Cat / kitten let outside

lyons123

hi,
I want some opinions
My kitten is 6 months old and neutered, we had always planned to let him outside once he was neutered, now I really don't know if i want to anymore.
I'm worried about him getting into danger.
Is it cruel keeping him in?
Is it too dangerous to let him out.
I'm not sure what the right thing to do is.

jaffa20

No it is not cruel. My cat is mostly indoors. I let her out back only if I am out. She doesn't really go far at all.

recyclops

lyons123 wrote: »

hi,
I want some opinions
My kitten is 6 months old and neutered, we had always planned to let him outside once he was neutered, now I really don't know if i want to anymore.
I'm worried about him getting into danger.
Is it cruel keeping him in?
Is it too dangerous to let him out.
I'm not sure what the right thing to do is.

If your cat is trying to get out and looks like it wants to get out then let them out. I have two myself and they go out and they seem happier for it they get out use their natural predatory instincts and hunt which they cant do indoors.

Ours are a little under 1 and the other is older around 6. It can be a daunting prospect and we have had scares but it nearly becomes part and parcel of being a cat owner, they really have a lot more cop on than I give them credit for.

I would say that prior to letting them both out alone we did bring them out on a lead around the area so they could get their bearings. You know where you live so will know the dangers be it a road nearby or other animals but its nearly better that its as controlled as you can make it instead of them getting out by accident one day especially if they are trying to get out.

2011

Personally I think that even with the best of intentions this is a form of solitary confinement. I understand the risks, but cat need freedom.

2011

Thread moved to a more appropriate forum.

looksee

One of our cats had to spend a few years as an indoor cat - though as a rescue cat she had probably previously been outdoor. Eventually a house move meant she could be allowed out and she became a different cat, much more relaxed. All of them come and go as they please - we are just basically door openers for the lot of them!

If there are no very sound reasons for keeping them in, and I would not include being nervous for them as a sound reason, then let them out. They are always at a bit of risk being out, mostly from traffic, and town or country does not make a lot of difference here in my experience, but I feel a chance of 'a short life but a happy one' is better than an interminable life of lock-in.

Graces7

When I lived in a town or village. my cats stayed in. They are no match for modern traffic .When I moved to deep rural they went out. Out here they are totally safe. Unless they learn to swim..

Some cats do prefer to be in. We all and each know our cats! Even among my six there are great difference in preferences on that. And I allow and respect that.

No hard rules. Flexibility and common sense.

kylith

If you don’t want to let them out, don’t let them out. Plenty of people don’t. There are a lot of dangers out there and a lot of them don’t give a second chance.

Enclose your garden or build a catio to let them have some outside space. Get a cat wheel and some ledges for them to climb. Consider adopting another cat if you think they need company.

Acosta

Ours is an indoor cat as there's a busy road nearby. Safer all round. Going to build a cateo outside a window to the rear at some point and we take her out the back with a harness on. Even without the busy road I'd probably keep her in as I've had previous with a cat going missing or getting knocked down so don't fancy going through that again.

lyons123

We had always said once he was 6 months and neutered we'd let him out but I was just so worried, incase dogs got at him or he got ran over, we do live in a rural area so its not as bad as a busy city.
we let him out for the first time yesterday, he was up in a tree the first time, hopefully he won't make that mistake again, he's been out 2 more times since and came and went as he pleased for a couple of hours.
I would definitely prefer this as I can finally open a window! And also he looks so happy running around!

Graces7

Two of mine have a tendency to go awol for anything up to three days at a time and I worry greatly. I once roused the neighbours to help find them.. lol.... But they always come back and clearly are hunting.

Out here I know there is no danger. But... and they drive me crazy wanting in and out when they are in ( if that makes sense!)

Graces7

Looking back.. I lost a cat in Orkney after I started letting them out and another contracted flv and died.

I came to Ireland nearly 20 years ago and yes, have lost a cat to a badger. On and one was "holed" by a mink but survived., There are dangers in deep rural areas.

I have been out here on the island for almost four years and the only cat I have lost was Beata, who was delicate and about 14. She was out when she wanted but vastly preferred to be indoors. And as I am home 24/7 they are not left alone. Later if I go out to garden or sit, several cats will follow and gather near me. If I am in here, they will be on my bed etc .