Cats--indoor vs outdoor

Question

I'm an indoor/outdoor kitty.

My vet says Mom should keep me inside only in order to protect me and help me live longer. But my mom feels bad because she is wondering between the selfishness of wanting me to live LONGER (which may not be happier--the vet says I can be just as happy inside, but Mom really wonders if that's true since I really, really like to go outside every day in all kinds of weather) versus letting me do what she thinks I enjoy. Of course Mom knows there are additional risks to my going outside--animals, mean people who hate kitties, cars, etc.... and she worries about these when she's at work for a long time. She's always so happy to see me running up to greet her at the front door!

My mom says that since she found me as a stray living outside, she knows I'm already street-smart (even though I'm a very little girl, only 8 pounds, but clever and a great tree-climber), and that I should have the freedom to come and go as I please. My Mom had two indoor cats growing up, and they both lived to be 18 years old, which is average for indoor cats. We've heard that outdoor cats have a life expectancy of more like 5 years. I don't even know what that means, because I only live for today anyway. Mom lets me be a free spirit and come and go whenever I want unless thunder is coming (I still hide in the litter box from thunder even though I'm a big girl of three years old) or it's the middle of the night bc foxes live in the back yard and come out at night. Or so she says, I don't know, all I know is that the bell I ring to say I want to go out is taken down around 9pm or right before storms come. I meow but she says no.

Anyway, Mama feels guilty for letting me go outside even though I love it, because she's worried it's bad for my health bc something bad might happen to me! I don't even know what "something bad" means, except for that one time I got bit by something and had an abscess, but Mama took me to the vet and they drained it and gave me antibiotics for a week and now I'm fine. That was 2 years ago when I was still pretty little and inexperienced. I won't let that kind of animal bite me again.

Mama love me so much but feels worried for what's best for my happiness and wants to know what you think! : )

Answer 1

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 2

Found the best of both worlds with safety,go to e-bay look up cat strollers,you can find one for about $25 each (I got 2 for my 2 kittys) problem solved.

Once they get use to going out side in a stroller," They will beg you to go for a walk " this way you both win,you get in a walk and they get to go on a "safe" adventure out side.

I found that if you go after it starts to get dark,they will calm down and relax for the trip,our female crys if it's light out but never says a word when it's dark, and bring a flashlight, Hope this helps out a ton.

Answer 3

I face the same dilemma because my cat enjoys outside SO much, but I of course I know there are dangers outside that are totally avoidable inside. I think it's like people--if you never leave the house, make a new friend, go on a date, interview for a new job,  etc, sure, you won't ever be hurt by any of those avenues. You could stay in the house, you could just stay inside with your four walls and eat the equivalent of cat grass.....it's a tough call between what is safe and what makes happiness.  

Answer 4

Mama should only take kitty outside with a harness and leash.  That way, she can be guilt free and kitty will be happy.  Or buy a kitty walk or enclosure.  Simple safe ways to let kitty outside! =]