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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
WildBluebell · 18/10/2021 23:48

Cats can be perfectly happy indoors.

BookFiend4Life · 18/10/2021 23:58

Indoor is safest for cats unless you can build a cat safe backyard, most can't! Our cats were always fully indoors and had happy lovely lives. We did take them out on a leash and harness. Our vet always recommended keeping them indoors!

Original poster
Asleanna · 19/10/2021 07:16

Wow thanks for all of your input, I really appreciate it!
It's just me and I work shifts, quite long, but then I get chunks of days off and would be around. I have a 2 bedroom flat with big living space, my spare bedroom is basically unused so I would happily turn that room in to a room for a cat - I'd buy plenty of toys, a little bed, etc... (although I know they end up sleeping anywhere haha)

I think first port of call is head to a rescue place and see what they think.
I'd happily get 2 so they have a pal.

OP posts:
Hopeisallineed · 19/10/2021 07:20

I think it’s cruel and doesn’t feel like you’ve got a lot of space. Cats on the whole love to roam.

lljkk · 19/10/2021 07:24

Cats with FIV or dwarfism or just old codgers.

Going out can add a lot to their lives but some cats shouldn't go out so the dilemma would be removed from you.

I met kittens with dwarfism the other day. They shouldn't go out, will need an owner that can commit to that.

MiddleClassProblem · 19/10/2021 07:27

Ex rescue worker here and recalling our rehoming for indoors, if you’re out a lot they may not rehome a young FIV. You’re probably looking at and older cat with health conditions or that is timid and not used to going out.

You should have things all over the flat for them to explore while you’re out, not just one room although when settling them in you may start in one room depending on the cat.

A good rescue should be able to give you guidance here.

Stitchybitch79 · 19/10/2021 07:30

I haven't got a cat my dog would eat it but I'd love one. Loving one would mean I didn't want it to get poisoned, abused,lost,locked in someone's shed, eaten by a dog like mine so it would most definitely be an indoor puss. YANBU.Smile

ShinyMe · 19/10/2021 07:31

The right cat will be perfectly happy with that scenario. My old lady cat was lovely, but she had had a frightening time as a stray and flat out refused to go outside and hated it. She loved being an indoor only cat and was very happy with me for 12 years. She loved sitting on a windowsill in the sunshine or lying on my bed but never showed any interest in actually going outside. It's definitely not right for every cat though, many would be miserable in that life.

RedHelenB · 19/10/2021 07:32

Cats are outdoor animals.I think it's cruel, even when u n e were elderly they liked to sit outside in the sun.

Wineisrequired · 19/10/2021 07:33

So we rescued an indoor cat about 3 years ago. I also felt bad about him being indoors all the time but he’s not that bothered about going out. He will follow me up the garden and then sits on the steps but then comes back indoors . You may find you will have to play with true cat a bit more if he’s inside all the time . We live near a busy road so I’m quite happy that he’s not keen to go out alot more .

lynntheyresexpeople · 19/10/2021 07:38

I have a ragdoll who has to be indoors as they have no common sense whatsoever, she's very happy! As long as they have their own space and lots of places to hide/climb/scratch they'll be fine

user1471548941 · 19/10/2021 07:42

Meet Flynn.

I was desperate for a cat but didn’t think it was fair as I live on a main road and couldn’t accept rescuing a cat to lose them to the road. I assumed that meant I needed to wait until we moved to get a cat.

Then in lockdown I discovered FIV positive cats, did some reading up on it and decided we should get one. I have a large one bed (large open plan living area with lots of windows) and was gobsmacked to find that the rescue we applied to thought it was fine.

Flynn is 4, was a stray for his entire life and now lives a life of luxury and has 0 interest in going outside. He runs off when we go near the front door, HATES rain and I have no idea how he lived outside for 4 years- he’s a massive wimp! I had outdoor cats growing up and it’s definitely different- we are his entire world as he can’t just wander off when he fancies so we committed to playing with him every single day. About an hour of playtime in the evening conks him out for the night! Somedays we leave him for 8 hours ish whilst we work, other days he sleeps with my partner whilst he WFH!

He’s also the most affectionate cat I’ve ever known, loves a lap (just my partner’s as he’s too big for me!), very talkative, comes up to bed for a cuddle in the morning and it quite simply the best thing we ever did (and I hope he agrees!). We’ve taken him to the vet once for a sore eye requiring drops but his health is otherwise good.

A good rescue with find a cat that is the best fit to your home!

Indoor cats
Pinkfairylights · 19/10/2021 07:45

I've had two indoor cats. One was extremely elderly when she joined me, and was happy to potter around and sleep.

After she died I adopted a boy with FIV. He was the purriest cat I've ever had and loved curling up on my desk while I worked.

Sadly he died two weeks ago. When I'm ready I may adopt another cat.

ImInStealthMode · 19/10/2021 07:48

I have an indoor cat; rescued as a very timid feral kitten. Due to necessity we've lived in places with varying levels of ease of getting outside. When he was young he roamed in the garden a bit now, now he's 11 and could get outside if he wanted to, the windowsill for air and sunshine is as far as he goes.

Not all cats need to roam outside, but it's a matter of finding the right one (or adopting an FIV or deaf cat who can't go outside).

wavingwhilstdrowning · 19/10/2021 07:48

I have an indoor breed. We have tried taking her outside in our arms but she is utterly terrified and cries until we take her back in Grin

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 19/10/2021 07:50

It's fine if your cat doesn't want to go out, but I've never had a cat that didn't want outside access. Going against the trend on this thread but I don't think an indoor environment would ever be as fulfilling to a cat as an outside one.
It's also not uncommon on MN to read threads about people's indoor cats escaping, which implies their perfectly content indoor cat actually had other ideas.

Mybalconyiscracking · 19/10/2021 07:50

@RedHelenB

Cats are outdoor animals.I think it's cruel, even when u n e were elderly they liked to sit outside in the sun.
This. There is more to life than just being safe!

We have 4 cats, our Maine Coon is almost entirely an indoor cat but he does enjoy his evening constitutional. If you don’t have suitable outdoor space then you should not get a cat.

Get some rats, they are amusing, affectionate and can be kept indoors.

Fluffycloudland77 · 19/10/2021 07:51

My adult rescue is indoor only. She’s 10/11 and happy inside. We play with her and groom her daily.

She did used to go out.

Mybalconyiscracking · 19/10/2021 07:52

If you MUST have an indoor cat, check out some of the cat friendly houses in Pinterest. Amazing!

Confrontayshunme · 19/10/2021 07:53

In other countries, IME, it is very normal. It is only here that I have experienced people saying it is cruel. In lots of countries, outdoor cats are almost always semi-feral or totally feral.

ufucoffee · 19/10/2021 07:54

Yes I think it's cruel to keep a cat indoors. If you live somewhere where you can't let a cat out get a hamster

User527294627 · 19/10/2021 07:55

It’s fine as long as it’s not a cat that has been used to going outside.

You will just need to make sure you’ve added plenty of enrichment to your living space. A cat tower is a great thing, as are staggered empty shelves, as cats love to climb high. Those toys that release a treat every now and then are great, and other toys generally so you can play with them for a few minutes 2/3 times per day.

You will want a couple of very sturdy scratching posts - preferably free standing ones with very heavy bases so they don’t wobble. Scratching is an essential behaviour for cats, and if you don’t give them a decent scratching post they’ll use your furniture instead.

You’ll also want two litter trays for one cat, and make sure their litter trays aren’t by their food and water.

Cats can very happily live as house cats and it’s not cruel - you just have a bit more responsibility for keeping them entertained.

TrampolineForMrKite · 19/10/2021 07:57

I’m a huge cat lover and have had cats all my life. The one time that I didn’t was when I lived in a flat because I think it’s mean. Cats are outdoor creatures: they are built to hunt and lay in the sun to get their vitamin D. Wait until such a time that you have an outdoor space to let the cat out.

StatisticallyChallenged · 19/10/2021 07:58

We have maine coons who were entirely indoor until we moved house last year - we've now got a garden which we have totally cat proofed. We'd never have allowed them to roam

Ours were absolutely fine as indoor cats and even now, whilst they're happy to mooch about the garden if it's a nice day they aren't crying to get out. I think the key is company - human or another cat - plus climbing opportunities like a really big scratch post.

AgnesPerdita · 19/10/2021 07:58

I have two indoor cats (used to be three). One had a hard time as a stray and genuinely has no interest in outside. He will sit in the open doorway but spooks easily and legs it to hide under the bed. The second is tougher but she was also a stray and used to get into lots of fights. She has the option to go out but now doesn't want to although she will go and sunbathe on the decking in summer.

My late cat was deaf and blind in one eye. It wasn't safe for her to go out and the rescue were very clear on this. She spent the last 5 years of her life sleeping in various spots and cuddling up on the nearest available human.

Best thing is to speak to a rescue and see if you can get advice or matched to a cat.