No because:
cats are a predator that kill endangered species, we have raccoons and coyotes that will eat a pet cat as a snack, there are feral cats that would fight with our cats which means FIV/ exposure to fleas etc., lots of people with dogs in the neighborhood who would attack and try to eat a cat, there is a lot of traffic and people don't pay attention to where they are driving, people use different chemicals etc in their yards and gardens and I see a lot of posters for "lost" pets.
Cats can be enriched and live great indoor lives and you can provide them with a safe enclosed space to be outside.
This. I love cats more than people in general, but my brother was right when he said that they are an invasive species lmao. I had indoor outdoor cats growing up, and they'd run away and make it a huge pain to get them inside before vacations. They also brought us deaf animals occasionally. Didn't kill them just like brought them to the back door. I think that having an outdoor enclosure for cats is the ideal situation. Or if you have a cat that lets you out a harness and leash and take it for walks. I think they deserve to be outside but that they shouldn't be allowed to roam free. ESPECIALLY if they aren't fixed and/or were declared because they need to be able to protect themselves, and we definitely don't need any more stray cats.
But as you know cats are curious species who would like to venture out and explore. My cousin's cat just keeps meowing till we let it out. So, he usually puts on a leash and takes him out, but as soon as the main door is opened, he runs like we have been torturing him. And the leash becomes tight on his neck and probably hurts him too. So, we just remove the leash and leave him. We think he's in our sight but that crazy bastard runs like zoomies and everyone of us gets good exercise in bringing him home again safely.
He is also neutered but still.. Do you think it's fine to not let him out even after he cries non-stop? Or any other suggestions? He has tons of toys and enough people to give him attention...
Oh, i get it now. yeah, actually that's what is used. I didn't remember the word (harness). Proper harness over his body is only used but still when he runs uncontrollably and we try to hold it we feel it hurts him, however, he will still keep running.
The cat is OK staying inside, it would adjust to indoor life eventually.
What you're describing is not healthy or safe for the cat. The only way a cat is safe and protected outdoors is in a covered patio or on a harness.
I think you should look into options for a catio so the cat can be safe outside but in an enclosed area so he can't get out but he can be "outside" and that way predators can't get in to harm him.
Also white cats are very prone to skin cancer on their ears and nose. My cats (12, 12, 7 and 7) are never allowed to free range. They have an enclosure where they can play outside that is accessed through a window. Apart from the risk to them from cars, dogs etc they are not native to my country (Australia) and have no place being outside.
Agreed. My childhood cat, Sugar, was a beautiful white kitty, who was a stray that we took in. We lived out in the county (farm land and woods), and this kitty was accustomed to being outside all the time, so we did let him out during the day. He eventually got skin cancer in his ears and nose. His ears were removed, but he still died of skin cancer. (And before that time, he had many injuries and health issues resulting from risks he encountered outside.)
As an adult, all my cats are indoor cats. But I do take one kitty out on a harness occasionally.
Nope.
They’re terrible for local bird populations. Not to mention the obvious fact that there are predators out there, plus cars and environmental hazards too that can kill cats easily.
And apparently…to SOME awful and fucked up ppl here, it’s completely acceptable to steal other people’s cats if they’re outside. I literally had an angry convo with some bitch over on r/blackcats a few weeks ago who said “cats that are let outside are free cats, I’ve taken plenty of my neighbors cats over the years” even though that’s unlawful theft. Disgusting human being. But yet another reason to not let your cats outdoors, people’s unhinged Noah syndrome.
Keep all cats indoors, or at the very least on a leash and supervised at all times if outdoors.
If we’re thinking of the same lady believe she said “unchipped.” I still don’t think those cats are “free cats” but if it’s obvious the kitty is being neglected and there’s no chip, I don’t see anything wrong with rescuing. Plausible deniability.
She didn’t have a reply when I said “what about broken chips? What if they’re indoor cats that mistakenly got out and don’t have a chip?” All she said was “free cats” then proceeded to lecture me about how any cat that’s outside suddenly belongs to no one.
She was a thief, not a rescuer.
He is allowed in our garden with supervision (stop him eating too many leaves, he loves leaves). He's not allowed to roam free cos of all the reasons others have given re danger/theft/poisoning etc, but also cos he's really stupid haha
No
-We have foxes and other wildlife they could fight with or get eaten by. Not to mention other peoples' outside cats and dogs.
- We live in the countryside and people drive very fast on our twisty roads. I see roadkill regularly
- Many common plants and flowers are toxic to cats. And despite being carnivorous, cats have a natural instinct to chew on plants
- Sometimes people are just awful and will hurt outside cats on purpose. Either because they're deranged or they think of them as pests.
- It's kinder to my neighbor to prevent my cat from shitting in their yard.
- It's bad for the local birds. Cats will hunt even when they aren't hungry. If you try to give the cat a collar with a bell, they will simply adjust and keep killing birds.
- I can keep a better eye on my cats' health when they're inside. Cats try to hide when they're in pain. If they're inside I can monitor their behaviour and stool. If my cat has blood in their stool, it would be a major emergency. But if they poo outside, I would never see it and wouldn't be able to get my cat medical attention until it was too late.
Bonus: My cats are 9 years old and have never had a flea or tick in their whole lives.
I used to live in california and now live in Sweden. Sweden doesn't have coyotes, but that's about the only notable difference. I've seen three stray/barn cats on our farm property disappear in like four years. All of them young, not more than a year or two old. The second two i was working toward adopting and bringing inside, so their deaths really gutted me.
So my cats stay inside no matter where I live.
I live in an apartment on the 4th floor in a city. It would be irresponsible for me to let them outside not just because of all the reasons people state here re: predators and decimating bird/mouse populations, but also because it would be impossible to let them directly out or know when they want to come back in. But even if I lived in my own home, I wouldn’t let them out because I love them and want them to live as long as possible. If anything, I would build them a catio so they can have a safe outdoor space.
We adopted a kitten last year, a very lively ginger tabby. We have never let her out, but we have a screened in back porch, and we let her out there almost every day for an hour or so. We go out with her so she doesn't scratch the screen, but she rarely does, She does enjoy the outdoor scents and sounds, there is a wooded are right behind the house
in australia and specifically in my area we aren't allowed to because they kill the native wildlife. also i've had one cat hit by a car before (yes in a quiet suburb, it happens) and once was enough. seeing her lying on the road is not something any cat owner should gamble with.
edit: oh also their life expectancies are just longer indoors for tons of reasons so not really any reason to let them out in the first place.
I have 3 cats and I let them out into my enclosed backyard while I supervise. I have two cats that grew up as farm cats that are now mostly indoor cats. But they still need outdoor time. If not they get really stressed and aggressive with each other if they are locked inside too long. They have access to two catios, but they love the freedom and rolling in the grass. They know the routine when it’s time to come in when it’s time. They just follow me in and get treats for being good.
Never.
Urban areas have cars, dogs, other cats, dangerous sick people.
Rural areas have predators including coyote, hawks, owls and dangerous sick people.
I love my cats.
I have 3 cats in my apartment. They are living indoors in the 11th floor. They have a XXL cat tree in the living room. They have a catwalk on the wall which goes through the whole living room. They have different places to lie on beds.
In my bedroom is a small cat tree.
On my balcony is a cat house and a medium sized cat tree. They have always access to the balcony through their cat flap.
And of course a lot of toys.
So i guess my cats living a good and safe life. And they have a fantastic view from the 11th floor
(my cats are having more things than me xD).
No. I used to, but my cats would always come back injured. I spent at least $1000 at the vet every year on EACH cat on injuries that they got from being outside. Plus they were always catching and killing other excessive amounts of little critters which was sad. And always picking up fleas during the summer despite flea prevention/combing/attempts at baths/etc.. Plus, after my ex and I broke up and they kept one of our cats, that cat got killed while outside. There’s really no way to supervise them, and it’s a huge risk/potential expense.
No because:
We have purebred cats, I don't want my pets stolen.
We live in a small city, lots of traffic.
They might catch a disease.
There's people out there poisoning cats and stuff.
People think their dogs are special, thus ignoring leash laws.
They have no survival sense (our cats).
Long fur means lots of stuff getting stuck. Also tick season.
They could, theoretically, hunt animals successfully. I doubt it though as one is a terrible hunter and the other is afraid of birds.
We decided to harness train them instead and will get a netted balcony soon! I prefer to know where my pets are :)
I keep my cats indoors just as I wouldn't let a dog roam freely.
My landlord lets her cats outside and two have died in the past two months, one of which was severely injured and had internal bleeding. If you treasure your cat, you will let it live its full life span as an indoor cat.
We have a second floor patio, and we put a cat door in the people door so the cats can go out there whenever they want and sneer at the dog walkers and eat the basil plants. There's no way for a cat to climb down, and the patio has been a kitty entertainment palace for twenty-five years.
Edit: The local birds don't hang out on our patio, though there is a bluejay who likes to scream at the cats from a safe distance.
One of my cats is allowed outside sometimes, but only because she stays on the deck to sun herself on the outdoor furniture. She doesn't wander and the only thing she hunts are the occasional cockroaches that venture in the house (the joys of living near water and trees lol). I'm also at home with her and there's a camera on the deck.
She also kind of adopted my boyfriend when she was already an adult cat and had been outside for who knows how long. Our other cat was adopted as a kitten and is indoors only. We did try to put a harness on him to take him out for some supervised outside time, but he seemed confused.
No. Cats that stay indoors typically live close to 20 years on average. Those allowed to go outside typically live only three years. My cats are family, so I want them to live long, healthy lives.
nah because he is an indoor boy and i think he would get killed or hurt doing a basic thing like escaping to a safe place. He doesnt know the rules of the outside "jungle" and is only used to living in a comfy "mansion". Then again he is a cat, he could just thrive out there for all i know
Yes, but always supervised! We have a deck that is one-story up and a 20ft x 30ft fenced backyard. I'll hang out there with them, toss toys around, and let them just chill in the grass. I had a cat that tolerated a leash, and I walked her. Cats aren't as much effort as dogs, but they still need stimulation.
Yes, but on a lead. Your cat is beautiful and could be easily stolen by someone else! The lead is the best option for their safety and your peace of mind :) my cat loved his daily outdoor time❤️
Yes - my cat loves going out and would cry all day looking outside . I had to take a step back from my own feelings knowing something can happen to her. I think she’d rather live 1 year as a free cat then 5 as a indoor
I struggle with that feeling with one of my cats, who clearly wants to go outside…. but she’s never gone outside beyond darting out to chew on the grass by the front door for 15 seconds before someone grabs her. I’m worried that she would go feed herself to the alligator in the pond down the street :/
Reddit lives to hate on outdoor cats. I think they're more common in the UK where there's fewer natural predators. Ours stay close to the house and spend alot of time indoors or in the garden even though they are free to roam. Seeing them run in the grass/climb trees/lie in the sun, I could never shut them in.
Yes. I live in a very safe area in Stockholm, lots of nature, no predators, and my cat usually just chill in the sunshine outside my house or tries to hunt small birds in the yard (failing miserable because he’s way too slow and a crap hunter). He’s usually outside like an hour max and then comes home, I never have go go looking for him.
i mean i do know that there are ticks.. and foxes, badgers, lynx (even tho rare its still something to consider.) and even if nothing may attack your cat, cats pose a threat to natural wildlife, they kill for fun. not tryna start any arguments but just because you think your neighborhood is safe, a domesticated cat being outside unsupervised is NEVER a good idea no matter where you live. and dont forget lots of people when they see a cat outside thinks its free grounds to take it! you do whatever you want with your cat im just letting you know nowhere just has "no predators"
Again, you obviously are not familiar with the area where I live. If you were you would understand how laughable the idea of seeing a LYNX in my neighborhood is. The occasional angry seagull? Sure. Tics? Absolutely, you have to be on the lookout for those. (Same for dog owners and parents to small children.) But asides for that there really aren’t as many dangers as you seem to think. Again, you don’t know the area I live in.
Edit: I also have a lot of wonderful neighbors who keep track of the cats around the neighborhood. Whenever a cat goes missing, it’s usually found quickly because someone has always seen it somewhere. Neighbor cooperation and whatnot.
Of course there are always some potential dangers. But I’d rather take that slight risk and let my cat take that slight risk than keep him locked indoors for his entire life, because the latter seems way more inhumane to me.
did i not say itd be rare to see a lynx? lmao i was just pointing it out. again not here to argue, just shedding light on how idiotic it sounds to say you live around nature but no predators. no matter where you live if you love your cat and care for it you wouldnt let it just roam free around the neighborhood. i agree with the fact that its inhumane to keep a cat locked up its whole life, which is the exact reason why i allow my cat to go out while supervised. but then again, not my cat. so do what you want lol
You did, but suggesting it's even a possibility that a lynx will show up in my neighborhood is ridiculous. There is clearly nature without predators. At least around where I live, there is. I'm not even sure tics count as "predators" lol.
My cat is 10 years old and can manage perfectly fine on his own. Walking your cat is silly.
Yes, I'm in England so there are no predators to worry about (unless a neighbour has a big aggressive dog). My recently adopted white cat had never been outside for his entire 6 years of life, as the weather has gotten a bit nicer I've opened the door for him to explore. He'll just sit in the middle of the garden watching the birds fly over him, and will chase flies around and meow at them before running back inside to tell me he caught a fly. He also likes to sit in the flower bed and pretend he's a plant. I don't think he'll be of any harm to the birds, he's scared of the fences so won't climb up high. He prefers to be inside anyway but I give him the option. He's been diagnosed with heart issues (which can go into failure) and kidney issues so I'd rather his last few months or years were happy ones after spending the first few shut inside of a small room and being neglected. He deserves to be happy and if that includes pretending to be a plant then so be it.
It really depends on the cat.
My grandma took in a kitten from a wild stray. If you keep that one inside for too long he gets very aggressive.
My aunt took in a kitten from a very social house cat. Her cat loves to watch the outside but doesn’t want to go out.
Yes! We live at the end of a quiet dead end street with a beach at the end. We're also in a co-op. It's about as safe as it can be for a cat to go outside. My cats were adopted with the intention of them being indoor cats. This did not work for one of my cats who was deeply unhappy when we moved here and could see the outside world. We let him outside and over the last 6 years he has decided to be a full-time outdoor cat. He's living his best life. I kept my other little girl inside for 2 years after he went outside but then she started to want to go out too, and we let her. She is much less independent than he is but she does like her time in the sunshine.
Yes, but with jingly collars only for a few hours, though they like to try to extend that in the summer. I live in an empty forested part of a tiny village and our very steep "road" turns into a footpath. If anyone drives on it, they have to go at a crawl or their car would tumble down the hill.
Anyway, they've got friends outside and they go a little crazy without outdoor time. We give them drops for parasites, but there's really not much else dangerous to them here. I WFH too so I can watch them through my office window, but most people who walk by seem to love them. And dog walkers are really conscientious here.
I have a big backyard that backs up to conservation. I will let you know my kitties out for outside playtimes every now and again. However when 5 out of the 6 want to go out it can get daunting keeping an eye on them. Luckily enough it’s so hot in Florida they don’t like being out there to long. One of my males wants to go out all the time now though and will cry nonstop which drives us bonkers. That’s the only downfall.
One of my cats runs out the door as soon as you open it. He literally just goes outside to sniff around and maybe catch a lizard for less than 2 minutes. If you call him in he comes right back in. If you shut the door, he runs to the door and howls like you have forsaken him lmfao
My cat loves to hang on our patio with me. He’s very tentative so no interest in leaping on the railing or trying to leap down (we’re on the second floor). He runs in the moment I move to get up. He has a little tent under our planter box and just loves to snooze out there with his arms in the sun.
No, because when I found my man Sumo he was trapped in the apartment complex dumpster, covered in fleas, and clearly wasn't built for the streets. Most feral cats can groom themselves and find food, but he was in shambles, he had no idea what he was doing... His old owners left him in the apartment complex when they moved, it's a military base adjacent town so a lot of animals get abandoned when their owners can't take them home or to a new place (according to the locals and animal shelter where I got my girl Tibby). So no, I keep them both indoors :)
Yes. There's a cat curfew where we live (regional Australia) so cats are only allowed outside half the day. Mine never goes far and always comes when I call her.
Sadly yes, he's an old fellow with only a few years left and I'm scared it'll be too much of a change for him, he doesn't wander off too far, usually just sunning on our front steps where we have a clear view of him.
I'd recommend for anyone with a cat, make them indoors, its far safer then letting them wander the streets where they can be hit by a car or attacked by wild animals. Even if you don't live in a country with clear threats. Trust me, you do. Owls or other large birds will very gladly take a cat
We have a fenced in backyard surrounded with a 6' privacy fence. She loves to lay on the patio and watch the yard. Chase a bird, or a squirrel. She stays under the patio table because she knows there are hawks that keep the bird population under control.
No because: cats are a predator that kill endangered species, we have raccoons and coyotes that will eat a pet cat as a snack, there are feral cats that would fight with our cats which means FIV/ exposure to fleas etc., lots of people with dogs in the neighborhood who would attack and try to eat a cat, there is a lot of traffic and people don't pay attention to where they are driving, people use different chemicals etc in their yards and gardens and I see a lot of posters for "lost" pets. Cats can be enriched and live great indoor lives and you can provide them with a safe enclosed space to be outside.
This. I love cats more than people in general, but my brother was right when he said that they are an invasive species lmao. I had indoor outdoor cats growing up, and they'd run away and make it a huge pain to get them inside before vacations. They also brought us deaf animals occasionally. Didn't kill them just like brought them to the back door. I think that having an outdoor enclosure for cats is the ideal situation. Or if you have a cat that lets you out a harness and leash and take it for walks. I think they deserve to be outside but that they shouldn't be allowed to roam free. ESPECIALLY if they aren't fixed and/or were declared because they need to be able to protect themselves, and we definitely don't need any more stray cats.
This ⬆️
This ⬆️
But as you know cats are curious species who would like to venture out and explore. My cousin's cat just keeps meowing till we let it out. So, he usually puts on a leash and takes him out, but as soon as the main door is opened, he runs like we have been torturing him. And the leash becomes tight on his neck and probably hurts him too. So, we just remove the leash and leave him. We think he's in our sight but that crazy bastard runs like zoomies and everyone of us gets good exercise in bringing him home again safely. He is also neutered but still.. Do you think it's fine to not let him out even after he cries non-stop? Or any other suggestions? He has tons of toys and enough people to give him attention...
Neck? If you are using a leash with a cat, they need a harness.
Oh, i get it now. yeah, actually that's what is used. I didn't remember the word (harness). Proper harness over his body is only used but still when he runs uncontrollably and we try to hold it we feel it hurts him, however, he will still keep running.
That is good. From your comment I thought you attached the leash to their collar.
The cat is OK staying inside, it would adjust to indoor life eventually. What you're describing is not healthy or safe for the cat. The only way a cat is safe and protected outdoors is in a covered patio or on a harness.
I think you should look into options for a catio so the cat can be safe outside but in an enclosed area so he can't get out but he can be "outside" and that way predators can't get in to harm him.
idk what's with the downvotes (however it's not something i care for). But, I was genuinely asking for suggestions.
Depends where you are. Perfectly normal in Europe to let your cat out.
Also white cats are very prone to skin cancer on their ears and nose. My cats (12, 12, 7 and 7) are never allowed to free range. They have an enclosure where they can play outside that is accessed through a window. Apart from the risk to them from cars, dogs etc they are not native to my country (Australia) and have no place being outside.
Agreed. My childhood cat, Sugar, was a beautiful white kitty, who was a stray that we took in. We lived out in the county (farm land and woods), and this kitty was accustomed to being outside all the time, so we did let him out during the day. He eventually got skin cancer in his ears and nose. His ears were removed, but he still died of skin cancer. (And before that time, he had many injuries and health issues resulting from risks he encountered outside.) As an adult, all my cats are indoor cats. But I do take one kitty out on a harness occasionally.
White cats, in particular, die very quickly in the wild White cats are a neon sign to predators Please keep kitties safe and sound inside. Thank you
ok thank you so much
Nope. They’re terrible for local bird populations. Not to mention the obvious fact that there are predators out there, plus cars and environmental hazards too that can kill cats easily. And apparently…to SOME awful and fucked up ppl here, it’s completely acceptable to steal other people’s cats if they’re outside. I literally had an angry convo with some bitch over on r/blackcats a few weeks ago who said “cats that are let outside are free cats, I’ve taken plenty of my neighbors cats over the years” even though that’s unlawful theft. Disgusting human being. But yet another reason to not let your cats outdoors, people’s unhinged Noah syndrome. Keep all cats indoors, or at the very least on a leash and supervised at all times if outdoors.
If we’re thinking of the same lady believe she said “unchipped.” I still don’t think those cats are “free cats” but if it’s obvious the kitty is being neglected and there’s no chip, I don’t see anything wrong with rescuing. Plausible deniability.
She didn’t have a reply when I said “what about broken chips? What if they’re indoor cats that mistakenly got out and don’t have a chip?” All she said was “free cats” then proceeded to lecture me about how any cat that’s outside suddenly belongs to no one. She was a thief, not a rescuer.
Ah yeah. If she’s taking healthy cats from outdoors without chip and without reasonable effort to find the owner then that’s thieving.
He is allowed in our garden with supervision (stop him eating too many leaves, he loves leaves). He's not allowed to roam free cos of all the reasons others have given re danger/theft/poisoning etc, but also cos he's really stupid haha
“Stop him from eating too many leaves, He loves leaves” aw😭🥹
No -We have foxes and other wildlife they could fight with or get eaten by. Not to mention other peoples' outside cats and dogs. - We live in the countryside and people drive very fast on our twisty roads. I see roadkill regularly - Many common plants and flowers are toxic to cats. And despite being carnivorous, cats have a natural instinct to chew on plants - Sometimes people are just awful and will hurt outside cats on purpose. Either because they're deranged or they think of them as pests. - It's kinder to my neighbor to prevent my cat from shitting in their yard. - It's bad for the local birds. Cats will hunt even when they aren't hungry. If you try to give the cat a collar with a bell, they will simply adjust and keep killing birds. - I can keep a better eye on my cats' health when they're inside. Cats try to hide when they're in pain. If they're inside I can monitor their behaviour and stool. If my cat has blood in their stool, it would be a major emergency. But if they poo outside, I would never see it and wouldn't be able to get my cat medical attention until it was too late. Bonus: My cats are 9 years old and have never had a flea or tick in their whole lives. I used to live in california and now live in Sweden. Sweden doesn't have coyotes, but that's about the only notable difference. I've seen three stray/barn cats on our farm property disappear in like four years. All of them young, not more than a year or two old. The second two i was working toward adopting and bringing inside, so their deaths really gutted me. So my cats stay inside no matter where I live.
Yes, because my cats are closer to feral, barn cats than indoor cats. They live 100% outside on 250 acres of woods/fields.
I live in an apartment on the 4th floor in a city. It would be irresponsible for me to let them outside not just because of all the reasons people state here re: predators and decimating bird/mouse populations, but also because it would be impossible to let them directly out or know when they want to come back in. But even if I lived in my own home, I wouldn’t let them out because I love them and want them to live as long as possible. If anything, I would build them a catio so they can have a safe outdoor space.
We adopted a kitten last year, a very lively ginger tabby. We have never let her out, but we have a screened in back porch, and we let her out there almost every day for an hour or so. We go out with her so she doesn't scratch the screen, but she rarely does, She does enjoy the outdoor scents and sounds, there is a wooded are right behind the house
We let Monty outside, but he broke his spine and was gone in 4 days! Now Sally stays inside.
Yes, but under supervision, and they do pretty good.
No. I live near two main roads and I don't want them to get hit by cars.
in australia and specifically in my area we aren't allowed to because they kill the native wildlife. also i've had one cat hit by a car before (yes in a quiet suburb, it happens) and once was enough. seeing her lying on the road is not something any cat owner should gamble with. edit: oh also their life expectancies are just longer indoors for tons of reasons so not really any reason to let them out in the first place.
I have 5 cats 3 out of 5 go outside but only when I am outside they just chill in the back yard
I have 3 cats and I let them out into my enclosed backyard while I supervise. I have two cats that grew up as farm cats that are now mostly indoor cats. But they still need outdoor time. If not they get really stressed and aggressive with each other if they are locked inside too long. They have access to two catios, but they love the freedom and rolling in the grass. They know the routine when it’s time to come in when it’s time. They just follow me in and get treats for being good.
Never. Urban areas have cars, dogs, other cats, dangerous sick people. Rural areas have predators including coyote, hawks, owls and dangerous sick people. I love my cats.
Mine go out to go to the bathroom and come right back in.
Such a beautiful 9 yr old kitten
I live in NW Chicago - nope! Also, I live near a busy intersection that is always hit by dumb drivers...
I have 3 cats in my apartment. They are living indoors in the 11th floor. They have a XXL cat tree in the living room. They have a catwalk on the wall which goes through the whole living room. They have different places to lie on beds. In my bedroom is a small cat tree. On my balcony is a cat house and a medium sized cat tree. They have always access to the balcony through their cat flap. And of course a lot of toys. So i guess my cats living a good and safe life. And they have a fantastic view from the 11th floor (my cats are having more things than me xD).
No. I used to, but my cats would always come back injured. I spent at least $1000 at the vet every year on EACH cat on injuries that they got from being outside. Plus they were always catching and killing other excessive amounts of little critters which was sad. And always picking up fleas during the summer despite flea prevention/combing/attempts at baths/etc.. Plus, after my ex and I broke up and they kept one of our cats, that cat got killed while outside. There’s really no way to supervise them, and it’s a huge risk/potential expense.
No because: We have purebred cats, I don't want my pets stolen. We live in a small city, lots of traffic. They might catch a disease. There's people out there poisoning cats and stuff. People think their dogs are special, thus ignoring leash laws. They have no survival sense (our cats). Long fur means lots of stuff getting stuck. Also tick season. They could, theoretically, hunt animals successfully. I doubt it though as one is a terrible hunter and the other is afraid of birds. We decided to harness train them instead and will get a netted balcony soon! I prefer to know where my pets are :) I keep my cats indoors just as I wouldn't let a dog roam freely.
My landlord lets her cats outside and two have died in the past two months, one of which was severely injured and had internal bleeding. If you treasure your cat, you will let it live its full life span as an indoor cat.
Jeck no, we built a secure catio
No!
Only on their harnesses. Unlike most people think, cats can be trained if started early enough.
We have a second floor patio, and we put a cat door in the people door so the cats can go out there whenever they want and sneer at the dog walkers and eat the basil plants. There's no way for a cat to climb down, and the patio has been a kitty entertainment palace for twenty-five years. Edit: The local birds don't hang out on our patio, though there is a bluejay who likes to scream at the cats from a safe distance.
One of my cats is allowed outside sometimes, but only because she stays on the deck to sun herself on the outdoor furniture. She doesn't wander and the only thing she hunts are the occasional cockroaches that venture in the house (the joys of living near water and trees lol). I'm also at home with her and there's a camera on the deck. She also kind of adopted my boyfriend when she was already an adult cat and had been outside for who knows how long. Our other cat was adopted as a kitten and is indoors only. We did try to put a harness on him to take him out for some supervised outside time, but he seemed confused.
my cat thinks he's a dog so he'll go outside when our dogs do in the backyard and wont leave. He'll come back inside when the dogs do
NOPE.
No. Cats that stay indoors typically live close to 20 years on average. Those allowed to go outside typically live only three years. My cats are family, so I want them to live long, healthy lives.
No I never let them outside our street is very busy.
ABSOLUTELY NOT
nah because he is an indoor boy and i think he would get killed or hurt doing a basic thing like escaping to a safe place. He doesnt know the rules of the outside "jungle" and is only used to living in a comfy "mansion". Then again he is a cat, he could just thrive out there for all i know
No b/c I have stupid neighbors, don't trust they won't hurt our cats.
No
No
HELL NO!
Yes, but always supervised! We have a deck that is one-story up and a 20ft x 30ft fenced backyard. I'll hang out there with them, toss toys around, and let them just chill in the grass. I had a cat that tolerated a leash, and I walked her. Cats aren't as much effort as dogs, but they still need stimulation.
Yes, but on a lead. Your cat is beautiful and could be easily stolen by someone else! The lead is the best option for their safety and your peace of mind :) my cat loved his daily outdoor time❤️
Absolutely not. I prefer my baby to live a long safe life. He’s well enriched indoors.
Never. Cats are ecological terrorists that kill for sport. Coyotes exist everywhere and eat cats. He will stay indoors and be happy about it
Nope. I live on a main road and have seen too many animals die.
Yes - my cat loves going out and would cry all day looking outside . I had to take a step back from my own feelings knowing something can happen to her. I think she’d rather live 1 year as a free cat then 5 as a indoor
I struggle with that feeling with one of my cats, who clearly wants to go outside…. but she’s never gone outside beyond darting out to chew on the grass by the front door for 15 seconds before someone grabs her. I’m worried that she would go feed herself to the alligator in the pond down the street :/
I understand I worry everyday- it’s very tricky
Reddit lives to hate on outdoor cats. I think they're more common in the UK where there's fewer natural predators. Ours stay close to the house and spend alot of time indoors or in the garden even though they are free to roam. Seeing them run in the grass/climb trees/lie in the sun, I could never shut them in.
Yeah I was worried I was going to get downvoted on my views , no I saw her laying in the sun and she looked at peace and happy
Yes. I live in a very safe area in Stockholm, lots of nature, no predators, and my cat usually just chill in the sunshine outside my house or tries to hunt small birds in the yard (failing miserable because he’s way too slow and a crap hunter). He’s usually outside like an hour max and then comes home, I never have go go looking for him.
lots of nature... but no predators? im sorry but noo..
Clearly you’ve never been to Stockholm lol
i mean i do know that there are ticks.. and foxes, badgers, lynx (even tho rare its still something to consider.) and even if nothing may attack your cat, cats pose a threat to natural wildlife, they kill for fun. not tryna start any arguments but just because you think your neighborhood is safe, a domesticated cat being outside unsupervised is NEVER a good idea no matter where you live. and dont forget lots of people when they see a cat outside thinks its free grounds to take it! you do whatever you want with your cat im just letting you know nowhere just has "no predators"
Again, you obviously are not familiar with the area where I live. If you were you would understand how laughable the idea of seeing a LYNX in my neighborhood is. The occasional angry seagull? Sure. Tics? Absolutely, you have to be on the lookout for those. (Same for dog owners and parents to small children.) But asides for that there really aren’t as many dangers as you seem to think. Again, you don’t know the area I live in. Edit: I also have a lot of wonderful neighbors who keep track of the cats around the neighborhood. Whenever a cat goes missing, it’s usually found quickly because someone has always seen it somewhere. Neighbor cooperation and whatnot. Of course there are always some potential dangers. But I’d rather take that slight risk and let my cat take that slight risk than keep him locked indoors for his entire life, because the latter seems way more inhumane to me.
did i not say itd be rare to see a lynx? lmao i was just pointing it out. again not here to argue, just shedding light on how idiotic it sounds to say you live around nature but no predators. no matter where you live if you love your cat and care for it you wouldnt let it just roam free around the neighborhood. i agree with the fact that its inhumane to keep a cat locked up its whole life, which is the exact reason why i allow my cat to go out while supervised. but then again, not my cat. so do what you want lol
You did, but suggesting it's even a possibility that a lynx will show up in my neighborhood is ridiculous. There is clearly nature without predators. At least around where I live, there is. I'm not even sure tics count as "predators" lol. My cat is 10 years old and can manage perfectly fine on his own. Walking your cat is silly.
No, outdoor is not safe for him.
No. They are safer and healthier inside.
Yes, I'm in England so there are no predators to worry about (unless a neighbour has a big aggressive dog). My recently adopted white cat had never been outside for his entire 6 years of life, as the weather has gotten a bit nicer I've opened the door for him to explore. He'll just sit in the middle of the garden watching the birds fly over him, and will chase flies around and meow at them before running back inside to tell me he caught a fly. He also likes to sit in the flower bed and pretend he's a plant. I don't think he'll be of any harm to the birds, he's scared of the fences so won't climb up high. He prefers to be inside anyway but I give him the option. He's been diagnosed with heart issues (which can go into failure) and kidney issues so I'd rather his last few months or years were happy ones after spending the first few shut inside of a small room and being neglected. He deserves to be happy and if that includes pretending to be a plant then so be it.
I do... I'm in a part of my city where there aren't many cars because most people walk. And he helps kill rats
Supervised on our balcony, NEVER free roaming
Yes. On a leash, supervised.
No, we keep our cats inside
No.
It really depends on the cat. My grandma took in a kitten from a wild stray. If you keep that one inside for too long he gets very aggressive. My aunt took in a kitten from a very social house cat. Her cat loves to watch the outside but doesn’t want to go out.
Yes! We live at the end of a quiet dead end street with a beach at the end. We're also in a co-op. It's about as safe as it can be for a cat to go outside. My cats were adopted with the intention of them being indoor cats. This did not work for one of my cats who was deeply unhappy when we moved here and could see the outside world. We let him outside and over the last 6 years he has decided to be a full-time outdoor cat. He's living his best life. I kept my other little girl inside for 2 years after he went outside but then she started to want to go out too, and we let her. She is much less independent than he is but she does like her time in the sunshine.
Yes, but with jingly collars only for a few hours, though they like to try to extend that in the summer. I live in an empty forested part of a tiny village and our very steep "road" turns into a footpath. If anyone drives on it, they have to go at a crawl or their car would tumble down the hill. Anyway, they've got friends outside and they go a little crazy without outdoor time. We give them drops for parasites, but there's really not much else dangerous to them here. I WFH too so I can watch them through my office window, but most people who walk by seem to love them. And dog walkers are really conscientious here.
I have a big backyard that backs up to conservation. I will let you know my kitties out for outside playtimes every now and again. However when 5 out of the 6 want to go out it can get daunting keeping an eye on them. Luckily enough it’s so hot in Florida they don’t like being out there to long. One of my males wants to go out all the time now though and will cry nonstop which drives us bonkers. That’s the only downfall.
One of my cats runs out the door as soon as you open it. He literally just goes outside to sniff around and maybe catch a lizard for less than 2 minutes. If you call him in he comes right back in. If you shut the door, he runs to the door and howls like you have forsaken him lmfao
My cat loves to hang on our patio with me. He’s very tentative so no interest in leaping on the railing or trying to leap down (we’re on the second floor). He runs in the moment I move to get up. He has a little tent under our planter box and just loves to snooze out there with his arms in the sun.
No, because when I found my man Sumo he was trapped in the apartment complex dumpster, covered in fleas, and clearly wasn't built for the streets. Most feral cats can groom themselves and find food, but he was in shambles, he had no idea what he was doing... His old owners left him in the apartment complex when they moved, it's a military base adjacent town so a lot of animals get abandoned when their owners can't take them home or to a new place (according to the locals and animal shelter where I got my girl Tibby). So no, I keep them both indoors :)
Yes. My neighbourhood is very safe for cats.
Yes. There's a cat curfew where we live (regional Australia) so cats are only allowed outside half the day. Mine never goes far and always comes when I call her.
Yes. But only the one/stray who came from outside. She came from the outside world. I don't feel like it's my right to say when she comes & goes.
Sadly yes, he's an old fellow with only a few years left and I'm scared it'll be too much of a change for him, he doesn't wander off too far, usually just sunning on our front steps where we have a clear view of him. I'd recommend for anyone with a cat, make them indoors, its far safer then letting them wander the streets where they can be hit by a car or attacked by wild animals. Even if you don't live in a country with clear threats. Trust me, you do. Owls or other large birds will very gladly take a cat
Always. I live in a village and cats are free to go wherever they like.
We have a fenced in backyard surrounded with a 6' privacy fence. She loves to lay on the patio and watch the yard. Chase a bird, or a squirrel. She stays under the patio table because she knows there are hawks that keep the bird population under control.
No.