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Original poster

Indoor cats?

127 replies

Ohdoleavemealone · 03/03/2022 10:17

Are there any breeds that can't be an indoor cat? If we get them from a kitten? Looking at tabby cats/moggies.

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Horsemad · 03/03/2022 13:22

I guess they all can, if it's what they're used to from a young age.

If it's safe for them, it's nice to let them out though imo.

ufucoffee · 03/03/2022 13:27

All of them. If you cant let them out don't get a cat. It's not fair on them.

SilverHairedCat · 03/03/2022 13:30

@ufucoffee nonsense. Indoor cats tend to live longer with fewer illnesses and injuries. I asked an RSPCA Inspector about it years ago - all of her 4 cats were indoor cats. We've just lost my 16yo moggy who was also an indoor cat. She had a great life, including coming on camping holidays and occasional walks on a harness and lead.

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FlippyFloppyFlappy · 03/03/2022 13:33

Both options seem cruel to me. Keep them indoors all the time, or let them out to kill wildlife. Of the two, I'd rather the cat be kept indoors. I'm aware that doesn't answer your question 🤷🏼‍♀️

ppeony · 03/03/2022 13:35

@ufucoffee

All of them. If you cant let them out don't get a cat. It's not fair on them.
Agreed, it’s a miserable life. People putting their pwn wants above the needs of an animal. Makes me so cross.
RandomQuest · 03/03/2022 13:36

It’s cultural in the U.K. to let cats roam but in America they’re very much seen as house pets. I’ve never heard of anyone letting a cat out over there and it doesn’t seem to cause the cats any harm! Just get them from being a kitten and they won’t know any different. What you shouldn’t do is keep in a cat that is used to roaming as it wouldn’t be fair. My house cat is 9 now, I did get him a catflap when we moved back from the US but he wasn’t having any of it so I can only assume he’s happy as he is.

justasoul · 03/03/2022 13:36

I have indoor cats, moggies from the local rescue. It’s very much frowned upon on mumsnet, but as long as you play with them and keep them stimulated, I don’t see the problem - it’s the norm in many countries and their cats seem to cope just fine.

Soubriquet · 03/03/2022 13:36

@ufucoffee

All of them. If you cant let them out don't get a cat. It's not fair on them.
This is my indoor cat. She’s more than free to go outside. She just doesn’t. She spent the first 2 years old her life being an outdoor cat but now she’s a fully settled house moggy.

Her favourite spot to sleep is under the duvet, laid on my belly, with her two front paws on my shoulder

Indoor cats?
Indoorcatmum · 03/03/2022 13:37

My two are moggy rescues. I got them when they were 9 weeks and they've never been outside. I've had both indoor and outdoor cats, after this experience, I would never have outdoor cats (unless in a cat proofed garden etc) again.
These boys are SO much more placid, loving and involved in family life. They are beautifully happy and we can leave the front door open and they have no interest in going out. They have never shown any distress or destructive behaviour.
I would recommend two boys!!!

I will say, having two is the best decision we have ever made. They play with each other, still are best friends and sleep on top of each other. I think with indoor cats, two is best.
You will also need good cat litter (Ever Clean on Amazon lasts a month with two cats and there's ZERO smells).
You will also need various scratching posts and toys.
I spend about 20 minutes a day doing interactive play with a laser pointer or balls...otherwise they just chill and watch birds out the window.

Indoorcatmum · 03/03/2022 13:39

Forgot photos! 😋

Indoor cats?
Indoor cats?
Indoor cats?
ppeony · 03/03/2022 13:41

[quote SilverHairedCat]@ufucoffee nonsense. Indoor cats tend to live longer with fewer illnesses and injuries. I asked an RSPCA Inspector about it years ago - all of her 4 cats were indoor cats. We've just lost my 16yo moggy who was also an indoor cat. She had a great life, including coming on camping holidays and occasional walks on a harness and lead.[/quote]
Yes I’m sure if you had people living in captivity they might lead long lives too. Wouldn’t be particularly fulfilling a life though would it

ppeony · 03/03/2022 13:41

Cats roam for miles and miles. How can they possibly get enough exercise at home?

elver · 03/03/2022 13:46

If you want an indoor cat, why don't you try rescue centers? They might have some that are unable or unwilling to be outdoor cats.

I don't think it's fair to get a kitten knowing it's never going to be let out, cats need to be able to express natural behavior.

Honeyroar · 03/03/2022 13:50

Ideally cats should be able to go outside. No matter how happy your indoor cat seems, it’s life is not as fulfilling as an outdoor cat.

If you really want an indoor cat perhaps adopt one that can’t go outside for health reasons- ie a deaf cat or one with something that it might pass onto other healthy cats?

Stellaris22 · 03/03/2022 13:50

The larger cats like ragdolls are kept as indoor cats.

Personally I don't think it's ethical to keep a cat as an indoor pet. If you want an indoor animal get some guinea pigs or similar. Don't force that life on a kitten.

elver · 03/03/2022 13:51

@RandomQuest

It’s cultural in the U.K. to let cats roam but in America they’re very much seen as house pets. I’ve never heard of anyone letting a cat out over there and it doesn’t seem to cause the cats any harm! Just get them from being a kitten and they won’t know any different. What you shouldn’t do is keep in a cat that is used to roaming as it wouldn’t be fair. My house cat is 9 now, I did get him a catflap when we moved back from the US but he wasn’t having any of it so I can only assume he’s happy as he is.
They de-claw them too....
Soubriquet · 03/03/2022 13:52

What about getting a FIV cat? They can’t go outside and are really hard to rehome because of it

JorisBonson · 03/03/2022 13:58

@Soubriquet

What about getting a FIV cat? They can’t go outside and are really hard to rehome because of it
Just this. One of my most favourite cats ever was FIV, and they're often overlooked at shelters.

I wouldn't keep a healthy cat as a house cat.

RandomQuest · 03/03/2022 14:04

They de-claw them too....
It’s now banned in a lot of the US. Thankfully as it’s abhorrent. Even where it’s not banned it’s really not seen as ok any more. I’ve heard of breeders of ragdolls or rehoming centres insisting on no declawering for instance and I know it’s only anecdotal but I’ve never met anyone who has declawed a cat.

Annon12345 · 03/03/2022 14:07

I have 2 cats and couldn't imagine keeping them in all the time. They love being outside in the summer, sunbathing and roaming around. I'd also personally find it a nightmare to worry about not being able yl leave windows or doors open for fear they'll get out, it must be a right pain.
Agree with others here that if you're set on a indoor one get a older rescue where indoor is only option and not a young kitten

Teddybearen · 03/03/2022 14:09

I always wonder how practical it actually is to have an indoor cat. What about in the summer when you’re in and out the garden
With the doors open? Most cats would go out of an open door and to keep the doors closed limits your life somewhat

TonTonMacoute · 03/03/2022 14:11

@ufucoffee

All of them. If you cant let them out don't get a cat. It's not fair on them.
This!
Cyberpunk2077 · 03/03/2022 14:12

Ragdolls and Russians blues are meant to be indoor cats but any cat can be really

Ugzbugz · 03/03/2022 14:13

My cat had outside access and used it for about a year and then hated it and never went out again. But she was scared of everything. When I moved to my flat she was happiest there, she died at nearly 17 a few weeks ago. I'm debating getting another but it is quite a commitment and litter trays are a pain.

Blossom64265 · 03/03/2022 14:13

American here. All cats are perfectly happy indoors. Letting them outside leaves them vulnerable to all sorts of predators. I don’t relish my cat being eaten by a coyote, bobcat, or eagle, all of which regularly come into my garden to eat the rabbits that like to nest there.