At what age should my cat be kept in?

[crazycatgal]

My DCat is 13 in November and generally healthy although she can't jump up as high anymore and walks slower than she used to. I live in a residential area with quiet roads although you do get the odd idiot who likes to come speeding down the road.

When should I start keeping her inside? When DCat goes out she normally stays on the garden wall but often leaves the garden and goes off. I worry about her going outside but she loves going out and moans if she has to stay in.

At 13 I think she's probably OK. All the cats I've had have decided for themselves when they want to become house/garden only cats.

When she decides to stay in! As she gets older she'll possibly sleep more and stay close to home but 13 isn't that old these days. It sounds like she's enjoying life and that has to be the main thing.

The local semi-stray is still roaming around at 19!

My last girl went out less as she got to about 13/14 but that was her choice. Your cat will let you know when it wants to stay in!

Do you have a litter tray?

Yes I have several trays (more than one cat) and she'll often use trays rather than going to the toilet outside. She's definitely not ready to become a house cat though - she gets very grumpy if she's not allowed out.

Ours is nearly 15 and loves being able to go out. She sleeps in a warm spot in the summer and goes and for a mooch, sniff and pee when it's colder. She only goes out the back and doesn't go far but she likes her freedom.

Monty is 20 and really is on his last legs but he still goes out every day. A couple of months ago we put up a tent in the garden so he has somewhere dry when it's raining. He now spends most days sleeping in it. The only thing we have changed is that we now ensure he is in at night.