Can my cats survive in garage? should they be outside cats?

Question

k dont tell me im cruel i gotta do what i gotta do until i can move into an appt and i dont wanna give my cats away,

i was wondering if i should just let my cats become outside cats? or can they survive in my mothers garage it has a window, that will always be open and im gonna get them a fan, i'll get the garage a rug and i lil coach for them. will they be okay, and when im home from college, and when im going to sleep or home from work theyll be in my bedroom with me, but thats it. or should i just let them wonder outside around the house? what if somtehting tries to hurt them? or what if theyre too scared to be outside?? helperz me

Answer 1

will your mom feed them, change their litter, regulate the temperature (turn the fan on when it's hot, and off when it gets cool) Will she still take them to the vet for check-ups and shots? if so, they should be okay. I wouldn't let them be outside cats if you aren't there to be the one to check on them.

Answer 2

FIRST... make sure your cats are spayed or neutered.

Giving them a garage to live in is better than out doors where they can be killed by other animals. (dogs/ other cats, owls, etc.)

make sure they have a box with towels or something like a dog house they can stay warm in.  sprinkle Borax on it and then shake out so it won't breed fleas.

I would make sure to let them out for little time and then longer and longer.

showing them where their house/ bed is is good.

who is going to feed them?  And put water out for them... They can't just live on what is out there ... they are house cats not barn cats who knows how to hunt.

I would consider finding them another home so they will have someone full time to love on them.

good luck

Answer 3

i think they will probablly be fine until you move as long as you give them attention and love.

Answer 4

Ok, if you're still going to be living with them, is there any way they can stay in your bedroom?  Do you have their litter boxes in there?

I would *not* let them become outside cats.  The ASPCA, American Humane Society, and pretty much any responsible shelter will tell you the same thing - best to keep them indoors.

If your parents don't want your cats wandering around in the house, find out if it would be ok to keep them in your bedroom.  

Good luck!

Answer 5

Cats that live indoors live longer, healthier lives. Statistically, the life span of an indoor cat averages 12 to 14 years, whereas it is only about four years for the outdoor cat. More than 1 million outdoor cats are killed each year by dogs, traffic, and exposure to disease. In the long run, keeping your cat indoors will also save you money in vet bills.

There are many risks that come with letting your cats roam free outside:

- They have a much higher chance of catching diseases and other illnesses such as: Feline Leukemia (FeLV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Herpes Virus (Rhinotracheitis), Feline Distemper, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), rabies, tapeworm, ringworm, heart worm, hypothermia and urinary tract infection

- Ingesting chemicals or poisons such as pesticides, home garden products and car/motor products

- Getting fleas or ticks

- Injury/death due to dangerous traffic

- Eating poisonous spiders, insects or plants

- Injury/death due to cruel humans, hunters or neighbors

- Attacks from dogs, other cats or wild animals

- Other accidental injuries

- Getting lost or stolen

Answer 6

Are they vacinated?  If so then outside is okay but it would be best if they had access to the garage too so that they can a safe haven.  Pray that you don't live in Arizona- it is too hot to keep them in a garage if the weather is 100+.   Also, are you on a quiet street?  Is there lots of traffic?   Is there a large population of feral cats?  All of these things go into deciding to let your kitties out-  You can start by taking them out side for small periods of time and while you are watching them.  It is better than keeping them locked up 12 hours a day in a hot place.

Answer 7

if you make your cats outdoor cats , or store them in a garage without companionship and love. you might as well give them away. they will become ferrel and wont be friendly anymore.

Answer 8

Don't let them be outside cats. It's very dangerous to them. A garage should be ok if it isn't too hot and there aren't chemicals laying around that the kitties could injest (ie: antifreeze).

Answer 9

why does kitties have to stay in garage, if you let them go strictly outside then you take chances of them getting sick, hurt, or even killed. cats that have been kept inside don't know how to defend themselves. also what about winter if you live in a area where is gets real cold.

I would rather see cats be re homed

Answer 10

As long as they have warmth, food, and water, your cats could survive in a garage, but giving them access to the outdoors would be much better.  Even though they are domesticated [kept as pets] they have natural instincts.  They can fend for themselves in the "wild".  There are dangers: cars, dogs for example, but in most cases your cats will be fine.  As long as they have claws to climb and catch birds/lizards, they will be happy and relatively safe.  If they are afraid to go outside, as one of my cats is, then they will be ok in the garage, just be sure to let them get out every now and then to the rest of the house or something for exercise.  Hope this helps!