Opinions Needed

Here’s the story and I’d like your opinions. As you all can recall our cats have access to the garage and from the garage access to the outdoor cat-run. We have a handful of cats that have NO desire to come indoors. They remain in the garage or cat run. Of course the garage has food, water, beds, toys, etc. Here’s where I need your opinions. The cats that want to remain outside of the house, my husband will force to come indoors. I don’t feel he should do this. He says they need to be in to interact with us, but we interact with them outside! He will block the entrance to the garage so they can’t get out there, but I open it and let them out…which makes him mad. Do you think they need to be forced to stay indoors?

That wouldn't be fair to the cats. Their entire lives, they've had the ability to go where they please, when they please. To force them to become indoor-only cats is akin to putting someone in prison for a crime they didn't commit. These cats have done nothing wrong and will view it as nothing but punishment should your husband force them inside for good.

Live and let live... if you interact with the cats outside and they obviously know where their home is, there is absolutely no reason to change anything now...

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Originally posted by Samantha Puppy
That wouldn't be fair to the cats. Their entire lives, they've had the ability to go where they please, when they please. To force them to become indoor-only cats is akin to putting someone in prison for a crime they didn't commit. These cats have done nothing wrong and will view it as nothing but punishment should your husband force them inside for good.

Live and let live... if you interact with the cats outside and they obviously know where their home is, there is absolutely no reason to change anything now...

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I guess I didn't explain this well enough. He's not forcing them indoors permanently, just for a while to interact inside and not always out in the garage or cat-run. But they don't want to come in so I put them back out, which makes him mad. I think the interaction they get from us in the garage and out in the cat run seems to be adequate for these few, he doesn't. So just wondering what everyone thinks, like me or like him?:D

I say "don't force them". Go to them to interact, and don't force them to do something that isn't comfortable for them. Just my two cents worth. :)

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Originally posted by K & L
I guess I didn't explain this well enough. He's not forcing them indoors permanently, just for a while to interact inside and not always out in the garage or cat-run. But they don't want to come in so I put them back out, which makes him mad. I think the interaction they get from us in the garage and out in the cat run seems to be adequate for these few, he doesn't. So just wondering what everyone thinks, like me or like him?:D

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Oh, my apologies... I thought you meant permanently.

I still say there is no reason for it. Making a cat (animal, really) do anything against its will is just like punishment is to us. If they're happy with their previous situation, don't do anything to change it. They might grow to resent you and your husband even if they're inside for a short period. So if your other situation wasn't broke, don't try to fix it. :)

Oh, oh....sorry, but, I think your husband has a point. Forced interaction, and by that I mean they are forced to sit in the house with you, not forced to sit on your laps...has a purpose to me. I say it is a good idea. ;)

I also think your husband has a good idea. Its good for the cats to get used to being inside the house. Maybe you could start by putting them in for 30 min to an hour per day and give them treats or canned food while they're inside. Once they start getting more comfortable, you can try leaving them in for longer.

Thanks you guys! I guess I'll have to quit arguing with him!:D ;)

Since you are not trying to adjust them to an indoor home (i.e. for adoption) then I say that there is no reason they NEED to be socialized indoors. It MAY help them if they are socialized indoors (in other words,, I can see your husband's point), but I do not believe it is NECESSARY as long as they are safe and happy.

That's how I feel Jen. If they were starving for attention it would be another thing. BUT....we're out there petting, filling food and water, cleaning litter, cleaning the garage and cat run, so it's not like there's no interaction with them. There's just a few that once they went to the cat run and garage, have no desire to come inside. We also have some that have NO desire to go to the garage or cat run...BUT....he doesn't force those outside. The majority go between inside & out.

Let's see, Bear, Blaze, Spike, Porch (who has to stay out there),Boo, and Barney don't come in. Olive, Gabby, Shadow, Bo, and Paisley won't go out...

as long as the option to come in is open (and it sounds like it is) I would not force the issue, myself personally. Willow hides under the comforter in the cat room about 20 hours a day, but I don't force him to come down and watch TV with us. Fern (who is way beyond this point now) used to practically live on our 3rd floor. I never forced her to do ANYTHING she did not feel comfortable doing. She came around on her own. First down to the 2nd floor and now she spends almost all her time on the 1st floor where all the activity is. I think if your guys want to come in, they will.

Hmmm, you shouldn't force them to be indoors, but maybe you can make a temporary stay in the house more attractive to them by offering them yummy food and long playing sessions - and then see what happens...

Kirsten

I don't think it's fair, either. Cats are very independent creatures and if they're happier outside, since they're safe, why make them come inside? It might be doing more harm than good.

The point is taht you cannot force Cats to do anything! You can deny them access to the garage , but feral cats have sometimes had bad experiences with people , and will never interact. Let them be and if they want to be you friends , they will!