Who should I talk to about an outdoor cat I'd like to make an indoor only cat?

Question

I've moved, but I'm finding myself missing this outdoor cat I've been taking care of for 5 years. He started out as a stray, starved, and just looking for a roof over his head during the winter. I gave him that and as much as I could give him since then. I know consider Periwinkle, a.k.a. Mr. Kitty, mine.

I've taken him to get his rabies shots, rushed him to the emergency care once (abscess? I had no idea what it was, looked like he was shot), and have taken care of him the best I've known how to.

He's not fixed. He's the alpha male where I lived, and I'm afraid that if I move him up to a new environment and let him out and about, he may get hurt. I'd like to get him fixed and have him become an indoor only cat, but I don't want to cause him to become depressed or angry with me for choosing this for him.

I'm curious if anyone has taken care of an outdoor animal for so long and has an answer for me, or where I could go to get an answer. I love this cat, and I know that getting him fixed is the best thing, but I'm afraid he'll run away right when he gets home from the vets if I do this.

Is it better to let him stay where he is, where my parents can take care of him, or bring him up to my new house, get him fixed, and keep him in?

I'm sorry if this rambles.

Answer 1

He needs to be fixed anyway, whether you keep him indoors or outdoors.

Why cant he be an outdoor cat where you are living now ?

And when i say outdoors i dont mean not allowed to come inside, I mean lives indoors but is allowed out too

EDIT

Who is looking after this cat now you have moved ??

GO AND GET HIM .....you know you want to ;)

Answer 2

First, get him fixed immediately - there is no reason not to, and he'll be healthier for it.  Second, bring him on inside - he'll also be healthier from it (no more looking for food, getting in fights, trying to avoid getting hit by cars...).  Make sure you get him miscrochipped when you get him fixed.  As long as you give him lots of love, give him a litterbox you clean DAILY, and a bowl of dry food and fresh water - he'll be a happy, healthy indoor cat.

Answer 3

if you take him to keep him as your pet or if you leave him to fend for himself outside either way you MUST get him neutered he has probably fathered WAY too many litters of kittens.  poor kittens.

Answer 4

My cat sooty plays out a lot i kept him in and locked him in but makes sure you make sure he gets loads of exersize and he should get settteld in the house i hope this helps Hope your cat gets better

Maybe i will answer another question of yours

-Lauren

Answer 5

yes i had a cat that was originally outdoors.  when we brought her to our new house we tried to keep her in but she liked it better outside.  we keep her as an indoor/outdoor cat--in at night, out during the day.. good luck!