Indoor cat- doable?

[Miljea]

I have never had an indoor cat; in fact, all the cats I grew up with were house cats with free access outdoors (fairly rural).

My DH is Aussie and quite environmentally aware; he sees cats in Australia as being hugely destructive to native wildlife etc, which he is 100% correct about.

He's a big fan of feeding the wild birds that come to the garden; he never lets their feed run down and can name many species. And visiting cats get the hose!

However, my DSs are desperate for a cat. But DH would never countenance a free-range one.

We live in a 4 BR 'estate' house, so lots of room, and we have a conservatory.

I have never considered an 'indoor' cat before; so things I want to ask:

Is it cruel?

While I know you have to keep on top of the litter, is it an overwhelming task?

Does the cat constantly try to escape?

Any constructive thoughts welcome.

We have three indoor cats and it's absolutely fine. The not having the back door open in summer really isn't an issue either - either keep the cat in another room or get a screen door like they have in Australia to keep out the bugs

Personally I think your cat will choose. One of my cats is outside more than in. My other 3 cats hate being outside.