Why did they get kittens

[Dollymixture22]

I have just heard a friend has got two new kittens. She has decided they will be outdoor cats. With no access to the house. She has bought a kennel for them to sleep in, and will bring them inside if they want to play with them, otherwise they will live outside.

Why bother getting cats under these circumstances? It’s going to be a cold winter, I feel very uncomfortable about this arrangement.

I meant couldn’t be the friend of someone like that

I assume that the kittens are being kept inside for two weeks to allow them to work out where their home is? If they aren't then they will be moving on almost straight away. The family are going to miss out on so much thanks to their funny ideas. There is nothing like going to sleep with a purring cat on the bed. I hope the kittens quickly find themselves a nice, loving home which appreciates them because I don't see them staying with your acquaintance long.

Good point @UnicornsExist we had to crate for 2 weeks when ours first came. Now they follow us round, demand food, come and watch the horses being ridden and sleep in the most awkward places yes I want that rug you're asleep on

Is it possible that they are rescuing "working" cats. Our local "nationwide" rescue often is looking for cats to go to small holdings and farms. If they aren't then that would definitely be a better option for them.

We had an cat who mainly wanted to be outside. She had heat lamp, food, water and a warm bed in the garage so was often warmer than in the house (she had a cat flap to get in it). She chose to be there and had free access to the house all day.

The initial plan had always been for her to live in the house with access outside but she had problems litter training and ruined 5 carpets in as many months. Our vet offered us little options i.e. put her down, or put her outside due to the problems. We didn't force her out but made being outside a more comfortable option. This wouldn't work for all cats!

She often would come in for cuddles in the evening but then would disappear to bring you back a nice feathery present in the morning. As she got older she gradually moved inside. Litter training wasn't a problem by then...She knew what to do! Difference is, she enjoyed being out there and we sometimes would even find our neighbours (indoor) cat enjoying her warm bed. It was a massive single duvet in a plastic tub...sooo toasty under a heat lamp!

It wouldn't have worked for her as she got older, but by then she was firmly in the house for the second half of her life.

Are you sure they aren't semi feral older kittens who have been assessed as outdoor cats (too old to socialise, basically)? Especially if it's a rural location.

I hope they are neutered or will be neutered soon, otherwise they will soon have more cats than they planned to...

So they want to leave the kittens outside but get them in to play now and then?
Cats have minds of their own and only play on their terms.
Maybe she could get some stuffed toy cats to play with not living creatures?

Hopefully scratching your friend will be their favourite game...

I would definitely inform the shelter because the poor kittens could die if its freezing outside. I would keep looking in her garden and if the kittens were outside rescue them and take them hone with you. These kittens are babies and wouldn't withstand being outside in bad weather also your friend needs to be told foxes roam on a night and attack and kill cats. I have 7 cats all indoors and they are safe - we asked advice of 3 vets and they confirmed they would be fine. I have a large house so they get plenty of exercise running around and they are safe happy loved. and well fed

Under the circumstances I would immediately call the rescue centre and explain what you have learnt. The whole point is they adopt them into a better life and kittens are really sought after. It may seem life you're dobbing your friend in but they won't know it was you who phoned, you don't even need to tell the shelter your name - or you could explain you don't want them to know someone reported them. The welfare of the animals is really the most important thing - living outside especially as kittens is not acceptable and you're right it is unlikely they will make it through the winter and they are being treated as objects not part of the family! I think the only instance it is acceptable to have cats live outside is if they themselves want to i.e. they dont want to come in, prefer it outside or if you're bringing in a stray who is still adapting to you. Please please report this, the little kittens are more important than anything else and well done for speaking out about it in your friendship group.