Should I keep my cats indoor or indoor/outdoor

[catnapper]

I replied in your other thread about the dangers an outdoor kitty can face, so you already know my opinion

Seriously, like I said, it IS also an American idea. I know most european countries would think its absurd to keep a kitty indoors only. One magazine article I read that was written in England said that cats that live indoor try to commit suicide by jumping off balconies (read this only days after my indoor only kitty Pouncer took a fall off the balcony and broke his paw! LOL) but the truth is, indoor kitties can be every bit as happy and entertained indoors if you provide lots if interaction with yourself and other humans in the house. Give them plenty of toys to keep them active physically and emotionally.

PS: Saw your question about litter... the clumping can actually trun into a cement like substance when you add a lot of water, and it actually can block up everything inside her and kill her. Small kittens make huge messes and always are training water in their fur. Then when they step into the litter, it sticks to them. Then they groom themselves and injest the litter. Make sense?

Also, rule of thumb regarding litterboxes and multpile cats: one box per cat, plus one. So if you have 2 cats, you'd want 3 boxes. 4 cats = 5 boxes. I have 5 cats and 7 boxes. I tried to NOT do the rule of thumnb for the longest time saying that was stupid.... but trust me, its a good rule!

[Karen]

You are in New Zealand, so I'd say indoor-only. Why? Becuase cats have done so much damage to the native species on your lovely island, and you don't wnt your kitties killing off the last of something, do you? And you'd be setting a good example for others as well.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Only let your cats out if your garden is all fenced. Even then, it is necessary to supervise. As you say you live close to a busy street, I would keep the cats indoors!!

My 2 eldest cats are allowed outdoors, but only in our garden. Inka cannot escape due to her handicap, and Maya is to scared to escape. I don't know yet what we will do with both other cats, we will give it a try this summer.

[Randy_K]

Fences mean nothing to a cat so that won't keep one off a road. Indoor-only cats are mentally healthy and can live a long, physically healthy life protected from attack by other animals, injury and exposure to life-threatening diseases like FIV and FIP. What they don't know about they don't miss.

The idea of a enclosure is a good one. If constructed properly it can provide access to the "outside" and provide security as well. I know two European cats who are indoor-only with one walked on a harness. She looks forward to the walks but expects the harness. She knows the rules.

My dear Danté was rescued from the street and didn't ever want to go back out. He spent his days on a protected balcony where he he watched the world go by or snoozed in safety and comfort. That was enough for him. His serious sleep was reserved for inside on the bed anyway.

[Angie]

Cupcake and Ambush are both indoor cats. The last time they were outdoors was when they were strays. We have a screened in back porch that they love and spend a lot of time there and if they're not out there.........I have several birdfeeders near a window which keeps them entertained. So I'm more for keeping cats indoors, its much safer and you know where they are.

[Logan]

I have indoor/outdoor cats, but I know that most cat lovers would encourage you to keep your cats indoors and I totally agree. At the age my Mimi is at, it is too late to try and keep her inside, totally, but she really spends more time inside, than outside, and usually, when she is outside, she cuddles with the dogs on the deck, so is safe. Butter was an adult stray when he joined me 5 years ago. To even attempt to keep him indoors all the time would be disasterous for him and for us! But he tends to stay inside more and more as well. We keep a litter box set up at all times, but Mimi is really the only one who uses it.

If you can find a way to keep your cat inside, I would do it. Once they get a taste of the "great outdoors", it is hard to change that habit. And a fence isn't going to do any good. A cat enclosure is the best way to insure their safety if they go outdoors.

Logan

[Catty1]

She is the perfect age to train on a harness! (NOT a collar).

I have seen very happy cats on a harness and leash that are tied to a large screw in the ground(like dogs have). You just have to be sure that the leash is not long enough to tangle around another object, like a tree.

And I have seen cats walking happily on a harness and leash. Might be an option for you.

My one cat was a wild outdoor one, my other guy dumped, but obviously used to being outdoors.

They are happy inside - they have toys and me and each other! In a second floor condo.

The risks are too heartbreaking otherwise.

I vote for INDOOR - with toys and attention and love.

hugs
Catty1

[catmandu]

I have had 3 Cats in the neighborhood killed by Cars,so I keep the Found Cats Inside.
Scratchy,Orange Blossom and Orangie were all killed by Careless Drivers,and other Porchies were killed by the spread of FIP.
I would keep Seafa inside as its better to be safe than sorry.

[Jessika]

I keep mine indoors if not for anything but peace of mind! They're less prone to illness, getting into fights, getting run over, being picked up... etc.

[icedtea]

Thanks guys!! Ill work on my folks to see if we can build an enclosure for Seafa. I've convinced Mum to let me keep Seafa indoors at night anyway. we have one of those fancy cat doors from our other cats, so when she old enough for us to even think about lettign her outside, I will unlock it, and if she figures it out, then ill have to see about an enclosure, or just taking her on walks on her harness and leash. I am soooo worried about having her outdoor/indoor. My neighbors cat (the evil cats sister) got hit by a car several years ago, but there's been no other accidnts near me since then i dont think. oh well, seafa enjoyed her outdoor time this morning and she lazed around in the sun. we're goign on holiday today with her so thatll be fun. shes great at travelling!!

[Abby&Buddy'sMom]

My two are also kept indoors only as I could not stand the thought of them getting killed by a speeding car. Also , I think I would freak out if one of them had a flea or a bug on them . I know that sounds a liitle bit much, but I really do not want a flea(s) in my house! In the warm weather They get to sit on one of my windowsills, with a full screen in and only when I am right there with them to supervise so nobody scratches on the screen It is funny, but they seem to understand the rule....No standing up on the sill....you must sit at all times.... or you have to get off.....Gee, what a mean meowmie I must sound like But I only worry about their safety at all times

[Laura's Babies]

I see so many cats ran over on the road whenever I go out!

I keep mine inside and always have. There are just to many dangers out there to leave them outside. Mine are very happy staying in, never want to go out or attempt to get out.