AIBU to think cats should not roam unsupervised like dogs?

[estrogone]

AIBU to think that if you dont leave your dog to roam streets unsupervised, then you shouldn't let other pets (cats), for the same reasons.

It blows my mind that people let their cats out because their sleep is disrupted and I wonder why they think its OK, when its highly unlikely they would put Fido outside if he kept the family up.

Exactly. It’s a cage. Cat has no choice but to go into it from inside the house and then do whatever it can inside the catio to be “happy”. The only upside is it’s getting fresh air, downside it can’t wander or do any cat things (yes like hunting). Must be awful as it can see its garden but can’t get to it. The soil, grass, plants, flowers, walls, fences. Climbing and so on is integral to a cat’s life, they enjoy it.

Chasing butterflies

It was in a post quoting me. Hence why I thought you were referring to me. Hence why I thought you were accusing me.

Im not quite sure why that’s so tricky to grasp. And yes, a better option would’ve been to @ the person you ridiculously accused of enjoying killing cats.

Yep she stays close but (especially in spring) we have a LOT of un-neutered toms wandering and yowling and spraying everywhere and fighting.

So he can climb the fence, then what? Poor cat is still being forced to not act like a cat It's cruel.

My cat can’t be bothered with butterflies!

Well my neighbours did. We lived on a very busy road and they didn’t want their cat splattered. It’s not ideal and not all cats can but I would rather know my cat is safe. I love all animals, but I’m not really a cat person. Having said that, my mum had the most wonderful sweet loving cat who I adored. I spent the whole time worrying that he would get hit by a car and killed and he wasn’t even my cat! I think if I had one, I’d have to build a catio!

It is due yo the hunting of endangered species.

BBC News - Can Australia curb its killer cats? - BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-64806771?app-referrer=deep-link

Fortunately that isn't a major issue in the UK so YABU. Dogs pose a much greater threat which was why the law was changed to prevent them being allowed to roam. I have yet to hear of a cat seriously injuring anyone.

I live in a very rural area and my cat is always out - sometimes does not come home for 3-4 days - I know where he is as he has a tracker collar and he loves roaming the fields and climbing trees - he would be totally miserable if kept in

Indoor cats are safe from many outdoor hazards, but they frequently suffer from chronic lifestyle conditions, dental problems, and internal organ illnesses. Key conditions include chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and periodontal disease.

Any thing else youd like to add while youre add it?

Yes. Exactly that. Dogs are a free roaming species, by nature, but we have trained them to obey commands and walk on leads, it’s perfectly possible to do this with cats too.

A lady in my village walks a beautiful Maine Coon on a retractable lead, he roams up walls and trees etc, safely tethered to her.

I'm entitled to my opinion just like everyone else on here.

Opinion in general. Not opinion on me personally. You've called me specifically cruel, not anything in general.

Both cats and dogs prefer being outside sometimes.
however, Dogs are not allowed to roam because they can kill people not because of their safety as such. Cats don’t kill people, they kill other animals

Cats take themselves out and have a wander, they don't bite or harm people to any significant extent, they actually avoid people mostly unless for a wee hello and a pet, they bury their poop, they don't run about on roads, they don't make loud noise and they routinely bring themselves safely home again. You know dogs do not have anything like that sense or independence. Stop being daft.

Cats owners don't care about their 'Tiddles' killing wildlife or shitting in other people's gardens. You are on a losing battle with cat owners, they are totally selfish when it comes to their cats. Perhaps the cat used hypnosis, they all seem pretty oblivious to anything their 'Tiddles' does. Some even let them walk unhygienic paws over kitchen surfaces. Toxiplasmosis...

You missed they bury their poo in other people's gardens often in vegetable beds.

They often get squashed running across roads. Frequent posts on social media about their deaths which aren't surprising at all.

The wildlife would be happier then. People buy these things then don't give a care for problems they cause.

Oh well. If it runs in front of a vehicle. If it is to be allowed to roam then expect some will get knocked over running across roads.

You are leashing your cat preventing it from acting like a cat. Yes that is cruel.

There's trap, neuter release schemes here in Britain is there?

I've never had a badger, squirrel or fox, dig up my vegetable garden and shit in it, but loads of cats have.