Keeping cats indoors

lady_marmalade

I will be interested in getting a kitten soon. Was looking on some of the links posted here and saw that a lot of places insist that you keep the cat indoors for the duration. I 100% understand the thinking behind this as I've just lost a cat to the roads, but at the same time I do think that it's kind of cruel keeping a cat confined indoors. What do yis all think?

fabcat

I kind of agree, all my cats have been outdoor cats as in they were free to come and go as they pleased, but we always kept them in at night, I now live in an apartment in the city centre, so the kitten I have now is kept inside all the time, I do feel sorry for her sometimes though as she loves looking out the window and it looks like she wants to go out and explore

Irish-Lass

I have 3 indoor cats and don't think its cruel at all. we have two for nearly 5 years and they are quiet content and happy and one for 2 years. I keep my cats inside cause I live near a main road.

I think as a responsible owner you have to take every precaution where your cat is concerned, people don't let dogs roam so I don't see why cats should be let roam. I know where my cats are 100% of the time, I can spot if they are unwell in a matter of hours, I don't have to go to bed worrying about them if they will come home, if they will be in a fight etc. They are not at risk of getting FIV or FeLV.

Once the cats have toys that will stimulate them they are not lacking anything.

This is what 3 indoor cats look like

lady_marmalade

Aw, Kissy is the image of a cat I had years ago...

nollaig

people don't let dogs roam so I don't see why cats should be let roam.

Thats because dogs can do damage, Cats cant.

I'd never keep a cat indoors all the time.

eiretamicha

When I lived with my mom, my cat Jezebel was indoor/outdoor. She came inside to eat and sleep, and was outside the rest of the time. She was a hunter, an expert tree-climber, and simply loved being outdoors--after all, cats were at one point in time, and still partially are wild. Their natural habitat is the great outdoors.

After I got married and moved to a bigger town with more traffic, I kept Jezebel inside out of fear of the road. Six months I managed to keep her in. And for six months she was the most miserable, grouchy, and mean cat I've ever seen. She was not the same Jezebel. I felt absolutley awful for her.

I started letting her out again last month, and I feel it was the best decision I could have made for her. Yes, I do realize that her lifespan may well be significantly shorter because of this, but I made my decision based on quality of life versus quantity of years. She's a deliriously happy cat again, but the lizards and birds...not so happy.

Irish-Lass

nollaig wrote:

Thats because dogs can do damage, Cats cant.

thats not actually try cats can do damage.........how many people have you heard about cats using their garden to go to the toilet in.....cats kill baby birds etc.

I think anyone who lives near a busy road etc. and is willing to let their cat out to play in my opinion is being irresponsible and they will be the very ones who will have something to say when the cat gets knocked down and killed on the road or knocked down and injured and they have to fork out on vets bill or put the cat to sleep.....but then again cats are disposable in the Irish Society.....easy come easy go.

I know of someone who lives on a very busy road, only has her cats for 6/7 months at a time cause they always get killed on the road.....her reply oh well at least they had a good 6/7 months, in my opinion she should be banned from having cats

I can't understand people who think indoor cats can't be happy, of course if a cat is use to going out it is going to want to go out, but a cat only has a memory bank of 6 weeks so if the cat is kept stimulated and given toys to play with scratch posts to jump off and climb they can be perfectly happy living an indoor only life....and as for quality over quantity don't buy that either sorry

ok rant over

Ruu_Old

We have a kitten and keep her inside 90% of the time, but Im at home most of the time so I guess thats better. When Im out I think she keeps occupied and theres heaps of things for her to play with, shes spoiled rotten. Maybe you could get a companion for him/her? We often bring her out for short walks with us to the park across the street and she seems to like that and drives in the car with us to the pet store (where you are allowed bring your pet inside)

eiretamicha

Irish-Lass wrote:

but a cat only has a memory bank of 6 weeks so if the cat is kept stimulated...

Link? I'm very interested in this, and have definitley never heard it before. I'd like to beg to differ with whoever came up with it, however, because my Jezebel seemed to remember exactly how much she wanted to be outdoors for the duration of the six months that she was indoors. And she was given plenty of affection, toys, and scratch posts...but honestly, who can compare that to hunting for fresh, live prey, and climbing 30ft. tall trees?

I do agree with you in that cats can be very happy inside if they've never lived outdoors. They do not know what they're missing, therefore they don't miss anything at all.

Irish-Lass wrote:

and as for quality over quantity don't buy that either sorry

*shrug* Different strokes for different folks. I don't force my views on anyone, but I do not believe it is right to keep a semi-wild creature locked inside a house 24/7. Dogs are allowed daily walks, why should cats be held captive indoors? I do have another kitty, George, who is harness and leash trained. He is an indoor cat whom we take outside daily, but only ever with his harness and leash. We were fortunate, however, in that we trained him while he was still young. My 5 year old Jezebel, on the other hand, would never take to a harness and leash. She is absolutley miserable if kept locked indoors. I choose to let her outside when she wants out. She is a happier (and yes, healthier) cat for it. I make the best decisions I can for my family, which includes my companion-animals, and I trust you do the same. Specific guidelines can't always be applied to every specific situation.

RotalicaV

I agree, our cat lives both in doors and out. She comes and goes as she pleases. We're next to a main road but shes never out there that i've saw. The people behind us have cats aswell, they're cats and our neighbours next door roam also.

I think cats are smart enough to look after themselves outside and its unfair to keep them indoors permanently.

Arcadian

Cats, the perfect pet for those who like to shirk their responsibilities. Sure just open the door and let it out, don't mind the fact that they destroy peoples gardens when they use them as toilets (talk about smell:mad: ) and they regularly trespass into others' houses. Such cats are likely to be poisoned by irate neighbours, attacked by dogs, hit by cars or simply disappear:(

eiretamicha

Arcadian wrote:

Cats, the perfect pet for those who like to shirk their responsibilities. Sure just open the door and let it out, don't mind the fact that they destroy peoples gardens when they use them as toilets (talk about smell:mad: ) and they regularly trespass into others' houses. Such cats are likely to be poisoned by irate neighbours, attacked by dogs, hit by cars or simply disappear:(

This all depends on the area you live in, and whether or not your pet is spayed/neutered.

Arcadian

All my cats are spayed/neutered, that wouldn't stop them entering the homes of my neighbours or toileting in their gardens, it wouldn't stop them crossing the road either

eiretamicha

Arcadian wrote:

All my cats are spayed/neutered, that wouldn't stop them entering the homes of my neighbours or toileting in their gardens, it wouldn't stop them crossing the road either

I do see how some very social kitties may enter the homes of neighbours. I never really thought about it because my cat is kinda anti-social, and has never done it before. LOL, that would be a strange one alright, coming home from work and having somebody's kitty follow you into your house! I wouldn't know what to do, I guess I'd just give her some attention and put her back outside.

The spaying/neutering was in reference to permanent disappearance. You're absolutley right, it wouldn't stop friendly cats from wandering into other peoples' homes. And it definitley wouldn't stop them from pooing wherever they want.

My cat doesn't go near the road. But I do understand that she may be an exception. I've almost run over a kitty before that made a mad dash for the other side. Scariest 30 seconds of my life!

If one is living in the country, though, with no busy roads and no next-door neighbours, letting them out would be a fair bit easier. I understand that not all kitties can go outside. It's a shame, but it's life.

EGAR

I have my neighbours cats come for a visit, even though theu live more than a mile up the road and I got 33 dogs here . Doesn't stop them from saying hello every once in a while. I would love to keep a cat or two but I can't because of the dogs. Sometimes someone dumps a cardboard box full of kittens on my doorstep which I have to re-home then. I would never re-home a cat/kitten into a 24/7 indoors situation as I would never re-home a dog into a 24/7 outside situation either. Cats are fiercely independent and love to roam. However, it might be different if they don't know any better. But being in rural Ireland I doubt very much that the cats/kittens dumped here were inside all their lives.

Gordon Gekko

I have two indoor-only cats, and decided to keep them as indoor only after extensive, and I mean incredibly, anally, obsessively extensive, research as to the pros/cons/merits/drawbacks of indoors versus outdoors. My natual inclination on starting my research, as is most peoples', was of course to allow them outdoors.

Unlike many people I deal with who accuse me of ignoring nature etc., I evaluated (probably far too much) veterinary, animal behavioural, etc. data and information, mulled it over, and only then came to my reasoned decision.

I was forced during my research to discount such 'urban wisdom' as statements above such as 'cats are fiercly independent creatures' or 'cats are partially wild still'.

If people only did a bit of research, they'd be in a better position to argue their point, instead of relying on the Irish 'ah sure everybody knows cats are x, y and z' argument.

Try applying the outdoors argument to other pets - should dogs roam freely? Or hamsters? Rabbits? Budgies? It is in the best interests of these animals, other wildlife, and society at large that this is not the case - so it is with cats.

eiretamicha

Gordon Gekko wrote:

If people only did a bit of research, they'd be in a better position to argue their point, instead of relying on the Irish 'ah sure everybody knows cats are x, y and z' argument.

Not everyone bases their way of thinking upon the way they were raised. I was raised in a "Oh it's just a cat!" family, and have done extensive research to prove to my family that it's not, in fact, just a cat. Also, as I'm not Irish, I feel the need to point out to you that this way of thinking exists all over the world, not just in Ireland.

Try applying the outdoors argument to other pets - should dogs roam freely? Or hamsters? Rabbits? Budgies? It is in the best interests of these animals, other wildlife, and society at large that this is not the case - so it is with cats.

Technically, yes, they should. But we humans, in our quest to play God, have taken it upon ourselves to "domesticate" these wild animals, and therefore to disrupt the natural balance of the earth's creatures. We've decided that animals are our property and not our co-habitants, therefore in making this decision, we must also make consequent decisions that best suit our particular circumstances. I firmly believe that cats should be allowed outdoors, at least partially, but this simply may not be possible in all situations.

EGAR

Gordon Gekko wrote:

I was forced during my research to discount such 'urban wisdom' as statements above such as 'cats are fiercly independent creatures' or 'cats are partially wild still'.
If people only did a bit of research, they'd be in a better position to argue their point, instead of relying on the Irish 'ah sure everybody knows cats are x, y and z' argument.

Maybe you know different *cats* than me . The ones I know love to be outside and even insist on their outside independence. However, I did write that it may be different with cats that don't know any better.

As to the Irish argument, I am not Irish either . As for the rest I agree with eiretamicha.

Sarah

Tabitharose

good article on the subject:

http://www.vospca.org/archive/freedom.html

The Price of Freedom by Gary Dungan

small quote from it:

At worst, the "free" cat will be killed outright or left with lingering disabilities, abscesses, etc. The list of tragic ends and injuries for the cat allowed to be free goes on and on.

rachel

When I lived at home, we had 5 cats who had free roam of the house & outside. I now live in on the top floor of an apartment block & have three cats who live indoors.
Two of them were got as kittens and have never been outside. However, I have a door which opens onto a roof garden and I have that fitted with a cat flap so they do have access to some open space.
The third cat, Missy, is 3 years older than the other two & she was originally an outdoor cat & by the admission of the person who gave her to me, loved going outside & spent most of her time outside. I was worried about taking her at first because of this but she needed a home urgently & I can't resist a cat that needs a home. I figured if things didn't work out, my mum could adopt her & she could live outside.
As I type now, Missy is stretched out beside me on the couch & has no desire whatsoever to go outside! She goes onto the roof garden occassionally but spends most of her time lounging about being showered with affection. She is one of the happiest cats I know! The same goes for the other two. They show no desire to go out the front door whatsoever & they are usually so curious about everything else.

I have no concerns about keeping the three of them inside. I like to think that their lack of desire to go outside is because they're so happy & looked after here but I think it may be down to their laziness!

The only advice I would give to someone thinking of keeping a cat indoors is 1) get two to keep each other company especially if you're out at work for long periods during the day, 2) buy a specialist indoor cat food which cuts down on unpleasant litter smells & 3) invest in some cat toys & a scratching post, I find they love the little foam balls you can get in pet store

sunbeam

There's an interesting article on international attitudes to the indoor-outdoor debate here. [Edit] There's another one I couldn't find earlier on the pros/cons of indoors and outdoors here

I live in a quiet rural area where practically all cats are outdoor farm animals who might come in to eat or laze in front of the fire, but usually spend the night in the barn. They do tend to roam about a bit, but are generally considered far less of a nuisance than wandering cows and sheep. The roads are very quiet here and though they occasionally get hit by cars, it's certainly not an everyday occurrence. Most of our old cats lived well into their teens. I do appreciate that the outdoors can hold more dangers for cats in busier areas though.

Garth

Can I just point out there are no wild cats in Ireland that are not the result of irresponsible owners of domestic cats?

Cats damage the ecology of Ireland inasmuch as they kill birds and rodent life that are indiginous. They shouldn't be allowed outside at all, and not for their own protection either but for ecological balance and the preservation of species that never evolved to cope with cats as predators.

Cats were brought to Ireland by people who had domesticated them.

Cats make lovely pets but should have to be kept indoors. It's just not the easiest answer, so people won't bother. They don't bother with anything that isn't easy.

My neighbour lets her kids run out on the main road for hours on end. Other motorists stop on the road and coax the very young children off the road before driving on. I guess wandering is natural for toddlers, and probably would be "cruel" to confine them.

Irish-Lass

Garth is right, cats are not native to ireland and were actually introduced here so all cats can be traced back to a domestic cat.

nollaig

thats not actually try cats can do damage.........how many people have you heard about cats using their garden to go to the toilet in.....cats kill baby birds etc.

What I meant was tha dogs can attack people and do that type of damage, Cats wont do that

CookieCat

I think what Irish Lassie is referring to is that it takes approx 6 weeks to modify and re programme a cats behaviour barring genetics. Cat take for granted good experiences but bad experiences stay with them longer. The clever cat Psychologist folks which my friend is one have studied cat behaviour as part of their feline behaviour degree.
Since the 1970 not much was known or documentation about cat behaviour this has now changed and we are learning and understanding more about their personality trates and behavioural displays.

Cats don't need to go out side. In fact kitten adoption only re homes to indoor homes why because they KNOW that is the right thing to do for the cats saftey, this is not just a whim but as I say Jan is a human Psychologist with a qualification in feline behaviour and has written many articles on the subject (Have a google)

To often we project human emotions on to our cats and just because the look out the window and meow it does not mean that it wants out, it means that it is curious. 1 in 4 Out door cats just don't come home info on Kittenadoption.ie there is also a section 9Not for the feint hearted) Pictures of cruelty cases that they have dealt with. Including 2 8 week old kittens that wandered onto a property and were stamped on.

We who work in feline rescue also put a lot of time and effort into rearing these kittens. Hand feeding 2 hours round the clock, expensive vet care. so we want to ensure that they find happy safe indoor homes. That all their needs can be recreated. Jan has reprogrammed many out door cats to be happy contented indoor cats with plenty of play stimulation and even those who have presented with high prey drives have been successfully managed. The problem is not the cats but the humans it does take hard work and repetition as cats learn mainly by repetition, we find the humans may give up before the cat.

I get a bit saddened with folks having the attitude that they know what is best for their cat...Oh they don't go near the road!!!! Come on we love our cats but they are not the brightest buttons in the box and the other excuse.."I wold rather take that chance and give them a happy life, it may be short but they are happy...Did anyone ask the cat?
An indoor cat is not a FLAT cat or a poisoned cat or a diseased cat.

Claire X

fabcat

mine can sometimes be a very stupid cat:rolleyes:

jaggiebunnet

Irish-Lass wrote:

Garth is right, cats are not native to ireland and were actually introduced here so all cats can be traced back to a domestic cat.

which magically sub divided it's cells to create a clone cat that it then mated with?

I think cats should be allowed out of doors, and i have to say the photograph of the cats in the 1st page of this postproves my thinking that they become overweight by being kept in.

I am not saying it is cruel to keep cats in (although it is cruel to keep dogs out and 90% of owners seem to think is acceptable, lock them in the garden and leave em there - let them howl their heads off and piss every neighbour off in a mile radius), but I wouldn't be happy not letting them have their fun in the great outdoors.

Arcadian

jaggiebunnet wrote:

. but I wouldn't be happy not letting them have their fun in the great outdoors.

Define 'fun'

EGAR

Nothing I read has persuaded me not to re-home cats into an outdoor enviroment (mind, I do not re-home cats into cities/towns).

I guess we'll just a have to agree to disagree.

Sarah

CookieCat

EGAR wrote:

Nothing I read has persuaded me not to re-home cats into an outdoor enviroment (mind, I do not re-home cats into cities/towns).

I guess we'll just a have to agree to disagree.

Sarah

No interesting, please share how you reached that opinion:rolleyes: . Though now I am confused. Do we believe the research and the so called experts or the have a go Joe's.;) Is it not responsible management for a rescue to give out researched advice about their chosen breed?
Now I am off to walk the dog where is the choke chain;)
Calire X

eiretamicha

An indoor cat is not a FLAT cat or a poisoned cat or a diseased cat.

No, but it can definitley be an emotionally unstable cat, an angry cat, a stressed cat, a moody cat, an extremely territorial cat, a confused cat, a FAT cat, a yearning cat, and yes, a sick and diseased cat.

Cats are not objects. They are not toys. They are not our "property".

Cats don't need to go out side.

If you're going to argue that point, then neither do humans. But I'll tell you one thing, if I had a choice to either live to be 105 years old but be indoors for the remainder of that life, or live to be 60 and be allowed to feel the sun's rays, taste the earth's moisture, contemplate under a full moon, and smell the damp richness of the earth's soil...I'll give you three guesses as to which life I'd choose.

Fresh food is only one of the basic principles that are needed in order to give your cat a healthy and happy life. Fresh air is another. Sunlight is yet another. And then there's exercise. I don't care how many "thing on a string"'s your kitty chases throughout the day...this will never give it as much exercise as allowing your kitty to run through a field and climb trees.

As a disclaimer, I do understand that not everyone has a giant yard for kitty to run around in, or a humongous tree for it to climb. In these cases, I recommend that you leash and harness train your kitty and bring it outdoors for at least 30 minutes each and every day. Take kitty to an animal-friendly park, to the beach, to the river...allow your kitty to explore and bask in the sunshine for a while. To me, there is absolutley no reason whatsoever that kitties cannot be granted one of life's most taken-for-granted rights. No animal deserves to be kept in a prison.

This debate is really going around in circles. It looks like there are two types of people here: people who think animals should be allowed outside, and people who think they should be indoors for the duration of their lives. We can agree to disagree, it's not a bad thing.