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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Indoor cats

127 replies

Asleanna · 18/10/2021 22:44

I'm contemplating getting a cat but it would not be able to go outside. I'm torn on whether this is cruel?

YABU - cats are not OK just indoors
YANBU - indoor cats are fine.

I don't want to make a selfish decision so want what's best for hypothetical cat.

OP posts:

icedcoffees · 18/10/2021 22:48

Get an adult cat from a rescue that can't go out for some reason

Nanny0gg · 18/10/2021 22:48

If they have plenty of room to roam (so not a small flat) and plenty to do with climbing poles and scratching posts and a constantly changed litter tray, it's not ideal but they can be happy under those circumstances

AramintaLee · 18/10/2021 22:49

I have an indoor cat and we take him out on a lead for walks in the park every day. We had to start him off really young though and if I tried to put a harness on my 12 tear old moggy (who is an outdoor cat) I'd get destroyed.

Some cats are absolutely fine being indoor only. So long as they have enough space and toys to keep them occupied.

mowly77 · 18/10/2021 22:52

I adopted a cat who was advertised as indoor cat. I really wanted a cat but thought it would be cruel, as I lived in a flat. Then I figured a cat may prefer to live in loving home that was a flat than at a shelter. Watched a documentary about cat rescuers that featured a shelter. So I checked cats for adoption and lo and behold … she was wonderful and I loved her, I moved soon after to a place with a garden and she did not really want to go out , it was true. She did sometimes but not often, bless her.

Roundabout way of saying not all cats are unhappy inside if you see what I mean. But I have other cats now and one of them would hate being confined indoors. Depends on the cat. Adopt don’t shop and you might find a good match.

Original poster

Asleanna · 18/10/2021 22:54

Thanks for the input so far :)

@icedcoffees that is a great idea. I would go to a rescue place but that's a good suggestion r.e finding one who can't go outside.

It is a flat but pretty big (nearly as big as a 2 up 2 down new build house really!)
I could let them out when I'm around (out of window) but didn't know if that might be cruel for them to then not be able to get out when I'm not around.

Lots to think about.

Any other indoor pet ideas?

I always had pets growing up and would love one now that I've bought somewhere but want to make sure I'm doing right by the animal.

OP posts:

BrilliantBulb · 18/10/2021 22:55

Our rescue cat has to be indoors but also has a little enclosed catio type outdoor space that she enjoys.

I wouldn’t force a cat to be an indoor cat unnecessarily. They only get one life.

Snaketime · 18/10/2021 22:55

I have an indoor cat, that are some breeds that are supposed to be kept inside, mostly the expensive breeds, but most cats have personalities and most timid cats don't like going outside. As long as you keep the litter tray clean, have lots of toys to play with and a climbing post they will be perfectly happy.

Original poster

Asleanna · 18/10/2021 22:55

Thanks @mowly77 that's good to know.

100% adopting. I would go to a rescue place.

OP posts:

Notdoingthis · 18/10/2021 22:56

I couldn't have an indoor cat as I can't cope with litter indoors. Just something to consider.

ineedsun · 18/10/2021 22:57

We have two indoor cats, one is a rag doll and they’re renowned for having no sense so are unsafe outdoors, the other was a rescue kitten and the cat protection people said they had to be an indoor cat. I struggled with the ethics of it but they’re very happy and along with the dog are best mates. I probably wouldn’t have one on it’s own though.

Cosmois · 18/10/2021 22:58

Could you build a catio?

Scirocco · 18/10/2021 22:59

I have 2 cats who are indoor kitties now for health reasons, and they seem perfectly happy - just as happy as cats I've been owned by who have been outdoor cats. (Before anyone passes judgement, going outside with their health would be dangerous for them, they get fresh air and lots of company, and their lifestyle is fully approved by their vet)

Cats need lots of opportunities for play, hunting, climbing, cognitive stimulation, etc but if you have space and time that can be done indoors.

Think about the space you have and whether it can meet a cat's needs. Could you get cat towers? Lots of toys? A space for a bed? 1 or 2 litter boxes? Also make sure you have the time to commit to looking after them.

You could also adopt a cat who has lived indoors before, as if a cat has grown up with an indoor lifestyle they're likely to need an indoor home long-term and they wouldn't miss outdoor living. Or, an older cat or one who has additional needs (eg a sensory impairment, needing a special diet, mobility issues)? These cats are often overlooked when people are looking to adopt a cat, but can be great companions and can have a good quality of life indoors.

freeandfierce · 18/10/2021 23:00

My cat is a house cat, he's a spynx and they are not good navigators due to lack of whiskas. He goes out on a lead daily and in the car, he's more than happy. If it's wet/ cold he doesn't want to go out and he never asks so isn't desperately trying to be outside. I've put him on a lead from six weeks do he's used to it. Most cats need the stimulation that the outside world gives them to display natural behaviours, if he wasn't a spynx I'd let him out. I often see rescues with indoor cats only so a good option for you.

TheGoogleMum · 18/10/2021 23:02

Indoor only is much safer for cats, but need to make sure your cat doesn't get lonely or depressed. If you go out to work for hours it might be worth getting 2 so they have a play mate! Make sure there is plenty to amuse the cat (doesn't have to be expensive, screwed up bit of paper is a good toy!)

Danikm151 · 18/10/2021 23:06

My rescue cat has only ever been an indoor cat- she’s a year old. I’m now trying to convince her that outside is ok.
She’ll only go outside if i’m there but my old cat loved being outside.
Each cat has a different personality

MrsPepperpot79 · 18/10/2021 23:11

We adopted recently - older cat (7ish). We have tried letting g ger out but she will cautiously edge onto patio, chew grass and then run in again. She is honestly happier inside, in the warm with food. I think being dumped traumatised her and she never wants to risk it again! Some cats are just better inside, others would hate it. Go chat to a rescue - they will help to find a cat that would be genuinely happy with your set up, and won't rehome if they don't think it's right.

Thriwit · 18/10/2021 23:12

I have an indoor cat. When I got her from the breeder I was told she needed to be an indoor cat - she’s got zero self-preservation instinct, and is simultaneously a striking pedigree and far too friendly to strangers. So big risk she’d either get into an accident or walk up to someone and be nabbed.
She doesn’t seem to object to being indoors. Every so often she ‘escapes’ out of an open front door, but only takes a few steps before she stops and waits to be picked up and brought back inside. If you’re not quick enough, she’ll just sit there yelling at you.

AhNowTed · 18/10/2021 23:17

Please do not force a cat who wants to go outside to be trapped inside.

You may get lucky with a rescue that genuinely doesn't want to go outside.

Otherwise it's cruel. Cats are roaming and territorial, with amazing agility and night vision.

Mabelbabelle · 18/10/2021 23:20

Some cats can’t go outside, for example if they have FIV (cat HIV), so you could get one of those from a rescue

YouBringLightInToADarkPlace · 18/10/2021 23:20

Some cats from rescue centres need to be indoor-only for medical reasons (in my mind I'm thinking immune compromised but please check that). Could be a win-win for you and the cat.

Smallkeys · 18/10/2021 23:26

Ours is indoors and we tried the lead a bit half heartedly we sometimes tied him to on a long lead to explore while we were out in the garden but lots of tangling. Then somehow after a year or 2 he would join us in the garden at the back and not really go anywhere else . We can now leave the back door open and yes occasionally he doesn’t come when called but he is never far.

1stTimeMama · 18/10/2021 23:31

We have 2 cats, the older one was an indoor car and snuck out before she was neutered, hence we now have 2 cats! We live by a road where traffic doesn't seem to understand speed limits, so although I think they'd be happy to go out and about, I'm not sure on taking that risk. We have a huge garden thoigh, so could put a shelter out there. I absolutely hate litter trays though,.so disgusting, and with a toddler on the go I'm constantly making sure she's nowhere near it!

JustLyra · 18/10/2021 23:33

Ideal opportunity to adopt a cat that can't go outside.

WaltzingToWalsingham · 18/10/2021 23:34

My cat is indoors/outdoors, and loves the garden. I think most cats would prefer this set-up if they had a choice, but keeping a cat indoors can work too:
for a cat that has* to be kept in, eg FEV

you will need to spend more time entertaining it than you would an outdoor cat. A bonded pair might help.
lots of stimulating areas indoors, eg several different cat trees, water fountain, shelves the cat can jump up onto etc. Have a look at Jackson Galaxy's ideas for "catifying" your flat.

SingingSands · 18/10/2021 23:41

I have two cats who have free access to go outside. They just don't want to. They might follow me if I go out, but only to miaow at me for being silly and to come back inside immediately.

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