finmagik ([info]finmagik) wrote,
@ 2008-09-30 06:18:00
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Outdoor cats...
I'm looking up websites on cats and how to take care of them. They say to keep your cats indoors. But I'm iffy on it. Because if wasn't for outdoor cats: Leo, Carl, Cairo, Tansy, Horatio, 'Mama kitty'*, Cornelius, that maine coon, and others. I wouldn't be as happy, I wouldn't want a cat of my own.

*although Mama kitty is going to be snatched and fixed.

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[info]eponymous_rose
2008-09-30 12:45 pm UTC (link)
Well, there is a definite difference in lifespan to consider - the average lifespan of indoor-and-outdoor cats is something like five years, versus fifteen for indoor-only cats. If you live in a big city, it's my opinion that you just shouldn't let your cat out - even here, we've had lots of sickos around who've been picking up domestic cats off the streets and killing them in terrible ways. The police claim to be doing something, but it's been going on for over a year, now.

It's something I feel pretty strongly about, so I'd probably wind up preaching at you, a bit. ;) And my first experience with a cat was with the neighbour's outdoor kitty, so I know exactly what you mean. But I think it's okay to be a bit selfish and keep your cat to yourself - it's a question of what's best for the cat, after all.

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[info]st_jb
2008-09-30 01:51 pm UTC (link)
If your cat is still a kitten, pick up a harness and leash. Don't laugh. Cats can be leash-trained with some patience. Not all cats take to it, but if you get your cat started early, chances are it will. Start by just letting it wear the harness around the house for an hour or so at a time to get used to it. Then you can attach the leash and go outdoors.

Don't use the leash on a collar: the harness is safer and more difficult to wriggle out of.

But I'm with eponymous_rose. Depending on where you live, it may be safer to keep your cat indoors. Once there was (I kid you not) a coyote in the neighborhood. Before they captured it, it devoured a few household pets. It even climbed into fenced back yards. We haven't had that sort of trouble for a few years, but it's kind of scary.

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[info]ghost2
2008-09-30 02:30 pm UTC (link)
Well, letting your car out means you risk it getting hit by a car, or causing an accident if a driver swerves to avoid hitting it. I have a friend whose cat caused such an accident, and in that case the driver died from her injuries. It was pretty horrific.

Also, your cat might run away, or get lost or stolen. I'd hate for that to happen to you.

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[info]unclephil2k
2008-09-30 05:52 pm UTC (link)
The real decision on whether or not to let a cat be an indoor/outdoor feline is really a simple one...it's about where you live. If you live in a wide-open more rural area, then maybe you feel comfortable letting him out. But in a more city-based dwelling area, perhaps letting him out isn't the best thing.

The previously mentioned lifespan of indoor vs. outdoor cats is an issue, as is the more likelihood of your cat getting injured or sick from poking through god-knows what, tussling with strays, and avoiding cars. I live in the thick of Albany, and no WAY do I let my cats go outside.

I bought a harness once to let them experience the park, but they were so resistant to going outside...I still have the puncture claw holes in the carpet to prove it. :)

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