Outdoor cat question. ?

Question

I live in a really small town in a really small 1st floor apt. in upstate new york (5 hours from the city) I have a border collie mix that i take out on runs all the time so she is very happy up here. I found a young cat in a snow bank last year, I took her in and shes an awesome pet but I never really let her lose outside up here but when I go to my parents in MD she goes outside with the dogs all the time (we live on a farm) She also likes to go on walks with me and my dog when were in MD and I was wondering what people think of letting a cat (adult now) outside in a small town. There isn't anyone in the town that would cause an animal harm (people even let their dogs run loose bc the road is so small and slow) She has all of her vaccines but I still worry about her being loose, do you think I should let her go out when she wants to up there? and what about cat collars? I dont want her to get hung up on anything but I also dont want someone to take her in thinking she is a stray. What do you think?

Answer 1

I would never do it.  But that being said, lots of cats live long happy healthy lives outside.

but then again, many of them fall prey to the dangers of being outside.  bored teenage kids do some pretty horrific things to cats.  a little spilled antifreeze can kill a cat in a short amount of time.  Predators and dogs with high prey drives - which you have already said dogs run free in your area, can also kill a cat.  Even simple things you might not think of can be dangerous to a cat.  I worked at a vet clinic and saw a cat who fell out of a tree and impaled an eye on a branch.  heck, even prey such as birds and mice can do damage to a cat if given the chance.

if you are going to do it, get a cat collar with a break away clasp, and get your kitty microchipped.  find out which chip brand the shelter scans for, and get that.

Answer 2

i also live in a really small town. i have a cat that i let go in and out as he pleases, he is not as healthy as the one that stays inside all the time. being an adult she could get lost however not likely... cats are tough.... if she starts going outside you may have to change up her diet also and make up for the extra lost calories... as for collars i cant get my cat to keep one on.

Answer 3

I would not.

Dogs can be killers of cats, the strays here in our city are terrified of dogs for good reason.

Any car is a potential killer as well, and some cats lay on hot asphalt to sleep, right in the road.

Collars can get caught on top of chain link fences, on the bottoms of fences and on tree branches, a break away collar is needed.

But really, keep her inside or with you when you're outdoors. Be safe, not sorry.

Answer 4

When I read your question I thought "what an anxious and pessimistic cat owner", so I was surprised to see most answerers agreeing with your misgivings. But here's my answer anyway.

Although curious, cats are quite cautious, so I think yours would explore a little more new territory each day but not loose her home. The general rule is to keep a cat inside for 3 weeks so they get their bearings. After that they are fine.

We're on a residential road with plenty of slow-moving traffic but have never kept our cats inside. I think they would be bored and depressed if we did. We've never had one run over, but possibly lost one to poison about 10 years ago.

Answer 5

if the cat walks with you and the dog she know you are her owner,so letting her out she will come back.and mine are 15,16 and 17 and they have never worn collars.like you i never wanted to find them hanging from a tree by their collars,or break their neck running under bushes.

maybe sit out side for half a hour at a time with her and see what she does if she doesn't venture from you or the house and dog she want go off if you let her out for a longer period off time.

Answer 6

You could talk to your vet about having her tagged with a microchip that has your information on it.  Should someone find your cat and take it to a vet they would find out who the owner is.  

Answer 7

well. you are very right about the collars... she will get caught on something. and i don't think that you should let her out without a collar. you may want to keep to just walks and maybe you can put her in a big cage out sid so that she will still be outside

Answer 8

I totally dont think i would let her outside the house.she is used to being inside the house when you are home and used to getting out when you see your mom. I would continue the trend. it is not hurting kitty to not be outside. I think she is less in risk of something happening since she is inside the house, even tho she would be on a not so busy road... there might be the ONE car that takes her out!

For her sake and yours... i would keep her inside the house.!  

Answer 9

Don't let her out, it's too dangerous in unfamiliar surroundings.

Answer 10

I personally would not do it.  I would be afraid that because she is not familiar with the area she would get lost.  I would try to maybe use a cat lead if you want her to go outside with you.

Answer 11

i wouldn't, anything could happen. if she does like walking they do make special harnesses for cats; get her one and try it. you're lucky; my cat is terrified of being outside of the house! lol