Out of my 5, 3 are allowed outside and 2 are allowed out ONLY when I am going to be home and working outside in the yard. I know that I take my chances with them being outside but Tucker, Mystic, and Abner were all outside cats when I got them...some nice, wonderful people were very happy to DUMP these guys by my house. I did not want to take them right into the house because I wanted tests done and because they were all dumped they were all very scared that I was going to do the same thing to them that the other people did. So I worked with them, got them to the vet for their necesary shots and tests and then introducted them into the house.

Now Abner and Mystic are allowed outside once my husband gets home and they come inside before it gets dark. In the winter they are not allowed out unless it is the weekend because by the time my husband gets home it is already getting dark and I don't allow him to let them out no matter how hard, long or loud they cry to go outside.

Tigger and Smokey are different because from the time they were babies they were not allowed outside, therefore the are allowed outside ONLY when I am working out in the yard and they are not allowed outside in winter.

All 5 have collars with thier ID's on them and I really try to keep an eye on them when they are outside. I have them trained to come when I whistle for them or in Mystic's case....shake the treat can.

I know this is a hot topic and I'm sure that there are a lot out there that do not agree with me...I'm not looking for a tounge lashing for letting my cats out but only to respond to this post.