Looking for opinions on keeping a cat

[I_Fight_Boys]

Hi all

Ok so I have a question for you lovely people of bodybuilding.com. Do you think it is cruel to have an indoor cat?

The reason I ask is because I've desperately wanted another cat after my last one died five years ago but whilst being at uni I couldn't really afford one. Now I'm finishing uni and will (hopefully) be working soon. My previous cat was an outside cat but that one was feral and I lived with my parents in a house in a small village so we could have a cat flap so it could come and go and there were no main roads near by. I'm looking at moving flats soon but it will most likely be to another flat that is above ground floor level and possibly still in the city which is why I'm asking about keeping a cat inside. My friend had a completely indoor cat and at the time I thought it was quite cruel but now I wonder if actually some cats don't mind staying in.

So what to you think? Thanks in advance to anyone who posts a reply.

[RebeccaG]

In my opinion, cats should never be allowed to roam free.

They will use anything as a litter box - playground sandboxes, people's yards and/or gardens, etc, they will get into fights with other animals and, if not fixed, they will mate with countless other cats producing countless litters of wild cats who will continue to poop in playgrounds, dig through garbage to find food, and mate with other wild cats to continue the cycle endlessly.

I have two cats and they have ALWAYS been indoor cats (I've had one for ten years, the other for 9). I have leashes for them, which they aren't too fond of. lol I have a fairly large deck and they are welcome to go out whenever they like. I've put screen up on the banister so they can't jump through the rails and escape or hurt themselves. Sometimes I take them outside, but I always stay with them. They are so used to their security that they never stray from me even when I take them out into the 'real world'.

I have a large cat tree for them and a house they can hide in. I used to have a bunch of toys but now they are old and lazy, so not too many toys anymore.

Personally I think it is irresponsible to let a cat come and go as they please. Who knows what they are getting into, they could get hurt or killed and you'd never know, the pound could pick them up and euthanize him if they can't adopt it.

You wouldn't let a dog run wild, so why would it ever be ok to let a cat run wild?

Just my opinion.

[I_Fight_Boys]

RebeccaG thanks for your opinion. I can see your point of view the trouble I have is that since I'm used to living in the country and being in the UK there wasn't much that could harm a cat apart from mean people, most of the people in my old street had a cat and not one was an indoor cat so having an outdoor cat is the only way I had heard of keeping a cat until recently. A quick question though, you say you have leads for your cats, do you actually take them for a walk round the park or is that just for the back garden so they don't run away?

[RebeccaG]

Originally Posted by I_Fight_Boys

RebeccaG thanks for your opinion. I can see your point of view the trouble I have is that since I'm used to living in the country and being in the UK there wasn't much that could harm a cat apart from mean people, most of the people in my old street had a cat and not one was an indoor cat so having an outdoor cat is the only way I had heard of keeping a cat until recently. A quick question though, you say you have leads for your cats, do you actually take them for a walk round the park or is that just for the back garden so they don't run away?

No, I don't walk my cats. I did try once, though. It was funny. Haha

I don't use the leash anymore since they would prefer to lounge on the deck. When I did use it, it was just to keep them in the yard.

I get farm cats/mousers. Surprisingly I don't have much of an issue with that. Probably because, like you said, there aren't as many dangers to a cat in the country. And many times a mouser is necessary to the survival of the farm.

[SpittfireDA]

LoL, I've always had indoor cats. As long as they get plenty of exercise, I see no issue.

[CATRACCOM]

Where I live the only way I can have a cat is if it stays inside. I live by a bunch of brush fields with coyotes. A cat is a quick snack. I have 3 and they all stay inside. I do bring them out on a leash once in awhile so they can lay in the grass in the sun. Mine all prefer it inside...they get a little afraid when they go out.
My grandparents have cats that go outside and one of them has had rabies shots 5 different times for catching bats.
I normally get rescue cats from the shelter but the newest one was from a breeder. There is NO WAY she is going outside.

[Emoore]

I think indoors is a great environment for dogs or cats. My two German Shepherds are indoor dogs only-- they only go outside to potty or supervised playtime-- and they're thrilled.

[SpittfireDA]

Originally Posted by CATRACCOM

Where I live the only way I can have a cat is if it stays inside. I live by a bunch of brush fields with coyotes. A cat is a quick snack. I have 3 and they all stay inside. I do bring them out on a leash once in awhile so they can lay in the grass in the sun. Mine all prefer it inside...they get a little afraid when they go out.
My grandparents have cats that go outside and one of them has had rabies shots 5 different times for catching bats.
I normally get rescue cats from the shelter but the newest one was from a breeder. There is NO WAY she is going outside.

I was going to mention something about coyotes too as we have them around here ... it wouldn't end well for kitty

[madelineoneil]

i just adopted a kitty, and she will be an inside kitty. i think its perfectly fine, as long as you have some ameneties for him/her. (scratching post, litter box, warm patches of sun to lay in , etc) i LOVE having a kitty in the house. the one i just adopted is pretty rad, shes a big time cuddler.

[eglionz]

I don't think it's cruel at all. I live in an area where there are giant hawks and coyotes. It would be cat homicide to have one and let it wander.

Shelters often have cats that are specifically "indoor" cats, or better yet, cats who have been declawed by a previous owner and REALLY need someone to take them and give them a safe home for life as an indoor cat (since declawing has rendered them very vulnerable should they ever be outside).

[medjen]

Indoor cats live longer and are healthier than indoor/outdoor cats. They don't get hit by cars, get eaten by predators, picked up by people who think they are strays, poisoned by people that hate them or get in fights with other cats.

It is in no way cruel to keep them indoors. They are warm, safe, protected and have food, water, litter, toys and companionship. Win-win all around.

[Jessica29]

I have never liked cats because of there shedding until I met my boyfriends family cat... I feel in love with her because she is so gentle! Anyways, she is an indoor cat...I would hate for her to go outside (not that she would ever anyways, shes scared lol). Along with everyone elses responses..indoor is a lot better in my opinion! You don't have to worry about them and they will be safe. Good luck!

[I_Fight_Boys]

Originally Posted by SpittfireDA

I was going to mention something about coyotes too as we have them around here ... it wouldn't end well for kitty

Very true, but here in the UK we don't really have any wild animals that are big enough to eat a cat. Nor do we have poisonous snakes or bats infected with rabies as I have seen mentioned before as reasons for keeping a cat in.

Edit: I think there are occasional hawk sightings but I've never heard of one eating a cat?! No wonder you all have indoor cats. Everything where you all live eats cats!

[CATRACCOM]

Hawks are no joke...my sister in law had one of her chihuahuas taken by a hawk. It's smaller than a cat but still...

[hsmosny]

It isnt cruel at all!!! I have an indoor cat and want another one...the bf says no! my cat is a princess she is spoiled eats all day has toys out the backside and even has her own room in my house...yes her own room with a big comfy chair that only she lays in!!!! Like i said she is my princess

[digitalbath11]

I have two indoor cats (age 9 and 4). They are both rescues and got them as kittens. All they have known is indoors. I ocassionally take them out into my patio/porch area, but they cling on to me for dear life. They really enjoy the fresh air, but prefer to have me there to supervise. In Florida, we don't have THAT many hawks, and definitely no coyotes, but we have wild boars and bobcats. Anyhow, they are very happy. We have two stories so they run up and down the stairs a bunch for exercise. During the fall and winter, I open the windows (with a screen) and they like to perch up and watch nature. My cats are the happiest, safest and thriving creatures I know.

[I_Fight_Boys]

Thanks to everyone for their comments, they have been very helpful.

x

[NewMomma09]

Aww...good question! Just proof that you'll be a great "mommy" for your kitty. I have an inside cat and she is perfectly happy being an indoor "fatcat", lol. We had two adorable indoor kittys until we moved here. Unfortunately, one of our babies got outside by accident and within the few hours that he was out there, he was hit by a car. Telling our oldest about it was the hardest thing I've ever done...she cried for hours. SO, by ALL means, keep them in! The one we have is perfectly content running the house from the inside! We've "adopted" a kitty that came with the house that we bought, although he is strictly outdoors, he is determined to come in, lol! It's a constant worry, but he sticks to our yard and the free meals and rubbing he gets. Good luck finding your newest member to your family! Mine follows me everywhere and even knew when I was going into labor with my son!

[punxnotdead309]

I personally don't think it is. I have 2 indoor cats and they seem just fine with it, so long as you give them lots of stimulation. I don't want them going outside because of cars, dogs, and parasites.

[dunkonu9]

Skip the cat get a dog.

[Emma-Leigh]

Originally Posted by RebeccaG

In my opinion, cats should never be allowed to roam free.

They will use anything as a litter box - playground sandboxes, people's yards and/or gardens, etc, they will get into fights with other animals and, if not fixed, they will mate with countless other cats producing countless litters of wild cats who will continue to poop in playgrounds, dig through garbage to find food, and mate with other wild cats to continue the cycle endlessly.

I have two cats and they have ALWAYS been indoor cats (I've had one for ten years, the other for 9). I have leashes for them, which they aren't too fond of. lol I have a fairly large deck and they are welcome to go out whenever they like. I've put screen up on the banister so they can't jump through the rails and escape or hurt themselves. Sometimes I take them outside, but I always stay with them. They are so used to their security that they never stray from me even when I take them out into the 'real world'.

I have a large cat tree for them and a house they can hide in. I used to have a bunch of toys but now they are old and lazy, so not too many toys anymore.

Personally I think it is irresponsible to let a cat come and go as they please. Who knows what they are getting into, they could get hurt or killed and you'd never know, the pound could pick them up and euthanize him if they can't adopt it.

You wouldn't let a dog run wild, so why would it ever be ok to let a cat run wild?

Just my opinion.

^
I agree with this.

[mr_moto_civic]

Originally Posted by CATRACCOM

Hawks are no joke...my sister in law had one of her chihuahuas taken by a hawk. It's smaller than a cat but still...

Wow.. that's terrible. I saw a hawk grab a squirrel and fly off. It was spooky seeing that squirrel dangling while the hawk flew high and far away. I could only imagine how awful it would be to see your cat get snatched up and flown away to an awful death! Geez.

[wantfirmcurves]

Originally Posted by RebeccaG

In my opinion, cats should never be allowed to roam free.

They will use anything as a litter box - playground sandboxes, people's yards and/or gardens, etc, they will get into fights with other animals and, if not fixed, they will mate with countless other cats producing countless litters of wild cats who will continue to poop in playgrounds, dig through garbage to find food, and mate with other wild cats to continue the cycle endlessly.

I have two cats and they have ALWAYS been indoor cats (I've had one for ten years, the other for 9). I have leashes for them, which they aren't too fond of. lol I have a fairly large deck and they are welcome to go out whenever they like. I've put screen up on the banister so they can't jump through the rails and escape or hurt themselves. Sometimes I take them outside, but I always stay with them. They are so used to their security that they never stray from me even when I take them out into the 'real world'.

I have a large cat tree for them and a house they can hide in. I used to have a bunch of toys but now they are old and lazy, so not too many toys anymore.

Personally I think it is irresponsible to let a cat come and go as they please. Who knows what they are getting into, they could get hurt or killed and you'd never know, the pound could pick them up and euthanize him if they can't adopt it.

You wouldn't let a dog run wild, so why would it ever be ok to let a cat run wild?

Just my opinion.

I totally agree with this ^^^
I think allowing cats to roam is a selfish imposition on everyone who has to deal with them. I hate smelling cat piss in my yard when I don't own one. My neighbors across the street have a cat who spends 90% of its life outside. When the weather turns bad, it goes up to the front door and whines for eternity until they get home and finally let it in (so much fun to listen to while relaxing at home ). That cat also 'saunters' when crossing the street and drivers have to swerve to avoid hitting it or having to stop altogether. Nuisance!

[ctgblue]

we have four adopted cats
3 litter boxes
a kitty condo by the window
if you have an indoor cat, make it an ALWAYS indoor cat
it is much less susceptible to catching diseases etc..
if you plan to declaw (your choice) do it early as a kitten
we need to do this but they are too old for me to want to, but they will tear up furniture, it's in their nature
remember
dogs have owners, cats have staff

[mr_moto_civic]

Originally Posted by broseiden

Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?

Even a Caturday cat can write better than that.

[mr_moto_civic]

Originally Posted by ctgblue

we have four adopted cats
3 litter boxes
a kitty condo by the window
if you have an indoor cat, make it an ALWAYS indoor cat
it is much less susceptible to catching diseases etc..
if you plan to declaw (your choice) do it early as a kitten
we need to do this but they are too old for me to want to, but they will tear up furniture, it's in their nature
remember
dogs have owners, cats have staff

I'm glad you didn't declaw your cats. Have you tried any alternatives such as nail caps?

[eglionz]

I always liked my cats to have claws growing up.

It added to the sense of danger I got when trying to pet them.

We had one that would just basically go crazy and try to get your eyes every once in awhile. :>

[Taylormae]

Originally Posted by I_Fight_Boys

Hi all

Ok so I have a question for you lovely people of bodybuilding.com. Do you think it is cruel to have an indoor cat?

The reason I ask is because I've desperately wanted another cat after my last one died five years ago but whilst being at uni I couldn't really afford one. Now I'm finishing uni and will (hopefully) be working soon. My previous cat was an outside cat but that one was feral and I lived with my parents in a house in a small village so we could have a cat flap so it could come and go and there were no main roads near by. I'm looking at moving flats soon but it will most likely be to another flat that is above ground floor level and possibly still in the city which is why I'm asking about keeping a cat inside. My friend had a completely indoor cat and at the time I thought it was quite cruel but now I wonder if actually some cats don't mind staying in.

So what to you think? Thanks in advance to anyone who posts a reply.

It's not cruel at all, we have two. We also have a very secure back garden, so with a little training they have learned to stay within our garden when they get to go outside when we're home to watch them. Too many busy roads plus they could encounter someone pretty nasty in their travels.

[MissDarque]

I have an outdoor kitty and an indoor kitty

my outdoor kitty has a heated shed, a house, and an inclosed sunroom she can roam into when the weather's bad

my indoor kitty is a hairless cat, so he could'nt go outside if he wanted to, he'd either get sunburned or frostbite...lol

[I_Fight_Boys]

Originally Posted by ctgblue

we have four adopted cats
3 litter boxes
a kitty condo by the window
if you have an indoor cat, make it an ALWAYS indoor cat
it is much less susceptible to catching diseases etc..
if you plan to declaw (your choice) do it early as a kitten
we need to do this but they are too old for me to want to, but they will tear up furniture, it's in their nature
remember
dogs have owners, cats have staff

My gran had the problem of a feral cat she adopted tearing up the furniture but she soon sorted that out with a rolled up newspaper across the ear. Effective albeit slightly cruel, alternatively a squirt with a water pistol can also deter this type of behavior.