| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Should I let my indoor cat become an outdoor cat? |
| Yes |
|
12% |
[ 5 ] |
| No |
|
87% |
[ 34 ] |
|
| Total Votes : 39 |
|
| Author |
Message |
| CatsRus |
 Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 12:37 pm
Post subject: |
 |
|
Indoor only.
Often when the discussion comes up, it is a result of a cat that was permitted some outdoor access now demanding it - usually on a schedule that conflicts with out own!
Those who support outdoor will often refer to "safely supervised" or "far from the road" as justification for the safety of their pets. YOUR backyard is not safe, even if they do not leave.
Raccoons carry distemper and other illnesses your cat can come into contact with even IF the raccoon isn't there (poop, partially eaten food, markings).
Stray/feral cats that could be FeLV or FIP positive will not respect your fence as you believe your cat does. They can leave presents that your cat can come into contact with. Also, if there is a female in heat, it really doesn't matter if your boy is neutered, he is likely to go off seeking!
The myriad of parasites present in our SAFE backyards is astounding.
What about heartworm infections? Cats cannot be treated as dogs can be. Are all your outdoor cats on prevention?
This goes back to the expectation that cats are "low maintenance". Throw the bowls down with Friskies dry, some water and maybe a box (or let them out to potty) and poof, you are done. Cats are as interactive as dogs are, they SEEM more independant, but they are completely dependant on us for their survival.
Have a cat that lived to 15 being outside? Awesome. But because it is a law of averages, somewhere another outdoor kitty died at less than a year.
MagsMum - WHOLELY concur. I tire of replacing screen, damage to my cars and dead critters left on my doorstep. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
| JustAnotherStar |
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 12:54 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
Now if your cat just absolutley insists on enjoying the outdoors.. I have a few suggestions.. leash traing your kitty and take them out with you. (most cats refuse to take part in leash training darn their stubborn attitudes lmao)
Or.. i saw the most awesome thing the other day in a magazine I'll try and post it when I get home and find out which magazine it was in as I know they have a website..
Anyways it's like this little pop up mesh tent (with a bottom) so you can just pop it up in the yard and let yer kitty lie in the sun.
PLease don't let yer kitty run free outside. I have a cat whom is an indoor cat except for the occassional jaunt right outside the door to lay on the walkway and bask in the sun for a bit and then return to his couch. One day he disappeared.. luckily he showed up a year and a half later..(which is almost unheard of) And now is not allowed ANYWHERE near the door.
Nikki |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PrincessLucy
Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Total posts: 4211 Location: Connecticut Age: 52 Gender: Female |
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 1:23 pm
Post subject: |
|
|
| rach03 wrote: | | Oh and I live in Weston Ct and I have not heard of any problems with coyotes but I am sure they are around I am not sure where Southington is but if you have them there I am sure they are around here too, we do have them all come in at night, I will try to be more careful. |
You are about an hour's drive from me. Probably 30 miles as the crow flies.
Kind of off topic, but you are about 20 miles from Derby.
If you aren't busy Monday (April 25th), we are meeting at noon at the Derby courthouse (exit 17 off route 8 ).
Brannon Chandler, the one who allegedly killed the 5 puppies, and nearly killed a 6th goes back to court. We are at every court appearance. His lawyer is trying to get the charges reduced, and he wants a jury trial.
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/3618/CT/US/1
We are meeting at the courthouse at noon. I will be wearing my "Abuse an animal, go to jail" t-shirt.
_________________
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar
Profile
FAQ
Search
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
Register
Calendar
