It’s true that cats are indeed domesticated animals, like dogs. And yes, there are always situations in the outside world that will prove a danger.
This, by the way, coming from someone who had her last cat recently run over by a drunk driver outside; believe me, I understand completely the argument here.
However, keeping cats indoors despite supervised ‘outside time’ offers a range of problems that can result in obesity, severe boredom, the build up of stress, the costs of having to de-claw your feline for the sake of your furniture (a side effect of ‘boredom’), and increased urination on home surfaces, among other less prominent situations. Unless the cat owner makes a conscious effort to ensure their cat is mentally stimulated, I personally do not think indoors is always better.
Keep in mind that in some European countries it is culturally considered cruel to keep cats inside. Some shelters deny us the rights to adopt cats if the other cats in the neighborhood were allowed out too. Cultural norms, unfortunately, are oppressive things.
As I have said before, cats are explorers by nature and should be given this freedom for their outside time. It is even better (and perhaps one of the arguably safer ways) to have an enclosure, a spacious pen, ‘cat proofing’ or such in your back garden for the sake of a safe outdoor experience. Additionally it may aid in building their immune system towards smaller things, and even spaying/neutering them reduces the tendency to roam. Things can always be done to give them their unrestricted freedom that are within reason - an opportunity to be left unsupervised but safer.
Where you live is not the deciding factor, but undoubtedly one of them; heavily populated areas where there are more dogs and other felines, or say a house nearby a train station, or even an area near outdoor poisons, and so on, those are the places where owners should be keeping ‘housecats’.
If like me, some foster cats that were previously allowed to venture outdoors and find it difficult and stressful to accept the transition from outdoors to being confined indoors, then would that not be cruel in a sense?
Mind, I’m not saying that all cats should be allowed outside. And I would certainly say kittens ought to be raised in a way that will help them grow into happy housecats. For cats who need to go outside, enclosures should be used whenever possible. But I’m just saying that the individual cat’s needs should be regarded instead of the usual “all cats should be kept indoors” knee-jerk reaction.
However, keeping cats indoors despite supervised ‘outside time’ offers a range of problems that can result in obesity, severe boredom, the build up of stress
Incorrect, these issues are largely due to A: Improper feeding practices and B: Lack of stimulation. People think they don’t have to play with their cat or give them a stimulating environment. That’s not true.
the costs of having to de-claw your feline for the sake of your furniture (a side effect of ‘boredom’)
Forget the costs, declawing is cruel and shouldn’t even be legal. There are numerous alternatives available now.
It is even better (and perhaps one of the arguably safer ways) to have an enclosure, a spacious pen, ‘cat proofing’ or such in your back garden for the sake of a safe outdoor experience.
I already listed this as a safe way to allow cats outdoors. There’s cat fencing and there’s catios (outdoor cat enclosures).
Where you live is not the deciding factor, but undoubtedly one of them
Even if you’re far away from society, predators like bobcats, coyotes etc are a problem. Even animals that can’t kill your cat like raccoons can do some serious damage if there’s a spat between them. And in some places there are hawks who can easily take a cat.
then would that not be cruel in a sense?
No, it would not be cruel. All cats can be transitioned to indoors. I’ve known cats who were outdoors their entire lives who’ve been successfully transitioned to happy indoor living.
Honestly, Gwen, I didn’t expect you to be one of the ‘well I’ve lost a cat outdoors but I still think it’s okay’ people.
That’s something that I will never, ever understand. The people who are ignorant because their cat has managed to beat the odds so far are a little easier to understand. The people who have had one or more cats killed outdoors and continue to let their cats out just baffle the hell out of me.
‘Forget the costs, declawing is cruel and shouldn’t even be legal.’
Never said I supported the idea, and no - it is beyond cruel actually. But some folks still do it for indoor felines. Much to my disgust.
'Even if you’re far away from society, predators like bobcats, coyotes etc are a problem. Even animals that can’t kill your cat like raccoons can do some serious damage if there’s a spat between them. And in some places there are hawks who can easily take a cat.’
So yes, area is a factor.
If that is the case, if there is anything dangerous in the area to that extent, then one should not have a cat in the first place?
'No, it would not be cruel. All cats can be transitioned to indoors.'
I suppose it’s a matter of opinion on whether it is 'cruel’ or not, though I strongly disagree on the latter; not all cats can be transitioned to indoors, not without it damaging their mood and health in the few cases that I’ve known. But sure, most can.
Cats are fickle creatures, and more effects them than we think. I believe they have the right to be outside, but within reason – enclosures, etc.
I don’t think all cats should be outdoors. I don’t think all cats should be indoors, either. I think it depends on circumstances. In truth, my current kitten will only have supervised access to the back garden when older because of the increase in vehicles in the area, so it’s not as if I don’t see the other side of this. Let me just make it clear that I don’t disagree with you completely, and you are absolutely right in many respects.
But understand my point here. Cats should be entitled to have their own time outside and as safely as we can make it. It’s a part of who they are.
There are always going to be dangers, but they can be overcome. If the danger is too heavy then getting a cat is not a good idea.
