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.

Cats hunt. It is their instinct. But it isn’t natural in the sense that they aren’t part of our native ecosystem.

The answer to that isn’t to continue keeping millions of cats inside. The answer is to reduce the number of cats. Licences? Mandatory neutering?

I disagree. Letting them roam is not taking adequate provision for your pet's safety.

I do not think that letting a cat in harms way is what a loving pet owner should do. I do agree that cats need to go outside. But this should be in a controlled way. Catio at night and cat proofed garden in the day.

Then don't keep a cat. Simple !

You know, my first experience of indoor-only cats was in the US. With a cat who was literally on Prozac. Are we okay with that? Cats needing actual medication for mental ill health?

Agree. I have had cats.

They would be inside at night and in cat proof garden in the day. Happy, safe cats, not exposed to disease, car accidents, other accidents.

Because those animals are not cats, and don't have the same needs as cats. What part of this isn't going in with you?

My cat is allowed to roam (as all cats should be) and has a cat flap so can come and go. She rarely goes further than our patio because she is scared of the scores of foxes constantly invading our garden and pooing everywhere. I dont hear anyone proposing we put foxes on leads. Leave nature alone and let animals do what they need to do. Dogs are much more domesticated than cats are as a species (and much more dangerous, responsible for killing sheep, cattle, deer and humans, unlike cats).

No, but it is possible to cat proof the garden. The same way we do for dogs.

I’d say about 10% of all the posts on our local social media is “dead cat by this road” or “my cat’s not been home for days, have you seen it?” I question people letting them wander and then being furious when they get run over or disappear, you’ve surely only got yourself to blame if you let them run free…

You dont care if the get knocked over mauled by a fox and die an agonising lonely death?

Why?

Don't post bollocks if you don't want to get pulled up on it.

Cat-proofing a garden is just giving them a bigger cage.

Cats are allowed to roam as they are less likely to hurt humans. Dogs have injured and killed people so they are considered differently under English law. Roaming rules are not about animal welfare.
But you legally have to stop and report if you hit someone's dog while driving. Not so for cats.

Oh ffs. Have you ever owned a cat and/or a dog, OP? If not, kindly go away and delete this thread as it’s a load of bullshit.

Cats and dogs are completely different animals as pp have said. Cats are independent and can’t be trained in the same way dogs can. They like to wander off on their own and not always be around people, whereas dogs would prefer never to leave their owner’s side for the rest of their life, which means they don’t mind being walked.

Yes, SOME cats can kill wildlife. But as pp have said, that’s what happens in the animal world. Really not going to be het up about the odd pigeon or squirrel being killed by a cat. Australia is different as some of their species are endangered, which is why they have stopped cats from roaming in those areas. Fair enough.

As for cats themselves being injured outside, well yes I suppose it’s a possibility, the same way you could be knocked down by a bus tomorrow. But are you never going to go out just in case that happens? Of course not. FYI I had 2 cats that went outdoors (in London) and lived to 17 and 18 years old. HTH.

Well I don’t really know what I can do. We rescued her from a farm when she was about 3 months old so she was used to being outside, we kept her in for about 8 months as I really wanted her to be a house cat (mostly due to road safety tbh) but despite me WFH and her getting lots of engagement in the house she was so unhappy, she desperately wanted to get out, she tried at every opportunity.

When we finally let her out she was a changed cat. Honestly it just felt cruel keeping her in. She has a collar with a big bell, she doesn’t go out until long after dawn and she’s not usually out at dusk (she will be more so in summer of course). But she does hunt. It’s not ideal but I’m not going to pretend I lose sleep over it.

It’s not that people don’t care, it’s that they accept these as normal levels of risk.

Same with letting children take risks. Of course it’s ‘safer’ to wrap them in bubble wrap and never let them out of your sight. But it’s a mad way to live.

The most insanely judgemental thread.
😆

Don't patronise me. I do understand that they are different species.

I do not understand why neglecting a cats safety is ok, when it is not with other animals.

I would be curious to know why you think this is ok, when I bet if you had/have a dog you would do everything to keep it safe. Fences high enough, strong leash etc. You wouldn't just leave your dog in an unfenced garden so why not the same for cats?

I haven't read the whole thread, so I don't know if anyone has made this point, but part of the reason cats have a legal right to roam in the UK is because they are a native species, particularly the Scottish wildcat, that aren't necessarily owned or dependent on humans for their survival, unlike dogs. So just as we don't ban other native species, like foxes, from roaming we also don't ban cats. In other countries, like the US and Australia, pet cats are banned from roaming to protect them from predators as they aren't a native species in those countries and are therefore vulnerable if let out.

Dogs can't be let out on their own, of course, because of the danger they might attack someone. Anyone who has a problem with the different treatment of cats and dogs should reflect on the fact that you never see a headline that reads "Person mauled to death by domestic cat".

I have 30 years of cat ownership under my belt, not once has my cat been hit by a car, mauled by a fox, or met a sticky end. They all died after a long, happy life which included free access to outdoors and the ability to wander and hunt.

Cats are pretty smart, they can climb, jump and hide very effectively. My dog on the other hand would run towards danger if it came with a lump of cheese.

They are completely different species with different needs.

I'm amazed. I am still wondering when in the past this was normal because it must be before my awareness and I was a child through the 70s.

Anyway it's kind of irrelevant because people don't do it now if they have any sense.

Cats should be kept in their owners property/garden, for the sake of wildlife and because some of us are allergic to them. Thankfully the only cat near me is a house cat

And this post explains perfectly that you don't understand cats or their needs. Congratulations you.

Lots of wildlife kill each other. Should we monitor foxes and badgers? Or magpies? Stop them from roaming too?

Currently in the UK there is no law against cats being out, and if cat owners take that risk with their own pet then that’s their decision. Until or if laws change, not much that can be done about it.

Cats and Dogs are exceptionally different animals. My dog wouldn’t ever find her way back home, she would also bite anyone who tried to stroke her if let out. My cat knows her way back home and would run away if anyone goes near her.

I bath my dog weekly, my cat would scratch my eyes out if I put her in water.

What on earth. I've had a cat, Rabbits and dog. Of course you don't let a rabbit or guinea pig wonder because it will run off and you will never see it again! Stupid comparison. Cats are intelligent and come back for food and warmth. My cat was a rescue, she was too scared to leave the boundary of our home, she enjoyed the garden and would go outside most of the day and come in at night but had a choice with the cat flap. She choose not to leave the house boundary but I wouldn't have an issue if she did. I don't think it's fair for cats to be stuck indoors, although owners need to be responsible and consider the dangers if they live near busy roads ect. I wouldn't let my whippet roam as he would run across traffic, chase foxes, cats and other dogs. It would be dangerous and irresponsible. My cat lived until 16, she was far more intelligent than my whippet. Cats and dogs are like apples and pears.