"Indoor cat"

[ilovesouthlondon]

Is it cruel to keep a cat indoors and never let it out? Opinions please!

Surely depends on the cat.

Depends on the cat. My mum’s had several hours cats and the reasons have ranged from the cat’s nerves to the cat having feline aids so can’t go out even if it wanted to. I wouldn’t keep a cat inside if it blatantly was unhappy with that.

I think some cats are "designed" to be indoors aren't they? But I think most need to be out and about.

Personally, I'd always give a cat the option.

However, if it's a rescue that has to remain an indoor cat for some reason or another that's different.

I might judge ppl who make cats indoor cats but only a little bit.

Depends on the cat but no I don’t think it’s cruel.

I have a rescue that was previously an indoor cat. They suggested he might enjoy going in the garden so we tried it and he doesn't! He might venture out on a warm sunny day but he is not prepared to face the cold and when he does go out the little sod still comes back inside to use his litter tray! He is quite elderly though, I expect a younger cat might be more enthusiastic.

I'm definitely of the opinion that it's cruel.

In some places, the US for example, cats are pretty much considered indoor pets and no one lets theirs out unless they live on a farm. Personally if I can I’d always give the cat the option. I have an indoor cat but it’s 100% his choice. He’s been out on the patio once or twice in summer but just isn’t keen. I’d only consider it cruel if you were trying to keep a cat that’s used to roaming inside without good reason e.g. FIV.

Well I have 10, and some like to be out all of the time, the rest go out to go the toilet and straight back in again. So depends on the cat. I've rescued many but never had one that wanted to stay in all of the time. They all seem to need a bit of outdoor time.

Totally depends on the cat and breed. We’ve had a Bengal, we’ll get another one eventually but I’ll catproof the garden so it can go out but safely.

I think if there is a genuine reason for the cat being indoors like feline aids then its better for the cat to live its best life possible indoors.

But if its because you live in a flat and have a cat, which is young and healthy then I think its cruel.

All cats should have the option to enjoy the oudoors, its their nature and its cruel to deprive them.

Ours were desperate to get outside as kittens before they were allowed and managed to escape several times through tiny window cracks and dashing through open doors. Then they would go crazy with excitement at being outside. No way were they up for being house cats

I had an elderly cat who was an indoor cat and she was perfectly content just pottering around the flat. My current cat is much younger and loves going outside and exploring the neighbourhood. We had to keep his indoors for the first 4 weeks after we adopted him and he absolutely hated it.

Only ever owned indoor cats (Persian, Ragdolls).
Definitely not remotely cruel, it would be far more cruel to subject these cats to the dangers outside where they'd be more than likely injured or killed.

My two are almost completely blind and wouldn't last five minutes outside. They seem happy enough indoors, but I've made sure to provide them with lots of enrichment - lots of toys, cat towers, grass plants, lots of playtime etc.

The ideal would be a completely cat-proofed garden, but cats (even blind ones) are exceptional escape artists. Agree with PPs that some seem more bothered about going out than others.

Indoor cat owner. He’s old and wobbly, and if let outdoors hides under things or gets stuck in neighbouring gardens and freaks out. He’d get eaten, hit by a car or freeze under a shed if we let him wander. He’s content with the couch these days.

I have a cat. She is elderly now. Cat flap installed as a kitten, an entire summer spent trying to get her to go in and out but no. Moved house, billfolds with enclosed garden, spent another summer trying to encourage her out, no. Took her out, a light breeze ruffled her fur and she came straight back in. Came down once to find her socialising with another cat, but in the kitchen. She now spends her days alternating between sleeping on a bed while my husband WFH and hanging out on top of a flat roof extension that she can access from the spare room. I didn’t want a house cat. Don’t like litter and believed it was cruel. However there’s no telling some cats. 😂

I had an FIV cat who could absolutely not go outside.

Apart from that my cats have always had a cat flap and can go out as much or as little as they want.

I wouldn't keep a cat indoors without very good reason.

It’s absolutely not cruel if you have a breed (or a ditzy moggie) that has zero roadsense and/or you live in a busy area. I think it’s important to provide lots of opportunities for entertainment and exercise for the cat.

I’ve had both indoor and outdoor cats. The indoor ones obviously didn’t have accidents, get lost, get attacked (other animals and awful humans), get fleas or infectious diseases.

I’m one of those weirdos who’d take the cats out on a lead and also had an outdoor “run”
made. Can you tell I love cats?

Depends on the cat. Certain cats are homebodies and others have ailments that prevent them from going out and about.

I can understand keeping an FIV cat in.

In some places, an indoor cat has a better chance at a long, healthy life than a cat that's allowed to roam. In the outdoors, there are animals that will kill cats, they sometimes get into disfiguring, injury-causing fights with other cats, and they can be hit by vehicles if they wander onto roads.

I have an indoor cat breed that are literally too docile/stupid with cars/high risk of theft to be let outdoors unsupervised.
So I take my puss out on a harness and lead either in the garden or through quiet woodland. He enjoys it :)
I wouldn't put a moggy or very independent cat on a lead as they wouldn't tolerate it and that would be cruel so if they were streetwise I'd let them roam.
My little boy is my fluffy shadow though I can't even shower in peace!

Depends on the cat. My friend has a rescue that's blind and had been declawed .

Took time cropping the mess out of the background and pic of puss didn't even post! If it's not attached to this message I give up.

Additionally, my cats only ever have access out the back of the house, where there's just gardens and alleyways. I'd never let them out near a busy road - far too panicky a cat mum for that!

@dudsville

Depends on the cat. My friend has a rescue that's blind and had been declawed .

That makes me so angry 😡😡😡