Topic: Indoor Cat (Read 5087 times)

asia snow · « **Reply #26 on:** November 22, 2009, 08:45:40 AM »

I have two kitties who are indoor cats well were until we had a run with house built in the garden now if we bring them in they spend their whole time sitting on the window sill looking wistfully out. Sugar when she comes in will try to make for an escape and if she succeeds we go into panic mode only to find she heads straight for the run!! Cheeky also loves the run but also loves to come in and dives straight under the duvet on the bed! We have a chair that we take up to the run and spend hrs outside playing with them. Currently they have their indoor toys in the house and just a few shelves in the run on which to climb but last week the guy who built it came back to measure up for more shelves, a floor to ceiling scratch post and make a centre tripod climby thing which will have ladders, scratch bits and different levels. Happy cats x

maryas · « **Reply #25 on:** November 21, 2009, 21:30:47 PM »

Just enjoy your time with them and as ALWAYS it is YOUR decision. We can only give our opinion.

Mary

Millys Mum · « **Reply #24 on:** November 21, 2009, 19:27:38 PM »

Quote from: purrdy1 on November 20, 2009, 11:57:19 AM

I will see how it goes but i dont let the kittens out when they are young....and My hubs will probably build a run for them too...

Its months away so dont worry about it yet

a run would be lovely for them

Liz · « **Reply #23 on:** November 20, 2009, 16:12:23 PM »

Karon I have that - sold our souls to get it but I have indoor only at the clan - most ferals some nice some nasty and they don't look to go outside at all - My kittens currently aged 2 at 17 weeks and 2 at 23 weeks will all be house cats till next April at our choice as country living has its issues with Birds of Prey, deer, foxes, badgers, bats and of course in our case our very own feral colony!

Karon · « **Reply #22 on:** November 20, 2009, 14:47:26 PM »

I wish we were able to cat proof our garden. Unfortunately, our front (only) door opens onto an open plan lawn area and short of fencing our neighbour in too, there's no way we can make it so the cats can't get out of the garden. Baldrick was supposed to be an indoor cat only as he's nearly blind but as soon as he could get down the stairs he wanted to go out. He scares me stupid every day, he likes to sit in the road (we're on a quiet estate but not everyone has the brains to stop for a cat in the road - the times I've run outside screaming blue murder at a speeding motorist.....) and he goes to visit people to keep them company. Even if they don't want company.

He would be so miserable if I kept him in I have to let him out, and keep a very close eye on him. At this time of year it's not quite so bad, he won't go out except to have a wee/poo then comes straight in again (he won't use a litter tray unless he's bursting) but in the summer he'll spend a lot of time lying in the middle of the road

He also goes off for walks with children, then gets brought back by annoyed/embarrassed parents :D He's an ex farm cat and roaming seems to be in his nature.

Once the building of some new houses has fnished behind us (it's nearly done now), I think he'll go back to roaming round the fields and woods behind us instead - we're surrounded by fields on this estate - and I won't have to worry so much. The rest of our cats don't go near the road, they stay in our graden, next door's (he doesn't mind) or in the fields so I don't need to worry as much about them.

The pub I used to work in had several cats and they were all either indoor cats, or just sat on his back wall and never went anywhere and they were all very happy with that so I know it can be done, and in the right house (with a garden that nobody else has access to) I'd cat proof the garden completely. It's either that or I need to move to the middle of nowhere, buy a house surrounded that is up its own private drive by at least 10 or 15 acres of its own land then the cats can do what they like.

tigerbaby · « **Reply #21 on:** November 20, 2009, 13:51:32 PM »

Tricky one. I lost my cat to the road and it was by far the most traumatic experience of my life. After that, I decided to adopt a cat suitable for indoor life only - I got littlest Capone who had already been victim of RTA, smashed pelvis, no tail... Kept him in for the first couple of months and he seemed ok with that - we could leave the front door open and he wouldn't go outside - just sit by the door and sniff the air. I then moved in with my boyfriend who has a purebreed bengal who goes outside. It didn't take long for Capone to master the art of the cat flap, and since we can't lock it because the other cat, Capone goes outside too. I have noticed how happy it makes him and how stressed he gets if he must stay indoors. Lucikly he mainly sits in the courtyard or occassionally pops in the neighbours garden for a poop and pee. (none of our cats use the litter trays indoors!)
However the constant worry is always there, and I am all for indoor cats (as long as you have space, lots of toys and time for interactive play), and I am definitely all for cat proofed gardens too!

Edited to say: Another thing with outdoor cats - if they are anything like my cat Jameson (RIP) who would literally spend DAYS outdoors/away from our house, sometimes they get fed at other peoples houses. He was found dead in the road by one of our neighbours - who said he used to pop round theirs for food. Then another neighbour said he used to do the same at his house! And, sadly, I think someone started feeding him across the road....... a very busy road...

At least if you keep your cat indoors/within cat proofed areas you always know that they are safe. Which is the main thing.

purrdy1 · « **Reply #20 on:** November 20, 2009, 11:57:19 AM »

I will see how it goes but i dont let the kittens out when they are young....and My hubs will probably build a run for them too...

maryas · « **Reply #19 on:** November 20, 2009, 11:55:26 AM »

Must admit Michelle, if Bonnie was crying to go out then I would let her out but I would be so nervous. I was lucky that when I got Bonnie 2 years ago that she didn't want to go out.

Mary

Michelle (furbabystar) · « **Reply #18 on:** November 20, 2009, 11:44:56 AM »

Quote from: maryas on November 20, 2009, 11:41:01 AM

I will never let a cat out again.

My Bonnie is so happy being an indoor cat.

That is exactly it - IF a cat is happy being kept indoor then all well and good
if however, it makes a cat misable then I don't agree

maryas · « **Reply #17 on:** November 20, 2009, 11:41:01 AM »

My Smudge never went far - about 10 houses down the road in each direction and was never out for more than 1 hour. He was either picked up or got in someones car/van - I will never know - I had 7 months of torture looking for him and the day after someone had seen him he was killed by a car. At least I could bring him home BUT the 'ifs' 'buts' and 'maybes' are still in my head.

I will never let a cat out again.

My Bonnie is so happy being an indoor cat.

Mary

purrdy1 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 19, 2009, 22:50:14 PM »

Well have made teh decisison that wahtever happens they are indoor cats from now on...My tow dont wander that far anymore they prefere awam lap or fireside...but the new kitties will be kept in and my hubby willl build a run for them for the warmer days.....IVe never had an indoor cat before....but thsi time my girls are going to be safe! i cant bear to lose another one....

not after my beloved purrds xxxxxx

Fire Fox · « **Reply #15 on:** November 19, 2009, 17:42:47 PM »

I've had outdoor cats that adored our village garden and exploring the fields behind our cottage such that I left them permanently in the care of my ex (broke my heart

). I now have a city centre flat and Noah who isn't the slightest bit interested in going so far as the front door! It seems to me the right course of action depends on the temperament of the cat and how exciting their human slave makes life inside as there are so many cool toys and cat trees around!!

Where possible, I think an outside run with lots of branches to climb and scratch is a wonderful compromise. I don't have outside space so chose to adopt a cat with a health condition which means he cannot go out.

purrdy1 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 19, 2009, 16:28:22 PM »

yes I have given this a lot of thought as I want a new cat, and everytime i think of Purrds......it just makes me feel so gutted. The lady from CPL is coming for a home viist....Im a bit worried that the garden isnt big enough, ide be happy to keep them in to be honest!....my other two dont reallly go that far now as they are getting on.....i cant lose another cat to an RTA its simply too painful....

Bazsmum · « **Reply #13 on:** November 19, 2009, 16:17:43 PM »

Quote from: Janeyk on November 19, 2009, 16:15:18 PM

Thankfully mine are safe to go out in the garden but if not I would definitely catproof so many kitties go missing/get lost to the road

Mine too and I so agree with cat proofing!

Janeyk · « **Reply #12 on:** November 19, 2009, 16:15:18 PM »

Thankfully mine are safe to go out in the garden but if not I would definitely catproof so many kitties go missing/get lost to the road

purrdy1 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 19, 2009, 16:07:01 PM »

The more i read teh more i am determined to get our garden cat proofed!

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #10 on:** November 19, 2009, 14:30:33 PM »

another thing , is dont force him to go outside, let him make the first move through the door.

mine showed signs of wanting to go out too, see my avator but when the door was opened they ran away back intio the house

dolcetta46 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 19, 2009, 13:58:20 PM »

Obviously the traffic/cars are the primary concern when letting your cat out, however even if you are in a seemingly safe environment, I would seriously think twice about letting him go roaming about all by himself. I have heard plenty of stories of cats just going missing and not coming back (like Smudge who had also had a very sad ending), being poisoned by a malicious neighbour, being attacked by a loose dog or other wild animals, or eating/coming in contact with god knows what and picking up awful illness etc.
If you are interested in a cat proof garden Gillian has made a lovely cat run for her furries, I am sure she will be able to give you great advices. Or if you don't have the space for it, you may consider taking him out for daily walkies with a harness and lead, as Jackspratt suggested.

Leanne · « **Reply #8 on:** November 19, 2009, 13:47:13 PM »

Welcome to Purrs

I have 2 indoor cats who have supervised access to our garden in the warmer months. We haven't cat proofed our garden but the boys aren't allowed out without us with them (well Milo isn't, Jess is no bother). Why not offer your new boy supervised access with a harness to see how he gets on.

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #7 on:** November 19, 2009, 13:12:33 PM »

As you say he seems like he would like to go out, I'd maybe think about cat proofing your garden like the others have suggested, that way, he can enjoy the outdoors but will be safe from harm and you will have peace of mind.

JackSpratt · « **Reply #6 on:** November 19, 2009, 13:09:48 PM »

Quote from: JDB on November 19, 2009, 12:19:35 PM

We have recently been given a lovely British Blue Short Hair male cat aged 7. He's lovely and has fitted in with our family and other cat and dog very well. However he has never been outside. He clearly would love to go outside and explore. He has had all his innoculations. How do we go about letting him out?

I think you're all missing this bit....

Welcome to Purrs, JDB. You say you have another cat who I assume you let out, so does that mean you're in a safe environment for a cat to roam? (ie: not too busy with traffic etc.) If so you could introduce this boy to the great outdoors gradually by using a harness if he'll let you and taking him outside for brief visits.

You could consider cat proofing too, though. If I'd got the right set up, I think I'd be doing it.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #5 on:** November 19, 2009, 13:00:50 PM »

I agree with the others , unless you have a very safe and secure place to keep him.

He is also at risk of being stolen being they look so lovely and please ensure he is chipped either way just incase he makes a break for it.

hOrZa · « **Reply #4 on:** November 19, 2009, 12:51:40 PM »

All mine are indoor, the traffic around here is too much

hth

maryas · « **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2009, 12:44:49 PM »

I totally agree with Licia.

My Bonnie loves it indoors - she pops in to the garden now and again with me for some grass but then I bring her back in. Going to get the garden cat proofed for next Summer so that she can sit out with me.

I have had cats in the past that have gone out but because my Smudge went missing and I eventually found him dead I would never have an outdoor cat again. Far too heartbreaking.

In door cats can be so happy - who wouldn't be, lots of toys to play with and nice and comfy and warm.

Good luck, welcome to Purrs and let's see some pics please.

dolcetta46 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2009, 12:28:03 PM »

If he is happy inside I would keep him in. If it's not broken don't fix it, he is much safer inside and spared from so many dangers going outside. With his lack of experience he is even more prone to the dangers. If you still want him to go out, I suggest building a cat proofed area in your garden if you have one.

JDB · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2009, 12:19:35 PM »

We have recently been given a lovely British Blue Short Hair male cat aged 7. He's lovely and has fitted in with our family and other cat and dog very well. However he has never been outside. He clearly would love to go outside and explore. He has had all his innoculations. How do we go about letting him out?

Author Topic: Indoor Cat (Read 5087 times)