being imprisoned.

Keep it vaccinated and get it neutered and there' won't be any problems with fleas/illnesses/babies.

[Henri Gaudier]

Unless you live where there is an obvious danger i.e. a busy road let the poor souls out! Keep them vaccinated and neutered and let 'em roam. My cats are free; they roam our few acres and a bit further but they're always around with a quick call. Once, I saw my two only 2 metres away from a fox and neither showed any fear. They love climbing trees and going for walks with us. They're happy up to about 3/4 of a kilometre away from the house and then they want to head home. But one thing is clear .. they love their freedom. Snow, sunshine or monsoon they're out in all weathers.:)

[leekohler]

I have never let my cats out. It's far too dangerous, and there are far too many people who hate cats for no good reason. My siamese actually never even goes near the front door. She's quite content inside.

[IJ Reilly]

I was talking more of a US/UK difference. And I know all to well about people letting cats roam. Like I said in earlier posts I have a bout 6 cats that frequent my yard. One was defiantly someone's pet before it got out.

Wow, I've really learnt something about America today.

I don't think you have actually.

[jonbravo77]

I don't think you have actually.

Meaning what exactly? You quoted me and another person....

[IJ Reilly]

Meaning what exactly? You quoted me and another person....

That the difference is somehow entirely cultural seemed to be the point being made. I don't know that it is.

[SpookTheHamster]

I don't think you have actually.

For all you and he knows, some of those cats could be strays. I'm not the first person to suggest in this thread that it seems the Americans are more protective of their cats. But it could also be to do with where the people in question live within their respective countries. Aside from dogs/foxes/cars cats have no real predators in this country. People in quiet American countryside probably have no qualms with letting their cats out if there are no dangerous animals.

[dejo]

People in quiet American countryside probably have no qualms with letting their cats out if there are no dangerous animals.
Isn't that where the dangerous animals tend to live?

[yellow]

Maybe you're a kitty psychologist and can tell me that they're unhappy. But I've never seen any sign of it.

Agreed. As long as I play with them, talk to them, let them sit on my lap, and keep them fed and watered (oh, and clean the cat box), they're happy.

[IJ Reilly]

For all you and he knows, some of those cats could be strays. I'm not the first person to suggest in this thread that it seems the Americans are more protective of their cats. But it could also be to do with where the people in question live within their respective countries. Aside from dogs/foxes/cars cats have no real predators in this country. People in quiet American countryside probably have no qualms with letting their cats out if there are no dangerous animals.

The cats that come into our yard? Most of them belong to neighbors -- one in particular who also has a large dog. Their cats don't stay in their yard for obvious reasons.

You can suggest that Americans are more protective of their cats, but I don't think this is necessarily true. In fact as I've said, many cat owners around here convince themselves that when their cats disappear, that they've been adopted by someone else. In reality, they are far more likely to have been eaten by coyotes, which are an aggressive and intelligent predator found throughout the US, especially in the West, and are increasingly invading urban areas. We've also started to see mountain lions in town recently. We can take an educated guess what they are after.

[kastenbrust]

I just feel that cats should be allowed the choice at least to go outside, many people forget that animals can get depressed as well, try keeping a dog inside its whole life. I'd rather not be an animal Josef Fritzel.

[IJ Reilly]

I just feel that cats should be allowed the choice at least to go outside, many people forget that animals can get depressed as well, try keeping a dog inside its whole life. I'd rather not be an animal Josef Fritzel.

That is such an ugly analogy.

[Sdashiki]

I really have to resent the mentality permeating this thread like the smell in my house when I havent cleaned the litter in a couple of days...

That my cat is UNHAPPY being an indoor cat.


Nothing could be further from the truth. So quit acting like YOUR way is the right way. Obviously its YOUR cat and YOUR way must be the right way, so why is mine wrong? Its not wrong. Its perfect. For MY cat.


Also

DOG

do not equal

CAT

Comparisons can not be made whatsoever when it comes to the topic at hand: outdoors/indoors?

[Mavimao]

I live in downtown Columbus. My two cats love going outside and playing in the neighborhood. I saw one cat yesterday climb up a tree and climbed right back down.

How could I deprive them of that? I am well aware of the risks in letting them roam, but the benefits totally outweigh them.

[jonbravo77]

I really have to resent the mentality permeating this thread like the smell in my house when I havent cleaned the litter in a couple of days...

That my cat is UNHAPPY being an indoor cat.


Nothing could be further from the truth. So quit acting like YOUR way is the right way. Obviously its YOUR cat and YOUR way must be the right way, so why is mine wrong? Its not wrong. Its perfect. For MY cat.


Also

DOG

do not equal

CAT

Comparisons can not be made whatsoever when it comes to the topic at hand: outdoors/indoors?

+1 this is pretty much what I was trying to say as well.

[ChrisA]

We don't have a catflap but do you think I could let my cats out every now and again? They haven't been out since we moved house two years ago but with such fabulous weather, I feel terrible!

Cats that are raised indoors are rather stupid about being outside. Many times they get hit by cars or killed by other cats who consider the area "theirs". Cats who have lived outside and actually lived tend to do OK. It's just Darwinism at work.

[jonbravo77]

I just feel that cats should be allowed the choice at least to go outside, many people forget that animals can get depressed as well, try keeping a dog inside its whole life. I'd rather not be an animal Josef Fritzel.

Way to take a sick news story about a vial Human and twist it to meet your own narrow minded view on animal owners. Way to go.... Credibility=none.

[iBlue]

I just feel that cats should be allowed the choice at least to go outside, many people forget that animals can get depressed as well, try keeping a dog inside its whole life. I'd rather not be an animal Josef Fritzel.

Jesus H Christ on a rubber crutch that is a ridiculous comparison. I don't know what kind of crazy ass animals owners you know but that is hardly an appropriate analogy. Eeuuuugggghhh!

[takao]

yeah if you live somewhere where you have coyotes it would make sense to keep them indoors
but if there a few gardens around your house + street with little traffic + some small fields for growing grass etc. i would consider it animal cruelty

we currently have 2 cats: 1 being 19 years old and the other 1 year old (the replacement for the others cat companion who died with 17 years last year)

and what should be a problem with "not seeing a cat" ? do you see your other family members constantly ? a cat isn't a dog who likes to await "the return of their master"

and cats bringing home mice etc.: cats do that to show that "they are doing something too"... that's why they want the owner to _see_ the mouse and then tap their back

our family has contained cats in our hosue since the house was built (1926) and nearly all grew 12+ years old ...

[Wild-Bill]

My cat has been an indoor cat for five years now. That decision was made initially from two overarching factors: when I adopted him as a kitten he was already declawed, and the neighborhood where I used to live in San Diego had a lot of ferile cats roaming around. To let Gizmo out would mean at the very least he'd get his ass kicked since he couldn't properly defend himself.

He is absolutely fine indoors. I'll let him out the front door to go maybe 5-6 feet so he can sniff around, but he'll always come right back inside. He has a "kitty condo" that he can climb up and down all day, all the toys he can handle, and I also keep some cardboard boxes around because he loves chewing up cardboard for some reason.

He'd never last out in the wild!

[RedTomato]

I'm seeing the cultural thing too.

I guess from the cat's viewpoint, it also depends on if they have grown up going in and out, and learned how to cope with the outside world. (or even been able to learn some tricks from their parents - i.e. not separated early).

Here in the UK it's almost unheard of to keep a cat indoors 24/7. I live in central London and there's about 5 or 6 cats on my local streets that I know by sight. I often seen them out, on walls, or hanging out with each other - they all belong to various houses. UK houses are quite small, especially city houses so it's a bit cruel to keep a pet within such a confined space.

I also have a family of foxes that live in the garden opposite me - i see them from my living room window almost every night. At first I was worried they'd eat the cats - I rarely see the foxes and cats both in the street at the same time - but recently I saw them having staring contests with each other both on the ground. Ended with the fox walking away. Once or twice I've even seen what looks like the cats teasing or taking the piss out of the foxes.

I guess the cats are generally better fed than the scavenging foxes so it evens it out a bit. Not sure what the foxes eat as all the bins around here are of the tall wheely type with self-closing lids so they're not very fox-accessible.

Stray dogs are rare here too. I understand the USA has more cat diseases, more stray dogs and other wild animals, and bigger houses, which does change the balance somewhat.

UK country towns will have literally hundreds of cats out on the streets each day; it's a big part of the country tradition to have roaming cats out and about to keep the rats and vermin down.

My partner's older sister, who lives in North London, has a pedigree Persian cat which she never lets out for fear someone will steal it. Not even into her back garden, which is quite large. This really upsets my partner, who says 'why on earth get such an expensive cat then jail it indoors and ruin your life worrying about it?? Just get a cheaper cat!'

I have to say, this Persian seems less intelligent, less sharp and quick off the mark than other cats I've met, which were allowed to roam. Being in an unvarying environment with no hazards or chances to test yourself will do that to anyone. I can't imagine it having the guts or the skilful judgement needed to stare down a fox without being harmed.

[garybUK]

We have never de-clawed any of our cats.

This seems to be a cultural thing how people keep cats seems different around the world, quite interesting actually.

[yellow]

We have never de-clawed any of our cats.

This seems to be a cultural thing how people keep cats seems different around the world, quite interesting actually.

Agreed. Our neighbors had a tuxedo cat (Tuxedo Steve, picture to follow) that they put out because he ate a bamboo stick and barfed green on their white carpet. Oh, did I mention that he was declawed and still put out to be an outside only cat? Yeah.
We adopted him, but unfortunately, he disappeared. Undoubtedly he was killed by the pack of Boxers in the area. Did I mention that he had no claws? Yes? Did I mention that I hate Boxers? When I see them roaming I chase them. Does that sound weird? Probably.. but I don't give a ****. On my property and on public property, I'm ****ing alpha dog.

Damn, I hate dogs.

[RedTomato]

OK, another UK thing coming up.

Why de-claw a cat? I've never seen a de-clawed UK cat. Is this for the convenience of the owners or to benefit the cat?

Some cats scratch, yes - so give them scratching poles. Cats are trainable - I presume all these USA people with indoors cats have already successfully trained them to use litter trays and not ***** in every room.

[Wild-Bill]

OK, another UK thing coming up.

Why de-claw a cat? I've never seen a de-clawed UK cat. Is this for the convenience of the owners or to benefit the cat?

Some cats scratch, yes - so give them scratching poles. Cats are trainable - I presume all these USA people with indoors cats have already successfully trained them to use litter trays and not ***** in every room.

I don't know why people do it. There are some for it, some against it, and some VEHEMENTLY against it. Gizmo just happened to be declawed already when I adopted him, and it wasn't a factor in the decision making process to adopt. My ex fell in love with him, and that was the only deciding factor.

When I eventually get around to buying a home I will adopt another, maybe two more cats. I won't have them declawed because from what I understand it is a traumatic event for the cat. As far as the scratching goes, I think there are some plastic things that can be put on the cats claws to prevent them from damaging anything. (My leather sectional looks much better un-perforated. :p) There's also that new "Pedi-Paws" thing that is a clipping device that actually rounds the ends down and doesn't hurt the pet.

[dizzy13]

I can appreciate your thinking but it seems you have this view that people think animals are here to just serve us. While I agree that there are a lot of people that do have that view, I don't think it is fair to think that everyone who has animals has that view. I certainly do not, I love my cats more than anything and do not wish to see anything bad happen to them.
This topic has pretty much been beaten to death, but just wanted to respond to this because I don't agree with the category you are putting me in.

I think by letting my cat go outside and have it's own life as well as "hanging with the peeps" inside it's less of an animal serving me and more of me letting the animal live it's life. Plus, the old saying goes, "Dogs have masters, cats have staff", is pretty damn true IMO ;)

I understand the fear of letting your pets into the wild, especially a cat which is almost impossible to contain...but just because I let my cat out does not mean that I want anything bad to happen. Also, my cat probably does spend more time inside because she is like a dog and needs to be around people.

So I say, to each their own!

[No1451]

We only did it with our cat(Whiskey) because he kept attacking the neighbours cat. This was a bad idea because I once watched that cat take down a fox(and I mean take it down, my friend and I found it dead with cuts all around its neck).

Once he got declawed he realized he couldn't take my friend's cat and stopped being a jerk.

As for letting cats out, we always had an open-door policy. During the summer our door was basically open all day till it was evening and the mosquitos came out. We live in the city(Ottawa) now and our cat refuses to go out, she just has no interest in it, not like in the country.

[cantthinkofone]

never read so much bs in my life

agreed. I've had a cat or two for the last 14 years. I have never had a cat with any of those problems. I've since moved out and my parents only have one cat . He has started spending most of his time inside. But will go outside for a few hours at a time.

I think it's horrible to keep cats and dogs locked up in the house.

[allmIne]

I can't believe so many people keep their cats indoors. If people are that scared of their cat catching something, they shouldn't keep cats.

It's rediculous. Not to mention, imo, cruel, to suppress every natural instinct they have. You wouldn't do it with a dog, so why with a cat? Both are descended from animals designed to hunt, play, and roam free.

Though I guess if you guys in America have a ton of natural predators out there, and more cat diseases, it's more understandable. In that situation, though, maybe it's better not to own a cat, than to confine it to a house day and night.

[Jpoon]

I wouldn't let my cats outside, they'd get ripped to shreds by the neighborhood cats. It's situational, and people are going to do what they're going to do.

[RedTomato]

We only did it with our cat(Whiskey) because he kept attacking the neighbours cat. This was a bad idea because I once watched that cat take down a fox(and I mean take it down, my friend and I found it dead with cuts all around its neck).

Oh yes, that reminds me of a cat, Besom, that occasionally used to hang out at my friend's house, down in Cornwall. It was a giant black moggy that lived wild, stealing fish off the fishing boats and from the fish market. Twice the size of most cats I've seen and covered in scars. Heavily muscled and walked like a panther too.

My friend had a sign on his gate 'Beware of the Cat' with what looked like a photo of a large black jaguar on a tree branch. It wasn't. It was Besom.

Awesome cat. RIP.

[Sdashiki]

My cat is happy indoors.

Thats all that matters to me, and her.


Also, declawing your cat...if you have done this, you have NO right to talk about "cruelty" of keeping a cat indoors. You have mutililated your cats hands by cutting off their first knuckle. Declawing is NOT as harmless as it sounds. Its wrong, evil, and tantamount to torture.

Unlike keeping an indoor cat, indoors.

Get off the high horses about YOUR cat. Its not MY cat.

Also, since when is "natural instinct" compatible with "domestication"...they go hand in hand, but neither overpowers the other when both are involved...know what I mean?

[IJ Reilly]

Get off the high horses about YOUR cat. Its not MY cat.

Or get off your high felines, at least. ;)

A cat's natural state is feral. I've asked several times whether anyone would want to keep a feral cat. Anyone who talks about how "unnatural" and "cruel" it is keep your cat "prisoner" in your home, needs to answer this question, or risk being labeled a gasbag!

[jonbravo77]

I can't believe so many people keep their cats indoors. If people are that scared of their cat catching something, they shouldn't keep cats.

It's rediculous. Not to mention, imo, cruel, to suppress every natural instinct they have. You wouldn't do it with a dog, so why with a cat? Both are descended from animals designed to hunt, play, and roam free.

Though I guess if you guys in America have a ton of natural predators out there, and more cat diseases, it's more understandable. In that situation, though, maybe it's better not to own a cat, than to confine it to a house day and night.

Fine, on the flip side. Why would you get a cat just to let it outside and see every now and then? There is nothing cruel about keeping a cat inside as long as there are things for the cat to do. And if you do own a cat and watch it's behavior they tend to sleep, eat and sh&*, rinse and repeat.

I'm glad that you have a degree in animal physiology and that you know how evolution works (well, I don't think you quite know how evolution works). But, just because you do one thing for your animals does not mean that what someone else does is wrong in any way.. You automatically equate that keeping a cat indoors that someone is "suppressing every natural instinct" how do you come to this conclusion? You must think that cat owner's that keep their cats indoors do not provide anything for the cat to climb on, any toys for the cat to play with and don't provide any love to the cat. Well, you're wrong, very wrong...

[iJohnHenry]

I "suppress my natural instincts" every day, and many are still walking around because of it.

Is that a bad thing??

[jonbravo77]

There's also that new "Pedi-Paws" thing that is a clipping device that actually rounds the ends down and doesn't hurt the pet.

Ok, off topic. But I just bought one of those Pedi-Paw things and don't like it. Both my cats are de-clawed in the front, (not my decision) and there back claws were getting to long. So I bought that thing and the safety guard with the hole that you stick the claw into is to far away from the grinding wheel. I could barely get the tip of the claw and it was splintering the claw (like it said it was not going to). So I am not to sold on that thing for cats, Dogs I think it would work well on but not so much cats. Just my 2 cents

[jaw04005]

I would think it would depend on where you live (neighborhood, traffic, other animals, etc). Personally, I grew up with cats going in and out, and we live in a nice rural suburb.

We keep our cats out during most of the work day (depending on the weather) and let them in at night during the winter months. During the summer, they stay out most of the time, sleep in the chairs on our back patio and probably wouldn't have it any other way. They love it!

In fact, if we try to get them to come in during warm weather ... they just stare at us.

You get used to them showing off dead birds and mice by leaving them on the porch. They're proud. :D

We do use common sense, both are spayed and if it's raining or cold outside we let them stay in but most of the time they'd rather be outside.

[Wild-Bill]

I "suppress my natural instincts" every day, and many are still walking around because of it.


You, sir, just made the quote of the day. :D

Excellent!

[takao]

In fact, if we try to get them to come in during warm weather ... they just stare at us.


on the other side: nothing is as entertaining as seeing a cat waiting inside the door (while meowing that it's the end of the world she isn't out already) to get out, who realizes that there is quite a bit of rain outside after being halfway through the door and suddenly changes her mind and switches to reverse ;)

on the other side during the summer getting them away from the heated up concrete stairs on our front door is impossible

[iJohnHenry]

on the other side during the summer getting them away from the heated up concrete stairs on our front door is impossible

Cats may be dumb, to some, but they sure ain't stoopit. :p

[IJ Reilly]

Wherever a cat is, they want to be somewhere else.

[jonbravo77]

Cats may be dumb, to some, but they sure ain't stoopit. :p

All I know is they ain't dumb either. My cats have me wrapped around there paws especially my oldest... :D