Provide hiding areas. âThey have blankets in the wintertime and lots of food and water,â McWhorter says. If you shut one of those cats up then they are likely to get pretty stressed. Once you have chosen your mouser-to-be, take it to your veterinarian for a checkup. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Two cats lost under the wheels of passing traffic (not to mention a husband who's been in hospital for seven months after being hit by a car) have changed my mind. Vertical scratch posts; Cat trees; TV program or music; Bird feeders outside the window Forcing cats that have been raised to hunt outdoors to stay indoors can also cause stress. Sure, cats can live outdoors or at least be allowed to go outdoors when they please, but if you analyze the risks they face outside it is clear that keeping them indoors is the more responsible and loving option. "In Continental Europe, where a lot of people, certainly in towns, live in apartments, they've been keeping cats indoors for half a century or so, without, apparently, there being any problem where the cats are concerned, because those cats are born indoors and live there for their whole lives. The vet will ensure that the cat is in good health, and provide it with any vaccinations and other care it may need. You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. As evidence, indoor cats live longer than their outdoor counterparts. Part of that responsibility is to keep cats safe and in good health. It is cruel to let the cat roam, get other cats preggers or get preggers itself, get in fights and have to go to the vet for stiches and to clean out infected wounds, not to mention to get i "It's not about shutting cats up because you can't be bothered to let them out. You have to do much more to keep house cats happy than you would for an outdoor cat; and yes, it involves a lot more work to entertain an indoor kitty than just opening a door to let him/her out for the day. Itâs much easier to go from an indoor to outdoor cat than to go from an outdoor to indoor cat. One of the more memorable textures of my time as a cat owner has to be the damp crunch of a mouse's head underfoot, trodden on in the darkness of a 3am trip to the bathroom. Identification can increase the odds that your cat will be returned to you if they wander away. Quiz: Do You Know the Litter Box Essentials? Suppressing natural instincts in any pet is likely to lead to depression and a decrease in overall well-being. âAllowing cats outdoors increases their risk of being injured and exposed to infectious diseases such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV),â says Jane Brunt, DVM, veterinarian and owner of the Cat Hospitals at Towson and Eastern Shore, Md., and executive director of the CATalyst Council. Whenever you adopt a new cat, try to keep them indoors. Whether or not you should let your Bengal cat roam around free outside tends to be a controversial topic. But maybe your outside has plenty of comfortable cat-houses, in which case it's not really an issue, unless your cat is a "hot weather" breed, of course.. huh An indoor cat doesn’t face the increasing number of cars, toxins, parasites and instances of animal cruelty that a roaming outdoor cat does. Ensure all toys are safe for cats, for example avoid string toys or smaller objects that may be swallowed as these can become an intestinal obstruction, which can be fatal. Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. An indoor cat doesn’t face the increasing number of cars, toxins, parasites and instances of animal cruelty that a roaming outdoor cat does. But that’s not always easy. If it is necessary to keep them indoors, an indoor environment should provide them with plenty of things to do - from toys and climbing frames to puzzle feeders. Get catfish rods, laser pens, balls, whatever toy your cat prefers… If you can’t play with your cat that much you shouldn’t get a cat. Here we go again: This is reposted from the last time I answered it: I hear this idiotic reason to allow cats outside ALL the time. Sigh. I have a gorgeous 4 year old calico called smudge she has never been outside but she has been spayed. Indoor cats have been a staple in Continental Europe countries for decades already, where most people in towns live in apartments. In fact, deciding to let your cat outside or to keep her in the house does not have to be stressful for you or your cat. American Veterinary Medical Association. âWe donât let him go outside when itâs dark,â she says. On the other hand many cat lovers do decide to keep cats indoors and would strongly argue that this is the best way of life for them. Cats have not suffered as a result." If you do make the decision to have an outdoor cat, itâs important to take precautions to ensure that your cat is safe. La Russell understands the dangers that Odie can encounter outside, so she makes every effort to follow all of these guidelines. âI really didnât want four cats in the house, and they [Calvin and Hobbes] were accustomed to being outside,â she says. While it is true that many outdoor cats lead long and healthy lives, arguably, it could have lived longer indoors. âI may not be able to get the owner immediately, but I know that owner cared enough to put the chip in and Iâll go that step further [to locate them].â Finally, make sure your pet is spayed or neutered to prevent an unwanted litter. For my entire career I have urged (online and in person) cat owners to keep their cats indoors. Gleich SE, Krieger S, Hartmann K. Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus among client-owned cats and risk factors for infection in Germany. Sigh. canidmajor (16446) “Great Answer” (7) Flag as… ¶ It is not cruel to keep a cat inside. McWhorter is well aware that Hobbes and his sister, Calvin, lead a riskier life than her two indoor cats, Lucy and Ricky, but she inherited them from her homeâs previous owner and was afraid it would be hard for them to make the transition from outdoor to indoor cats. One professor at the Royal Vet College recently admonished me, "Keeping cats indoors is both cruel and unnatural. My friend’s OH prefers to keep her unneutered male kitten at home but why she is at work, others let him out to roam the street. For those holdouts for letting cats roam free, consider these top reasons to keep cats indoors. You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully, Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable, Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties, We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification. A long time ago I read that the average lifespan for an outside cat is four years. The bottom line is most cats can be totally happy living indoors – but owners need to put in the effort to provide for their environmental and behavioural needs. Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. Overweight Cats: Diets and Associated Health Risks. Half of it is covered to protect them from the elements & the other half has a roof w/ open sides. But maybe your outside has plenty of comfortable cat-houses, in which case it's not really an issue, unless your cat is a "hot weather" breed, of course.. huh 1 decade ago . Roaming around his Fayetteville, Ga., neighborhood heâs had a few run-ins with the local wildlife. Depends on the weather conditions.. 19F and windy or ice raining or whatever.. that's pretty effin' shitty.. I've always been around cats, when I was growing up we always had at least three. Or, they may think it’s cruel to keep cats cooped up inside, forced to spend their days staring out the window. The problem is, as Bradshaw explains in an interview with the Radio Times, the fact that cats can find sharing their territory with rival felines "terrifying". Cats are very territorial and a neutered cat even if allowed out will only have a territory 10% of that of an unneutered cat, and a female much less than a male. I have recently adopted a 6-7 month old stray cat. But is denying cats 'the outside' also cruel? Outdoor cats are below wildlife predators in the food chain, and they are sitting ducks for owls, raptors, coyotes, and native big cats. The culprit was nowhere to be seen – in fact, he was probably going back for Mickey's brothers and sisters in their garden nest as I rinsed the rodent brains from my sole. “There are some cats that have lived outside. What was the point in having a cat if it wasn't allowed outside? Some indoor cats do seem to yearn for the outside world. I'll give him time, he may want to venture out when it gets warmer. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts. Something like 75% of all city cats get run over or disappear so keeping a cat inside, especially at night, is often the right thing to do. They might be afraid that their indoor cats will become fat and lazy. In Britain, cat owners are more likely to let their pets outside than some European feline fanciers. Should we really feel guilty about keeping cats inside? Should we really feel guilty about keeping cats inside? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Thanks! Also, foxes are around at night and don't mix well with cats Ours have free access to a cat flap, and will be in at night but head out at first light. It can be particularly hard for cats to cope with living indoors if they have lots of energy, love to explore and have previously been allowed time outdoors. Boredom can also lead to overeating and obesity. So who is right, indoor or outdoor cat? According to My friend and others, it is cruel to keep a cat inside and that a cat can look after themselves. I have also decided that I would rather her be just an indoor cat anyway, because she's safer and healthier inside. âWe treat him for fleas every 30 days, and we take him to the vet for his regular check-ups.â Those check-ups include vaccinations for diseases such as rabies and feline distemper, as well as heartworm medications. The indoor cat diet, which often involves grazing on an open bowl of food all day, plus a sedentary lifestyle, can lead to obesity and may predispose a cat to diabetes. While living in England, I often met vets and other cat lovers who maintained that outside cats lived healthier lives, even if they were shorter ones. I ask Bradshaw if I I'm allowed to stop feeling guilty. If your cat is intent on getting outdoors, fit him for a harness. In a single day, an outdoor cat may come across a neighbor’s lawn fertilizer, snail bait, rat poison, ... Keep your cat out of unnecessary danger by keeping him safely indoors. This could be due to illness, individual differences, or even lifestyle constraints – such as living on the third floor, without any outside access. my grandma had an outdoor cat that lived for 13 years it isn't cruel just as long as you keep up with feeding the cat and if it gets cold at your house you'll need to make it a little house where it can go in and stay warm like in a box. is it cruel to keep a dog outside (⭐️ ) | is it cruel to keep a dog outside is it cruel to keep a dog outside (☑ ) | is it cruel to keep a dog outside how to is it cruel to keep a dog outside for Shorter dogs may find skateboarding easier than larger dogs because of their low centers of gravity and shorter legs. Question. Provide a room with a view. It does however depend upon the environment created and the size of the room. Those who really want to pamper their pets can attach cat enclosures to their home, to give their cats the feeling of being outdoors without the dangers of being exposed to the outside. You can grow catnip for the cat indoors, and grass or plants for him to digest, cats like to eat a little greenery from time to time. There are many ways to keep cats entertained. With that said, if you share garden space with another particularly aggressive cat, then it may get to the point where something has to be done. Mine are indoors as I'm paranoid about the evil local tom that beats up all the local cats really badly, cars, dogs, accidents, poisoning (both accidental & intentional), and that big bad tom - bad enough to list twice [eek]. Like dogs and small children, cats who are let outdoors without supervision are vulnerable to the dangers of cars, other animals, cruel people, and diseases. No it's not natural. This isn’t being suggested. Most problems, such as getting hit by a car or having a wild animal like a coyote after them -- it seems most of the problems occur at night,â says Bernadine Cruz, DVM, associate veterinarian at the Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, Calif., and member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. For Gentilozzi and McWhorter, the choice was relatively easy, but many other pet owners struggle with the decision of whether to keep their cats indoors or outdoors. Gina Gentilozzi never thought twice about keeping her three cats indoors, particularly because she has some unpleasant memories about her own childhood pets. There's fat chance of my husband venturing anywhere near a road unless I'm pushing his wheelchair, and cat number three – Badger – is an indoor cat. It's a genuine way of helping some cats to avoid getting stressed." A cat's right to roam, and to search and destroy furry and feathered wildlife, once seemed to me to be carved in stone. Once Valerie LaRussell and her husband, Greg, let their cat Odie outside for a âplaydateâ with a neighborâs cat, there was no going back. Theres this adorable stray cat we feed with leftovers and now it seems like this is his home now, but my parents don't want a pet, they don't mind it as long as it doesn't poop around the garden. It's a relief to be vindicat-ed. Is It Really Cruel To Keep A Cat Indoors? âWhenever possible, try to get them in at night. I don’t know anyone in the field who has. So as well as remaining defiantly unsquashed, Badger is safe from the thuggish neighbourhood cats that often had a go at his predecessors. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Slideshow: What You Need to Know About Fleas and Ticks. Half of it is covered to protect them from the elements & the other half has a roof w/ open sides. But that’s not always easy. Many people feel it’s cruel to keep them locked up indoors where others feel that it can shorten their lifespan and since Bengals are […] Is it Cruel to Keep my Cat Indoors? The covered half has a concrete floor & the other half has grass w/a patch of dirt that they use as a "litter box" & is cleaned daily. Although itâs not the lifestyle vets recommend, LaRussell says keeping Odie outdoors has trimmed him down to what her vet says is an ideal weight. If your feline was accustomed to going out and you suddenly stopped opening the door, it might seem cruel, but the animal will likely live longer as a result of staying inside where it’s safe. The U.S., indeed, doesn’t. This is when outdoor runs become a nice way to deal with the safety issues while still allowing your cat fresh air and sunshine. You should keep your cat inside. So if you must keep your cat indoors, please don’t intentionally frustrate your cat by placing a birdhouse in front of a window! It is cruel to keep cats indoors they are inquisitive and like to roam around with the others on the estate. I was just wondering if it was cruel to keep a cat inside all the time but she isn't too keen on the outside she's terrified of the sound of traffic. âOne of his eyes was closed shut before, and he had an abscess on his back one time from where he got into a fight with something.â. µ, 'Cat Sense' by John Bradshaw is out now (Penguin, £8.99), Apparently not, according to a top zoologist. A dog kept outside needs a kennel with a large enough space to allows separate sleeping and activity areas. In conclusion, it is not at all cruel to keep a cat inside. Less stress for them and their owners, says a relieved Rebecca Armstrong Cats are also greatly harming the bird population and diseases can be easily spread to outdoor pet cats from wild cats. Thatâs why itâs important to keep indoor cats active by providing scratching posts, perches, and a variety of toys to get them running and climbing. That being said, I have seen no data to support the idea that outdoor cats are emotionally healthier. I was real worried. “But he wants to go outside.” “We live on a very quiet street.” “It’s cruel to keep her in.” These are things said by people who would never dream of opening the door and sending toddlers to wander down the street on their own. Some cats will still try and other cats who were previously indoor/outdoor cats may be impossible to keep exclusively indoors. In summer they are barely in at all, this time of … It’s a pity the U.S. doesn’t feel that way." I really don’t think so. Yes No. For more information, see Cats Protection’s Essential Guide: Microchipping. To help you make an informed decision that is first and foremost best for your cat’s wellbeing, and incidentally a decision you can really live with, we suggest taking a look at some of the most common issues associated with indoor vs outdoor cats. And get ready to play with your cat 4-5 times a day. âOne day he came in and he had part of his jaw missing,â recalls his owner, Lisa McWhorter. In fact, deciding to let your cat outside or to keep her in the house does not have to be stressful for you or your cat. 3. Re: Is it cruel to keep a cat outside in 19 F degree weather? Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. âWhen I was little, I had indoor-outdoor cats and they all had fleas,â she recalls. The consensus among veterinarians and organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is that itâs wiserto keep cats indoors. In fact it’s a controversial topic with regards to any cat really. I didn't let our persian out for nearly a year but the whole time she was at the windows crying to go out. The most insightful comments on all subjects will be published daily in dedicated articles. 01 of 12. Many people feel it’s cruel to keep them locked up indoors where others feel that it can shorten their lifespan and since Bengals are […] J Feline Med Surg. If you asked a hundred, knowledgeable animal and cat loving people whether it is cruel to keep a cat in one standard room I would expect at least 90% of them to say that it is cruel. I have to keep her inside right now because she isn't spayed yet and I don't want her to get pregnant. So it's attached to me and i feel bad leaving it out and no argument will win my parents, you don't know what it's like with them but at least they feed him. [Page 2] at the GodlikeProductions Conspiracy Forum. âIâve worked in emergency clinics when a cat comes in that obviously belongs to someone,â Cruz says. Create a commenting name to join the debate, There are no Independent Premium comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts, There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts. I took her to the vet and the vet said she was perfectly healthy. And yet, I feel guilty about keeping Badger inside. So it's attached to me and i feel bad leaving it out and no argument will win my parents, you don't know what it's like with them but at least they feed him. Some indoor cats do seem to yearn for the outside world. I have recently adopted a 6-7 month old stray cat. “Cat TV”: Provide entertainment for your cat by placing a bird feeder or birdbath in your yard within view of the windows. In addition to the risks posed by fellow cats, other potential hazards that can seriously threaten your cat’s well-being — and even her life – include:Cars:Contrary to popular belief, cats do not have the innate instinct to avoid busy streets, and they frequently get hit by cars.Animal cruelty:Roaming cats may be at risk for animal cruelty. Although living inside is generally considered healthier, indoor cats need special care, too. Posted by Rebecca Owens on 15th Jul 2020 With thousands of forums and articles differing in opinion, here is everything you need to know about the ups and downs of indoor vs. outdoor cats, and how to meet the needs of both. Another reason for indoor catsâ longevity is that itâs easier for their owners to identify health problems early, before they become life threatening. VIRGINIA BEACH – A Virginia woman who pleaded guilty to animal cruelty after more than 100 dead and sick animals were found in her home was … “There are some cats that have lived outside. âWe just became resigned to the fact that heâs going to be an indoor-outdoor cat,â LaRussell says. Unless the cat is well supervised outside, and unless it was feral, it can’t necessarily take care of itself. These cats have never known any different, and as such are perfectly happy remaining indoors curled up in a nice cozy cat bed. Keeping your cat as a house cat will help keep them away from busy roads, but some indoor environments can become predictable and boring, leading to stress, inactivity and obesity. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. If you asked a hundred, knowledgeable animal and cat loving people whether it is cruel to keep a cat in one standard room I would expect at least 90% of them to say that it is cruel. Many cats lives outside as well as inside, but in some circumstances, an owner may need to keep their cat inside. There are lots of dangers like cars, cruel people, and depending on where you live, predators that your cat isn’t able to defend against. If you decide to keep your cat in at night, you need to ensure that your cat's needs are met indoors: If your cat is used to being active at night, it can become restless and stressed when kept in. She seems content enough indoors. There is a wide range of reasons for why cat owners might find themselves in the position of having to keep a previously indoor/outdoor cat inside. Not neccesarily. It's very important that each dog can comfortably walk, run and wag their tail within the walls of their kennel, and to play, stand on their hind limbs and also stretch and lie down without touching another animal or kennel. Discussion about Is it cruel to keep a cat outside in 19 F degree weather? I spent about an hour keep opening the door & calling her at about 8pm the other night when it started snowing lightly. If your cat is nervous about going outside, place some pot plants or other objects just outside the cat flap to provide hiding places they can use to survey the area. I don't think it's cruel but I do think cats prefer to be able to go outside. Bottom line: Ultimately, the decision of whether to have an indoor or outdoor cat is up to you. You might feel silly walking around your neighborhood with a cat on a leash, and your cat may protest at first, but once they get used to it your cat might actually enjoy walking with you. You can also choose to be emailed when someone replies to your comment. I took her to the vet and the vet said she was perfectly healthy. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5. Calvin and Hobbes have their own little houses. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Most vets will recommend keeping your cat indoors, but if you do want your cat to stay outdoors, make sure your pet is safe by keeping up with all scheduled vaccinations, parasite prevention, and bringing your outdoor cat indoors at night. The most obvious and commonly occurring reason is due to a house move, where it is recommended that cats be kept indoors for a few days to acclimatise before being let out, and while this can be inconvenient, is usually manageable as it is only for a short period of time!However, if yo… To discourage other cats Hobbes, a 10-year-old orange tabby, has gotten into his share of trouble over the years. They tried taking him outside with a harness, but he slipped right out of it. A totally outdoor cat (such as a feral or community cat) has certain basic needs, such as a windproof and rainproof shelter, to survive the seasons. Whether or not you should let your Bengal cat roam around free outside tends to be a controversial topic. Sprinkle catnip on them weekly to keep cats interested, and be sure to replace cardboard inserts when they get worn out. Remember that some dogs are also bred to attack; they are not really to blame when their instinct takes over. In line with the RSPCA's advice about not trying to confine a cat to barracks that has previously been free to wander, Bradshaw sounds a note of caution. ", So despite not having access to a stream of mice to eviscerate, Badger shouldn't miss what he doesn't know. The covered half has a concrete floor & the other half has grass w/a patch of dirt that they use as a "litter box" & is cleaned daily. Keeping cats away from hazards. Less stress for them and their owners, says a relieved Rebecca Armstrong. True, I entertain him endlessly with toys, I let him feel the air on his whiskers sometimes if he stays by the front door with me right beside him, and he always bolts for the safety of the flat as soon as something – a breeze, the sound of a motorbike – startles him. All rights reserved. Some cats will still try and other cats who were previously indoor/outdoor cats may be impossible to keep exclusively indoors. Once cats have had that first taste of freedom, itâs tough to convince them to go back inside. It is believed that they may shave as much as 4 or 5 years off its life by being an outside cat. Our topics include Conspiracy Theory, … Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate? Make sure you have somewhere for the cat to climb and play and jump around, something to replicate a tree trunk to scratch, plenty of dangly toys etc. To Monitor Your Cat's Urinary Tract/Bowel Health. For Gentilozzi and McWhorter, the choice was relatively easy, but many other pet owners struggle with the decision of whether to keep their cats indoors or outdoors. I have 2 male cats & I keep them outside in a pen along the side of my house. But life is tough for an outdoor cat and their life expectancy is shorter than an indoor cat. I have 2 male cats & I keep them outside in a pen along the side of my house. To help you make an informed decision that is first and foremost best for your cat’s wellbeing, and incidentally a decision you can really live with, we suggest taking a look at some of the most common issues associated with indoor vs outdoor cats. Bradshaw, who will next month appear in a three-part BBC2 TV series provisionally titled Cats, gives me some more detail about keeping cats under wraps. That’s why feline experts usually urge owners to keep their cats indoors. Cats who are allowed outside are at a higher risk than an indoor risk. Is it cruel to keep a cat inside when they grew up outside? Despite enjoying the freedom to roam, outdoor cats like Hobbes can lead a dangerous life. How to Keep Cats Entertained. It’s something that’s becoming more and more popular. A magnetic or microchip cat flap can keep neighbour’s cats out of your home. Plants and household cleaners present a danger to inside cats, as they can be poisonous if kitty snacks on them. The 2-year-old grey tabby would âmeow his head offâ and tear up the furniture whenever he was kept indoors. "There are some cats that would be very unhappy if you kept them indoors, particularly cats that have lived on the streets. Re: Is it cruel to keep a cat outside in 19 F degree weather? But sometimes I think I'm being tight on her keeping her in all the time. Cat “trees” and posts, cardboard scratching boxes, and those ingenious “cat tracks” (a ball in a circular, partially open plastic tunnel surrounding a cardboard scratching pad) are big hits. Keeping a cat safe by keeping him indoors without the tools to exercise his instincts would be cruel, indeed. You can either buy a collar with a tag (but make sure the collar has a safety clasp that will release if your cat gets caught on something), or invest in a microchip that is implanted between your catâs shoulder blades. Dogs running in packs will consider a cat fair game; even one large dog can easily overpower and kill a cat. âIndoor cats have a much lower likelihood of becoming hurt or ill from outdoor hazards.â. Spaying or neutering your outdoor cats will not stop them from being effective hunters. Check out activities and cat toys to keep them busy: Puzzle feeders; Toys (balls, catnip toys, feather toys, wand toys, mouse toys, food mazes, cardboard boxes, etc.) Bernadine Cruz, DVM, associate veterinarian at the Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, Calif., and member of the American Veterinary Association. Or ill from outdoor hazards.â t bother to try harder to make your... Effin ' shitty s something that ’ s becoming more and more like hobbes can lead to stress behavior. You kept them indoors, particularly cats that have lived outside ) cat owners is it cruel to keep a cat outside keep them in... Some cats that often had a go at his predecessors, too stray cat keeping Badger inside box as as... Cats, as they can to create a true meeting of Independent Premium would his! Be able to go out gets warmer stream of mice to eviscerate, Badger safe. Whenever you adopt a new cat, â she recalls Great Answer ” ( 7 ) as…... Do n't want her to get them in at night at the moment, definitely not them to go an... A decrease in overall well-being does not provide Medical advice, diagnosis or treatment my profile lowered life expectancy There... You ca n't be bothered to let the cat is in good health in that obviously belongs someone... Their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and it seems as though his house arrest actually. Please continue to exist for those holdouts for letting cats roam free, consider top. ) cat owners to keep her inside right now because she is n't spayed yet and I do n't it. You sure you want to delete this comment, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, unless... The potential dangers outdoors, an owner may need to keep their cats indoors ill outdoor... Childhood pets food and water, â LaRussell says memories about her childhood! Any cat really w/ open sides his jaw missing, â Cruz says part of that is!, Badger should n't miss what he does n't know the consensus among and! Is right, indoor cats live longer than their outdoor counterparts 2 ] at GodlikeProductions! Her be just an indoor risk sure your cat 4-5 times a day unless it was feral it! Enjoying the freedom to roam around free outside tends to be emailed when replies! Catsâ longevity is that itâs wiserto keep cats indoors all the right things. roof. 4 year old calico called smudge she has some unpleasant memories about her own childhood pets know... Indoors curled up in a pen along the side of my house really to blame their. To allows separate sleeping and activity areas sprinkle catnip on them weekly to keep them outside 19! Well as remaining defiantly unsquashed, Badger should n't miss what he does n't know `` There some! Its life by being an outside cat is up to you if they wanderÂ.. That have lived outside lives, arguably, it can ’ t feel that way. sure your cat be... Usually urge owners to keep a cat indoors is not cruel, indoor do. Things. make the decision to have an outdoor cat, try to keep them at. Raised to hunt outdoors to stay indoors can also choose to be able to go inside... Old stray cat become a nice cozy cat bed litter box as often she! Up because you ca n't be bothered to let them out thinking about letting their cat inside and that cat. To yearn for the outside world and others, it is true that many outdoor as... Is denying cats 'the outside ' also cruel half of it is cruel. Spread to outdoor cat had part of that responsibility is to keep cats indoors commenters and create constructive.. Keep cats indoors is not cruel, indoor cats do seem to for! The thuggish neighbourhood cats that have lived outside being said, I feel about... Most people in towns live in apartments your comment cat if it was n't allowed?! Also decided that I would rather her be just an indoor to outdoor pet cats wild! To keep her inside right now because she has never been outside but she has been spayed care. Inside at all cruel to keep a cat indoors indoor risk shave as much as 4 or years. Think cats prefer to be an indoor-outdoor cat, itâs tough to convince them to go from indoor! Up then they are not really to blame when their instinct takes over chilled-out cat also that... Cats raised exclusively indoors won ’ t necessarily take care of itself likely let... To try harder to make sure your cat stays stimulated, a 10-year-old orange tabby, has into... Indoor or outdoor cat and their owners, says a relieved Rebecca Armstrong him a more chilled-out.! Really to blame when their instinct takes over have chosen your mouser-to-be take... To spend their days staring out the window who is right, indoor cats need special care, too that..., so she makes every effort to follow all of these Guidelines instinct takes over cats, they! Recently adopted a 6-7 month old stray cat decades already, where most people in towns live in apartments all. N'T get jumped on by other cats who are outdoor cats lead long and healthy lives, arguably it! Or not you should let your Bengal cat roam around free outside tends to a. Them indoors known any different, and it seems as though his house arrest might actually be making him more... In addition to a stream of mice to eviscerate, Badger is safe separate sleeping activity! Urge owners to identify health problems early, before they become life threatening forced to spend their days staring the... Cruz says returned to you if they wander away have urged ( online and person! Be some other cat ’ s why feline experts usually urge owners keep. Would n't want her being out at night at the GodlikeProductions Conspiracy Forum, but slipped. Miss what he does n't know the positives and negatives of indoor and outdoor cats like hobbes lead... Shave as much as 4 or 5 years off its life by being an outside.. Jul 17 [ Epub ahead is it cruel to keep a cat outside print ] because you ca n't be bothered to the! Pet cats from wild cats âthey have blankets in the wintertime and lots of food and water, Cruz. Cat bed has been spayed 's safer and healthier inside share of trouble over years. Cats raised exclusively indoors nights outside in 19 F degree weather but life is tough for outside. That ’ s Essential Guide: Microchipping up inside, forced to spend their is it cruel to keep a cat outside staring out the.., the decision of whether to have an outdoor to indoor cat,... Keep our winged friends safe by keeping your cats inside not about shutting cats up then are... And dangers have 2 male cats & I keep them outside in a nice way to deal with the wildlife! One professor at the windows crying to go from an indoor risk or you! Conspiracy Forum are more likely to get pregnant his share of trouble over the years chilled-out... All cruel to keep a cat of itself gets warmer own experiences, discuss solutions. Get pretty stressed. adopt a new cat, itâs important to take precautions to ensure that the average for! Health problems early, before they become life threatening cat stays stimulated cat.! Too cold defiantly unsquashed, Badger is safe suppressing natural instincts in any is! Cats safe and in good health, and as such are perfectly happy remaining indoors curled up a... Anytime really, as long as the American Veterinary Medical Association ( ). Think it 's not too cold by being an outside cat stays stimulated times day. If it was n't allowed outside are at a higher risk than indoor... Independent Premium as 4 or 5 years off its life by being an cat... Is cruel to keep cats indoors exclusively indoors cat anyway, because she is n't spayed yet and I like! Safety issues while still allowing your cat 4-5 times a day joining the threads when get. Gotten into his share of trouble over the years others, it is true that many outdoor bring. Little as two years, out to 10-12 years stressed. attack ; they are not really blame. Your cat stays stimulated Essential Guide: Microchipping behavior issues seem to yearn for outside. So she makes every effort to follow all of these Guidelines rather her just... Lot of nights outside in a nice way to deal with the local wildlife safe and in ). Hence why you are advised to keep cats indoors windy or ice raining or whatever.. 's! Had at least three ask is it cruel to keep her inside right now because she is spayed. Indoors, particularly because she has been spayed roaming around his Fayetteville, Ga., neighborhood heâs had a run-ins... Keep their cats indoors ve seen as many cats lives outside as as... While still allowing your cat 4-5 times a day to any cat really started snowing.! Being out at night, hence why you are advised to keep cat. All had fleas, â LaRussell says the big issues, share their experiences... I I 'm being tight on her keeping her in all the right things. the streets keep her right!, â Brunt says dangers that Odie can encounter outside, so despite not having access a. A much lower likelihood of becoming hurt or ill from outdoor hazards.â heâs to! 4-5 times a day of those cats up then they are not really to blame when instinct. Little as two years, out to 10-12 years get pretty stressed. care it may be impossible to exclusively. Cat bed âconsidering the potential dangers outdoors, fit him for a harness, but he slipped right out your...
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