I have to say something

[carole]

I agree with you 100 per cent Tonya!!!!!!!!!!!!! how did this become the indoor/outdoor debate yet again.?

[aly]

My indoor cats (and dogs) are NOT miserable. They are all much, much happier than they would be if they were outside. I found Shiloh outside and made her 100% indoors. She was scared the first night, but since then has NEVER wanted anything to do with the outdoors.

There are a few exceptions of cats who you absolutely cannot make an indoor cat out of, yes. But most of them should be inside.

I don't want to draw this out into a 50 page argument, but I just don't want people to start saying animals are miserable indoors because that is just not true.

[Tonya]

It's an individual basis, Aly. Which is all I am trying to say about this whole criticism deal.

I have this other white stray that I have been feeding for three years. This cat is very wild. We got to the point where he'd eat with me sitting there. I trapped him two years ago and neutered him and got his shots. When I brought him home, I tried to keep him inside. It made the cat and I's relationship regress. I have not been able to get within 20 feet of him since then. I don't know if he'll ever trust me again. Anyways, if I ever do tame that cat, I will not force him be inside. All he knows is outdoors. Of course, if he wants to be inside, he is more then welcome. By the way, he is so beautiful! He's long haired, all white, with these gorgeous blue crossed eyes.

Raven is more then happy to spend the rest of her life in our bedroom. She's never been outside once since I adopted her at 5 weeks old. She is totally fine with that, as well as many other cats.

Ron, on the other hand...life is all about the outdoors. I managed to keep him inside for a few months, but he is so determined to be outside. It isn't like I ask him to go out or throw him out. He hides by the door and sprints past me whenever I open it. I just don't make a big deal out of it. I don't chase him all over the neighborhood trying to get him back inside. I do bring him in at night because it seems like cat fights tend to happen at night.

[carole]

Aly I don't think she was inferring your indoor cats were miserable, well it was not her intention I believe.
This debate has gone on and on before, and everyone knows where everyone stands on it I think.
Everyone is entitled to make the choices that they think is right and suits their circumstances for their pets.
I personally have no problem with indoor cats only, and I don't judge anyone, whats right for you is right for you.
cheers.

[kittens]

yep it is each cat owners choice. but when an outdoor cat gets killed by a car, a dog, or some sicko, how will you feel?
also there are diseases they can catch from other cats.
I know you love your cat, and I would hate to see anything happen to him/her. maybe you could take the cat outside with you on a leash?

[kittens]

well I read your post again, and if that cat is that determined to go ouot, then there is not alot you can do, but I just wonder, how do you cat him to get him in at night?

[Tonya]

I say the magic words. "Want some food, Ron?" lol. He comes running!

[CathyBogart]

Several people on the rat forum have stated that in the UK it is considered cruel to "trap" cats indoors. I don't think either strategy is cruel, I just thought it was interesting how opinions can vary so much from place to place. My own cat comes and goes as she pleases, and has for the past nine years.

[NoahsMommy]

First, the indoor cat thing. Plain and simple, where I live it is NOT safe for any of my cats to be outside. As it is, we allow them out on our balcony, INSIDE a 8 x 5 enclosure my hubby and I built. As soon as the tarp on the top flies up or an outdoor cat shrieks (usually from yet ANOTHER cat fight), they want IN, and NOW!!! I take my ques from my cats and my cats prefer living the luxurious indoor life.

(Twisterdog...I agree completely!!!)

As far as animals being given up. I have a "strange" point of veiw. We volunteer at our Humane Society every week (more for me lately, not working) and see a ton of truely wonderful animals come in. I don't condemn those that bring them in simply because the animals will now go to their forever home...a home the deserve. Our shelter is great, there are a ton of people to love the animals and they all seem very happy. I'm often sad to see them go to a new home, but they seem to feel the opposite. Sometimes, the shelter is a better place for animals that aren't "welcome" in their current homes. If someone with allergies isn't willing to take an Allegra every now and then, they don't deserve to have those animals.

When we got married, David had a rabbit. It was hard having the time for her, as they are much like dogs in the time department. We decided to get her a friend, so she'd have something to do while we weren't able to share our time with her. We quickly discovered that it didn't help and she got unhappy. We knew it was time to find a new, deserving home for her. We didn't have a time limit, we just HAD to find the right person. It wasn't fair to them if we kept them just to be "responsible". After about a year of looking for a good home, I found one in a co-worker. She is utterly in love with Faith and Thomas...spends every lunch hour (drives 20 minutes to see them at lunch!) with them, spends nights reading to them, Faith sleeps in her bed, etc, etc, etc. I get to keep up with how they are doing and they are much happier than they were at our house. Recently, I learned that they got a new bunny friend...Angel.

[aly]

I definately think you did what was best for your buns Kelly. In fact, your story made me cry. That is truly pure love. You made a selfless act for their happiness. I don't think anyone could look down on you for that.

I agree with your other opinions about giving animals up because the shelters I work at are AWESOME too. However, its when they are dumped at less comfortable shelters that it gets really bad

I've never been rude to anyone dropping an animal off at my shelter, even if I disagree with their reasons and think they are irresponsible. I just don't want to discourage them from bringing another animal in to us if (heaven forbid) a situation should ever come up with them again. But trust me, in my mind I am cussing them out! (if they don't have a REALLY good reason for dumping their babies).

[NoahsMommy]

Awww, thanks Aly. I still feel totally bad about it...I grew up in a family where my mom was constantly finding new homes for our animals because she didn't want them any more. I didn't want people to think I was the same way. Thanks so much for understanding.

[wolfsoul]

Well, I suppose I may be battered for saying this, but my cat, Sara, is both an indoor and outdoor cat. Although she prefers the outdoors, she never strays far. She only stays in mine and my neighbor's yard (who doesn't mind at all).

I remember being very young, actually trying to get her to walk down the road with me lol. Well, needless to say, I was torn to shreds as soon as I passed my neighbors house.

[cowlovr9797]

[QUOTE]
My son has had asthma and frequent colds all of his life. His colds and congestion are so bad that he is partially deaf. I just found a few months ago that he is allergic to cats and dogs. My beloved animals are what has benn causing the problems all this time. I am doing everything in the world to keep my pets. The poor guy is getting shots once a week to build his system up. He's on allergy medicine, I have hepa filters, I am washing my pets frequently, dusting and vacuuming everyday, you name it. I am not sure if it is going to work. As you all know, I have a ton of pets. What if my son's allergies don't go away? Do I get rid of my son? Or is some stranger that doesn't know me going to tell a story about how some $%#$ gave up a houseful of animals because she was to busy for them?

QUOTE]
i have good news to you there is a dog that is hypo alergenic and they are called bichon frise's. they don't shed and we have three of them even though two of my brothers have really bad asthma. they have human like hair and really easy to groom we all love them

[Tonya]

(((((((((cowlovr9797))))))) Thank you.

[Heather Wallace]

I also agree that people should not get animals on a wim but think about if they can or if they want to look after an animal.

Good topic.xx