To think having an indoor cat is cruel?

[Catnope]

I was looking after my mother’s cat last week - feeding him while she was on holiday and changing the litter tray - and I felt so incredibly sorry for the cat. It’s not the first time I’ve looked after him for her, and not the first time I’ve thought that.

What a shit life for the cat.

Of course I don’t like the idea of cats killing wildlife out there, but to be a prisoner indoors 100% of the time your whole life?!

It’s cruel. Right?! Just me?

Of course I was nothing but lovely to my mother and took good care of the cat. My mother doesn’t let him out because she fears he’ll get stolen or run over. She lives on a quiet and safe street, so I don’t think anyone will want to steal him. At this point, I also think he wouldn’t have a clue how to kill a bird.

That is one of the ridiculous statements I have read today.

Disagree with all of this.

Where do you study to be a registered feline behaviourist and psychologist? I want to see if I can go there! How long does it take to qualify?

Disagree all you like. I suspect you’re feeling attacked thus feeling defensive. It’s the same as people saying they ‘love animals’ but they eat meat ☺️

Check out the ICC website ☺️

Just shows that even though you are a registered feline behaviourist and psychologist. it doesn't stop you talking complete rubbish.

Just to confirm that I do indeed love my cats and they go outside.

Not feeling attacked, just know cats and know how wrong you are, although meaning well I'm sure😊

The unfortunate UK perspective is that cats are low maintenance pets, put some food down for them and they'll entertain themselves, they're independent, they don't need much. And if they get hit by a car or eat poison, oh well! Too stupid to live, let's just get another one. It's complete nonsense but it's how we're used to "caring" for cats.

If you treat a cat more like we treat dogs you'll find they're perfectly happy being indoors. My cat has enrichment, places to climb, he gets new toys regularly and we play with him daily. He's just a regular moggy. :)

☺️ okay!

So happy you feel you know cats!

I suspect that you are not happy .

We have 2 indoor boys with FIV, they would die pretty quickly if outside due to poor immune systems. We have a large, open plan house with someone home most of the time who gives them lots of play and interaction. One of mine is terrified of us even opening doors and windows and has absolutely no interest in the outside. The other probably would if you let him but isn't stressed by not going out! We did notice the first cat was under socialised and a bit lazy and therefore adopted our second and they play together lots and my first cat is now a much healthier, more active and better socialised cat.

Basically we're very committed to their welfare and provide lots of stimulation and closely monitor their health in a way that wouldn't be possible if they went out!

Absolute bollocks.
That's the same as saying you cannot love your child and let them go on a bike, or in a car, or play rugby or on a climbing frame.
Loving a pet means giving it the best life possible, full of richness, even if that means exposing it to some risk. It doesn't mean keeping it alive but giving it a life devoid of normal and desirable experiences.

Mine keep turning up with their mates to be fed. Honestly, they're like a couple of teenagers!

If they come into the garden I wouldn’t call them indoor cats.

My cats have been indoor cats up until a few weeks ago when we adopted them- they are a year old.

We let them out- one goes off on adventures, the other wonders half way down the small backyard then legs it back in at the slightest breeze or sight of a leaf. 99.9% of the time he completely ignores the open doors, and he refuses to use the cat flap.

We used to have a cat who went out to go to the toilet then came straight back in- never wandered or sat out.

They aren’t indoor cats though because they could go out any time they wanted, they just don’t want to!

Lots of defensive bad cat owners on this thread!

Who are you to say I'm a bad cat owner?!! I've had cats for 40 years, all of them could go outside whenever they want, no vet has ever said they shouldn't, so I'll go by the vet's expertise thanks!

It’s horrible. Interestingly I know of a vegan who does it, which I find very odd

Assuming this is the ICC site you are referring to - their site does not state cats that shouldn't go out.

icatcare.org/?s=Indoor+v+outdoor+

What a silly statement.

I love my son, but I let him play out with his friends despite the fact he could get injured or kidnapped. It makes him happy, it’s good exercise and it’s natural.

I love my cats. If they want to go out I let them- it makes them happy, it’s good exercise and it’s natural.

If cats didn’t have a desire and drive to go out, you wouldn’t have to ‘keep them in’, or fanny around with a catio because they would choose to stay in (as some of mine do).

Sorry I don’t remember stating that the ICC demands all cats stay indoors, so I’m confused by what the point of this comment is? It’s my stance as a professional and one that I won’t ever change.

Indoor cats are fairly normal where I am (Canada), for their own safety as much as anything - the average life expectancy of an outdoor cat here is in the 2-5 year range.

My DP's childhood cat was snatched by a owl twice- got free and returned the first time but not the second

Such a weird and nonsensical comparison@Sounreasonable! Your son isn’t a cat that has no concept of danger and safety 😂 I despair!

What bollocks. I think it’s cruel for cats to be run over ( coming from someone who has had outdoor cats both run over and killed).
its up to people how they look after their cats (as long as they are looking after them). I prefer to have indoor cats now.
my two unwanted cats are terrified of the outside.
they have a large fenced garden but still scared.
mine will never be allowed to roam. There are crazy people out there who think it’s ok to do harm to animals, people who will not stop if they have hit them, other animals who will harm cats etc.

i think this is one big thread designed to get people to argue with each other.
people can let cats roam, that’s up to them and that’s ok.
people can have indoor cats and that’s ok too.

My cat lives indoors, has plenty of space and toys, is very happy. He was attacked by a dog outside when he was young and prefers to be inside. Not all cats want to be outside, and there are many people who are cruel to them (neighbour's cat was poisoned and shot at), so I'm very glad he's a homebody.