What do you think? (opinions please)

[Kfamr]

I've wanted a cat for a long time now, a few years ever since my brother got his cat, Orion. I've been dying for one.

Now.. My dad was probably just kidding around, but possibly not. We were at the Humane Society the other day, talking to the cats and petting them through the fence. I mentioned how badly I wanted a cat to him. He said "We should just build a cage like this outside" (The cats at our shelter have HUGE cages, with beds, perches, scratching posts etc)

We could build something like that if/when we tear down our garden... Install some sort of fan, like they have at the humane society. Now, I wouldn't want it to be out there 24/7, I'd bring it inside at night possibly, and during the day at times... and when it storms.

The reason I can't have a cat inside 24/7 is because my dog Simba does not get along with them. He's fine if i'm sitting there telling him to be nice. Possibly if we did get a cat he'd grow to get along with it. My other dog, Nala, is perfectly fine with cats.



What do you think of a cat living in something like that at our home? Do you think it would be okay?

The only reason i'm asking this is because i'm unsure of it, and would just like opinions.

[carole]

Kay to be honest I can understand how much you want a cat, I mean who wouldn't? but I am in two minds as to whether it would be a fair life for the cat, I know living in a shelter is not the greatest, and you would give it so much love,but it just does not seem the ideal situation to me, I mean yes it could work out ok,but keep in mind cats are very social animals, and love company, apart from the odd exception., and I can imagine you would love your kitty snuggled up on your bed at night, don't you think?

Even though you have asked for opinions, I know you , yourself will know what is the best thing to do. good luck with your decision , should your dad give you the go ahead.

[Kfamr]

Oh, trust me. the Kitty would get lots and lots of attention and company.
It could even possibly sleep with me at night, and Simba could sleep with my parents.


I've thought of borrowing Caeleigh & Orion for a while to introduce them to Simba.


Here's one of the pictures of Simba being nice to Orion, last year.

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Maybe you should get some advice from Noah's Mommy - one of her cats is in an enclosure.

I suppose it would depend on the amount of time you would spend with the cat, and how big the enclosure would be. Maybe you could look at adopting a PAIR of cats, so they would have each other for company. Are you thinking about adopting an adult cat? I can't help but think that an older cat would be better suited to an enclosure than a kitten who needs to be socialised, litter-box trained etc. Sometimes shelters get multiple adult cats from the same house, so at least they get on together.

It's similar to the dilemma I recently had re the dog - outside vs shelter! Unfortunatly my $%^*&* Landlord would not give me permission to erect a fence

Good luck with whatever decision you make!

[Kfamr]

Yes, it'd probably be an adult cat. Some of the cats at the shelter are there for a LONG time, so alot of them have lived in the same sort of set up for a while.

LOL, I'd love to take my brother's cats. I love those guys and i've really never liked cats as much as I do those two. They LOVE being outside in my brothers screened in porch too. They'd stay put there if he allowed them.

The fenced in area in these pictures would be where the enclosure would be... if anything.

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

WOW that's a BIG AREA!! It would make a great cat-run!

[catcrazylady]

I don't think it's a bad idea. I think anything is better than shelter life especially when they will have inside time and lots of love. I do agree with Julie and think that two would be better than one so they would never be lonely. I do know a few of the shelter cats go crazy alone. They have spent so much time in the company of other cats.
It would really be great if you could eventually trust the cat and dog together but at least you would have a place to keep it safe until you were sure of how that would work out.
Do your winters get very cold?

[PayItForward]

I don't like the idea of leaving cats in a cage for the rest of their natural life.

The shelter might be worse but at least they have a chance of being adopted to a proper inside home.

It is not the same as Kellys situation, she didn't want to put Livvy outside and she won't be leaving Livvy outside in a cage for the next fifteen years. Kelly will eventually either bring Livvy inside again or adopt her to a new inside home.

Outside in a cage is not living it is imprisionment, fine for a temporary period but it is not humane as a lifetime accommodation.

Even prisioners get parol after 10 years.

Please think of the cats quality of life, wait until you are on your own to get a cat or two.

[sirrahbed]

Kay - I noticed you have been here in Cat General allot lately! How about borrowing Caeleigh and/or Orion more and more often to really get Simba used to them and going from there? I suspect there IS a kitty or two in your future The idea of the kitty run is great! But best if it could be an indoor/outdoor situation and not just outdoor. I bet you could get Simba to learn to tolerate a kitty! You are good with animals and I really think you could train Simba to get along with a kitty sibling - do you think?? Besides, there is nothing like having a kitty to snuggle in bed and relaxing on the couch indoors!!

Basically, I really don't think being an enclosure cat exclusively is a good idea - unless it is necessary for a cat you already have. For example - Kelly's Livvy who has her own apartment and is the envy of her siblings!!

These are just my opinions!! OK?

[catnapper]

I think dogs can come to love their cat counterpart. When Sammie was alive, she HATED cats and other small animals. When we brought Allen home, she licked her chops and was ready for a nice big dinner! We did the introductions v-e-r-y slowly and in no time they were best buds! After Sammie died, Allen went into a kitty depression Thankfully we got Pouncer and Allen is happy again.

Nicki doesn't exactly LIKE the cats, but she's never ever shown any aggression towards them and as time goes by, I have seen her try to be affectionate towards Pouncer. Never Allen since he likes to tease her!

I also think Simba cold learn to be nice to the cat since he has gone along with everything else you've done to him - oh, I'm thinking clothes and phtos shoots Also you can do a lot of talking to him. I'm serious!!! When we brought Allen home I had lots of long conversations with Sammy about how important it was for her to love the new cat and be nice to him. I swear she understood every word I said!

[CatMama78]

I think you're an excellent mommie to Simba and Nala and would make a great mom to a cat, BUT for now I think I have to agree wit PIF in that a permanant outdoor enclosure is not the best idea. I think it might be a little unfair to keep the cat outside because Simba does not like cats. It's an unfair and preventable stress on Simba, the cat and you. Again, just my opinion.

Not to say that something could not be arranged, espescially when you are such a commited pet parent. On the flip side I think getting Simba used to Orion and Caleigh first is an excellent idea before you commit to a new cat. Simba can more than likely grow to love or at least tolerate a new cat where you wouldn't have to keep him or her outside.

An outdoor enclosure is a great idea if you could proide one, but I think it should be used for play time, and outside time, not as the cat's home. Maybe at first it can be the cat's home, until Simba can tolerate the cat, but definitely not for the long term. I think it would take a lot of commitment and patient to integrate the situation so everyone can live inside, but I'm sure you're the kind of person who could make that happen.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

[Corinna]

I think that of any one here you would have the best chances (just as a dog owner going cat crazy) of making it a successful project. You have thebest training skills . The outside run sounds great as opposed running loose. I know you'd only use it as an exersize pen for them to be safe. Good luck on working on Dad for a kitty.

[kuhio98]

Well, I just don't it's a great idea. If Simba doesn't care for kitties, I think you're just asking for trouble.

Humans tend to be forgetful some times. Cats tend to be curious all the time. With that combination and knowing that Simba has some kitty issues, I think it's a deadly combination. The enclosure door will probably be left ajar at some point (things happen). Kitty will be curious and so will Simba and it wouldn't be a good outcome for kitty.

Kitty deserves a home where it doesn't have to be afraid for its life. Simba deserves a home where the kitty hunting instinct doesn't cause trouble.

[CalicoLuver]

I'd hate to be stuck in a cage my whole life! If Simba doesn't like cats and you don't think that it will work out for you to bring him in then just get a cat and let it be outdoor only. That's the good life right there. Cats are meant to be outside and they can take great care of themselves(if they still have their claws). If you choose to adopt an adult cat(which may be best)then I suggest getting a cat that has been outside most of it's life so it doesn't go into shock. Perhaps and neutered tom that would have no interest being inside at all?
Please don't go along w/this idea of keeping a kitty in a cage. I hate it that they do it at the shelter even though it's only momentairily. I respect the shelters that take the time and money to have a catroom built so the kitties can wander freely.
My cats all stay outside(except for one but only because she has babies)and they show now interest in being in. I suggest getting atleast two because they tend to stick around better.
Good luck

[trayi52]

Kay, I think it sounds like a wonderful plan. I know how dedicated to caring for you pets you are. I think that kitty would have the best home ever, and all the love it could stand! And be one lucky kitty to have you.

I know how you done when you first got Simba, there is no doubt in my mind that the cat would get the best home with you with lots of love and care. I say go for it!

Looks like you have this pretty well planned out, and a very good spot picked out for it. Yes, I think you would make a fantastic cat mommy!!

Wow, the plan you have for the cat run, sound so great, and would be a cat's disney land!

Willie