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Original poster

To be worried about adopting a cat?

38 replies

AlinaRawlings · 23/09/2025 22:52

I honestly love cats! Like absolutely adore them! I had a cat when I was age 6 and he lived until the age of 19, and lived solely with me for the last 3 years of his life. The problem is I live on a 40mph country road. It’s fields all around but I would worry so much about this cat going out. I’d love to adopt an elderly cat, or even get a kitten but I would worry every single time that cat left the house. Is it ok to keep a cat inside? Am I being unreasonable to want a cat where I live?

OP posts:
Wordsmithery · 24/09/2025 07:42

I would worry about the road too. I lost a cat to a car and it was devastating.
Like people have said, ask rescue centres for cats that have to be indoors cats. Alternatively, you could foster - short-term care for cats that are waiting for their forever homes. It's very rewarding. Sad when they leave but then you hear how they've settled with their new owners and it all becomes worthwhile.

HarryVanderspeigle · 24/09/2025 07:00

There will be cats in rescues that need to live indoors for whatever reason. Go and speak to a few rescue places and see if you are suitable. I would avoid getting kittens from a breeder just to keep them inside all their lives though

CatsRuleMyLife · 24/09/2025 06:53

It's definitely not cruel to keep them in all the time, plenty of people do (many US rescue centres insist on indoors only). You need to make sure you get the right cat, and enrich the environment for it so it's not bored.

Maybe look at a catio - cheaper than cat proofing a big garden. And make sure you have an "air gap" for outside doors so you don't leave a door open where the cat can escape.

It can certainly be done, with some thought.

Icequeen01 · 24/09/2025 06:47

Don’t be fooled that an older cat won’t climb higher fences. My little 16 year old cat climbs our.6 foot fence daily with complete ease!

LemonTwix · 24/09/2025 06:42

I had the same fears. I went ahead and took the chance and adopted, and was really scared the first time I let her out, anticipating long days ahead when she would be out for hours. It turned out that she has no wish to leave the garden and only goes out a few minutes a day, preferably with me with her, so my worries were for nothing. Maybe try adopting an older ex-house cat.

WombatStewForTea · 24/09/2025 06:40

You could definitely get a FIV cat. They aren't allowed to go out and many get stuck unadopted in rescue centres so your house would be an amazing upgrade

Shedmistress · 24/09/2025 06:38

All cats are so different so go looking for one that would be happy indoors. It would have to be inside for 4 weeks anyway. Or get 2 3-4 year olds that are bonded so can keep each other company.

Original poster
AlinaRawlings · 23/09/2025 23:44

RabbitsEatPancakes · 23/09/2025 22:56

Personally I find it incredibly cruel to keep cats inside but plenty don't.

How big is your house, how much is going on to keep them entertained, could you provide a large cat proof garden?

Otherwise could you adopt an older cat who would prefer to stay close or a disabled cat.

So my house is 3000 square foot so it’s quite big. It’s surrounded my fields but with this fast road outside. It would absolutely devastate me if anything happened to this cat, I’m really sensitive to animals being hurt. It would cost a lot to “cat proof” the garden as at the minute it’s all open slats. I just feel sad thinking I’ll never have a cat again and have seen ppl say it’s cruel keeping them indoors. Maybe I could get higher fences in the future and adopt an older cat? They’re just such a joy 🥹

OP posts:
Ladamesansmerci · 23/09/2025 23:17

I have two indoor cats. One has no desire to go out at all. He's a big wuss. Even if you leave the door open, he just sits and looks.

The other is a Sphynx, so can't go out really. I do take him out in his harness, but he isn't a fan.

Both are very happy. They get plenty of play and simulation indoors.

You could get something like an FIV positive cat that can't go outdoors :) kittens raised indoors won't know any different either.

cupfinalchaos · 23/09/2025 23:12

Do you have a garden op? If you do, we have a system where the cats can’t get out of it. Perfect as they get to chase butterflies in the summer and we don’t worry about them as they’re safe.

Bogfrog · 23/09/2025 22:57

I have an indoor cat (with a catio who also goes out on a lead) and she lives a v happy life.

RabbitsEatPancakes · 23/09/2025 22:56

Personally I find it incredibly cruel to keep cats inside but plenty don't.

How big is your house, how much is going on to keep them entertained, could you provide a large cat proof garden?

Otherwise could you adopt an older cat who would prefer to stay close or a disabled cat.

Anonentity · 23/09/2025 22:55

My cat just doesn’t want to go out. Never has since we adopted her. There are some cats that don’t. See if they have an indoor cat at the shelter ?

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