Jump to content

Cat owners: Indoor or outdoor or both?


Debs

Recommended Posts

We are maybe maybe getting a kitten in a month or so!

 

I've never had an indoor/outdoor cat, they have always been indoor (while I lived in an apartment). Now we are in the country and I was thinking maybe he/she should be an indoor outdoor cat.

 

First: your thoughts on outdoor cats and

 

Second: how do you 'train' a cat to be an outdoor cat and come back? that has always been a curiosity for me!

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 33
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I have had both, and currently have only 2 indoor cats. I think for us it was a personal choice. I felt safer having them indoors. Outdoor cats have a general life expenctancy of 8 years vs indoor who have 14years. There are alot of dangers outside, like cars, racoons, coyotes, poison etc.... Also, we live downtown. When we lived in Vancouver we were downtown and now that we're in Toronto we're at dundas and yonge lol so it wouldn't be very good for them to go out. Plus I don't think they could take the elevators cheesy.gif

 

Both our cats were rescues, and Minggis our eldest boy hates it outside. He won't even go near the open windows. I think it reminds him of the years he spent on the street. Poor little guy.

 

As for training, I think you just open the door and let them go. They are smart and instincts will bring them back.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had a cat and for most of her life she was an indoor/outdoor cat (we lived around a lot of woods so we never let her out near night time). She was an indoor/outdoor cat for 14 years. THen 4 years ago my mom moved and decided to keep her indoors (due to the new location and her age). We just put had to put her down at the age of 18 sad.gif

 

But all in all; i'd say to keep them indoors. Especially if you are in the countryside. Just like Ana said; it's safer for them. I think my cat was just one of the few to live for as long as she did being mostly and indoor/outdoor cat

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have an indoor cat (and a million dogs,, lol) We rescued our cat, we had no choice but to keep him indoors, because he has FIV. But with that said, even if he didn't have FIV, we would want him indoors. Like someone else mentioned, there are just too many risks outside and IMO why have a pet if you don't want them hanging out with you. Sort of like when people have dogs and keep them chained up in the back yard all the time.

 

Anyways, I can't wait to see your kitty.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We've got 3 cats and a Golden Retriever. 2 of our cats are indoor cats and the 3rd is an indoor/outdoor. He's 12 now, a bit crusty and much happier roaming around the neighbourhood. The other 2 cats dont seem to care and really have no interest in the outdoors. Ive had lots of other indoor/outdoor kitties and they know where they live, they've always come back home. We never really had to train them to come back. Good luck with your kitty and for sure post pictures!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Definately a lot more to worry about if you get an outdoor cat. Just keep in mind that typically once a cat has a 'taste' of the outdoors they will always try to get out which will make it really hard to change them to an indoor cat. Another thing to think about -outdoor kitties will hunt and probably bring you 'presents' on your doorstep (ie dead mice, bunnies etc). Lots to think about - all the best!!! meow

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...