Cat owners: Indoor or outdoor or both?

[Debs]

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!

[Ana]

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

 

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.

[YaelM]

We have two cats and they are indoor Also since you have a dog ( I assume from ur avatar)- it may be better to keep them indoor - otherwise if he is curious - which he will be then he may scare them away...

[ali0284]

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

 

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

[Ana]

btw Deb, when you get a kitten I want to see lots of pics hehe! i loooooove kitties!

[TammyB]

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.

[sjfreimark]

I have two cats and they are indoor/outdoor. I would prefer that they were indoor but my one cat pees if we don't let him out. It's a struggle because I worry about them but I know I don't want them peeing in the house either!!! Spoiled little cats!

[Sloan]

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!

[krayzeekitty]

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

[Geralyn]

I currently have an indoor cat and all the other cats that I have had have always been indoor...I would be too worried to let them out...way too many dangers out there for them