Keeping your cat indoors
72I'm a cat owner, a cat enthusiast if you will and I'm all about giving your pets the life they deserve, but I'm pretty much anti when it comes to letting your cat roam around outside. I have an indoor cat Booger who's pretty much a spoiled brat; he has the Petsmart pet-flow fountain, the castle dome liter box, endless catnip toys and treats and access to all furniture...even the kitchen table, oops! He spends his days napping in our bed, chasing his stuffed fish around, and watching birds from the window. I like to think he's happy..my finance thinks he's bored. Here's a news flash for all you people who think your cat needs to go outside to achieve happiness: cats don't get bored. If you provide toys, scratching posts, a couple of those elastics that come with milk containers and some ping pong balls around your cat will forget about all the great stuff it's missing outside. Like traffic.
I've composed a list of reasons for cat owners [both current, and prospective] to check out before they contemplate letting their beloved feline beasts run rampant outside.
First and foremost, is your cat up to date on all it's shots? Is it de-clawed? Fixed?
By letting your animal outside without his rabies shots (amongst others) you are succumbing him to disease...there are feral cats no matter how white-bread your neighborhood may seem and 9 out of 10 times they carry some sort of infectious germ you don't want your pet bringing home. If you de-clawed your cat he is literally defenseless against other animals, and will end up getting hurt. Lastly, if your animal is not fixed they will be adding to the already over-population of cats. Cats need to mate, it's their instinct, and if you let them outside that's the first thing they will want to do.
If you've asked yourself those questions and you're thinking, well! My cat has their claws, they are fixed, and up to date on their shots...why can't they go chase chipmunks? Think of other factors:
Traffic!
Cars are the number one threat to cats. Have you ever seen a dead cat on the side of the road? Wondered who's pet it is? I have, makes me cry. Unless you live in a rural area there's probably a road within close proximity to your home..and that road probably doesn't have a “cat crossing” sign on it. People are jerks...jerks that drive fast, and aren't looking for household pets when they are rushing someplace.
Other cats, and animals!
I live in a pretty urban area, and I notice the high number of feral cats grows each spring. With people not fixing their cats, the number is going to keep growing, and while it's nice to want to save them all, they do pose a threat to the typical chunky house cat out for an afternoon stroll. Most cats won't fight to the death, but you might find your pet with a torn ear, or other war wounds if he crosses paths with a territorial stray. Some diseases cats can spread are: FIP,FIV,FeLV,URIs Neighborhood dogs can pose a threat too...most dogs don't enjoy the company of cats, and if your pet strolls into someones yard they might get beat up.
Ringworms, Fleas, Ticks oh my!
There are ways to prevent all these things yes, and in the ideal world a responsible cat owner would do whatever they can do protect their pet from them, but realistically it's not going to happen. A cat with fleas or worms is NOT A HAPPY CAT.
Someone could permanently “borrow” your house pet:
When I was a little girl I used to try and coax peoples pets to come home with me, and a few times it almost worked. The cat I have now, would probably stroll up to anyone for a pet, some free food, and a snuggle, and who knows? Maybe that person is lonely, or assumes my cat [no matter how handsome, and well fed he looks] would make a great pet for them. I'm sure this isn't too common, but you need to think about it.
Also think about:
Your cat getting lost, picked up by the ASCPA, or their collar snagging on something mid jump...and remember, cats that are kept indoors statistically live longer than cats who roam freely!
If you are still convinced you need to bring your cat outside, there are other options though..
You can purchase a leash for your cat, so they can hangout with you when you are outside. If you're going to go this route you have to be patient, because cats normally don't enjoy being harnessed [this doesn't mean they can't get used to it]
I've also provided some links to other "outside" toys you can use for your cat to have a pleasant outdoors experience
 | Amazon Price: $7.95 List Price: $16.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $8.45 List Price: $12.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $29.75 List Price: $42.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $24.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.00 List Price: $14.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $7.93 List Price: $12.95 |
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You should! I a cat leash one of my cats and she went absolutely nuts, but I think if I had practiced a bit more with her she would enjoy it. Remember to be patient!
Would you practice indoors?
I def would. The leash is going to be completely new to them, and it may take them awhile to adjust to life with it on! Try just putting it on and letting them hangout inside..then you can bring them out. But be careful because if they haven't been outdoors before they are going to be a little shocked :D
Good article. I would like to add that my cats enjoy going outside in their stroller. We actually take them for "walks" with the dog. We use harnesses & leashes too around the yard, but they are much less fearful in the stroller and we can take them to the park that way (I would never take them to the park on a leash - too many strange dogs.)
Hi, Alphabetsoup: Thank you for the great advice. Now I want to do it even more, because my cats used to be indoor-outdoor, and they preferred to be outside. I've "confined" them because I realized it wasn't safe of healthy for them to roam, especially since I live on the second floor of an apt. building and had to go searching for them every morning (pure, anguish, I tell you). Walking them on a leash would be a perfect compromise. Regards!
I'm glad I could help! We live in Staten Island now and I know our cat's dying to go hunt birds but there's also a lot of busy streets around here and also a TON of feral cats(it's sad really, people need to get their animals fixed!) and so I would hate to have something happen to him. He's pretty happy with an open window though...I hope the leash works out!
Hi Alphabetsoup Very Good article. I have been rescuing strays for 20 years and have 6 felines at home. (2 girls/4 boys) It's very difficult to keep 2 of my cats inside, but I agree with you 100% about the risks of the outdoors. I lost 1 guy last year (BonBon), who hopefully found a new home. It hurts most not knowing what happened to him. Most recently my cat Gracie had a 7 day outdoor adventure and I needed to trap her to get her back because she did not want to come in. Needless to say she is now grounded for life (lol)http://hubpages.com/hub/Cat-Problems-Within-My-Hom
A great read. I really like your cat articles.
I have nothing against keeping cats indoors, but I think people (or adoption centers) that lobby that cats MUST be kept indoors are silly.
I want kittens and I am ticked that my favorite adoption agency has an "indoors only" contract policy. How stupid! I live in a safe neighborhood in the suburbs. We have almost no feral cats in this area. What is the big deal?
All the "risks" mentioned are just that--risks. Most of them are survivable. It's like saying never to let your children outside because they might catch a cold or get hurt or kidnapped or other kids will be mean to them.
Nothing wrong with indoor cats. Indoors is good if you live near busy streets or if there are dangerous animals around or strict neighborhood rules or mean people, but most cats do LIKE to go outside, and I think if it's safe enough, there's no reason they shouldn't. Cats LOVE to hunt and explore and experience things. It is not cruel to let your cat outside! Cruelty is a matter of negligence or abuse. Of course outdoor cats are at greater risk of injury, death, and disease, but that's life. I have never had a cat that didn't LOVE being outside, especially if I go out with the cat. Unless you have a particularly adverturous cat (especially un unspayed male--but you should get your cars spayed!) they really don't stray that far from home.
As for people "stealing" cats, that totally happens. Usually, you can find them, though, because they are usually "stolen" by people who live in the same neighborhood as you. If your cat 'disappears' walk up and down the street calling loudly. Stop and listen for a response. They will meow. Then you knock on the door and ask for your cat back. It happens, especially if you raise sweet cats (I usually do).
Some things to make having outdoor cats safer: A fenced yard, an enclosed neighborhood, neighbors who know each other, not living on a busy street, not keeping catfood outside (leaving food out will invite other cats as wild animals like racoons and coyotes), teaching cats to come when they are called (train them to think coming to your voice means dinner). Don't let them out too young, and go out with them at first.
I am completely appalled. How would you like it if I asked you to never leave your house becuase the outside world is dangerous? Cats are far more intelligent and resilient than you think and they can hadle themselves just fine. They are ANIMALS, so let them live like ANIMALS. Cats deserve the freedom of the outdoors, with all the dangers and risks that come with it. All your toys are not a sufficient replacement for real moving prey that allows felines to play out their instinctive tendencies. If you really cared about your cats you would treat them as intelligent creatures who can decide for themselves whether they like going outside and how safe it is for them. Stop treating them as children who don't known any better, because they do. Keeping cats indoors, and other animals in cages is the utmost cruelty, we have to stop this madness. We must realize that no matter how much we try to domesticate an animal, they are still wild. They will always choose the outdoors over the indoors. Go ahead, give your cats a chance to go outside, they will not be able to resist. Why? Because that is what they are meant to do.
Guru-C 4 years ago
Hi Alphabetsoup: I can't tell you how comforting this hubpage is to me. I've had mixed feelings about confining my two kitties to my apartment, and they definitely have plumped out in spite of my doing everything I should. They do seem very happy, love each other a lot, and every night share the bed with my husband and I. One big happy family! I guess they don't feel so trapped after all :-} I am thinking of trying the cat lead and take them for early evening walks.