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Original poster

Is it cruel or kind to keep a cat in?

285 replies

nc8975 · 14/01/2023 19:38

We adopted our kitten back in the summer, she's now 8 months old, spayed, vaccinated, chipped etc. She was semi wild (on a farm) from birth until we got her at about 13 weeks, living with her mum and litter mates outside but fed by someone.

She is keen to go outside; dashes for the door and looks longingly out the window), but we're really worried she won't come back or will get hurt. We live on a housing estate next to a bit of open land, but also quite close to a railway line (not hugely busy one). We have a good sized home but can't help but feel we are cooping her up a bit (I WFH so she has company most of the day and we play with her)

Which option is kinder? Will she just adapt to being indoors?

OP posts:
LexMitior · 19/01/2023 18:45

But crime and theft need intention beyond all reasonable doubt.

The CPS would need to prove that a person intended to take and keep your cat with the knowledge it was yours. That is very hard to prove.

Twat of course. But if you let the cat out, a huge problem because it goes where it wants.

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2023 18:47

LexMitior · 19/01/2023 18:45

But crime and theft need intention beyond all reasonable doubt.

The CPS would need to prove that a person intended to take and keep your cat with the knowledge it was yours. That is very hard to prove.

Twat of course. But if you let the cat out, a huge problem because it goes where it wants.

We're going round in circles here. Unless you're a shit owner who doesn't have their cats microchipped that is pretty much all anyone would need to prove a cat was theirs. It really isn't an issue.

LexMitior · 19/01/2023 18:51

It's a huge issue! It's called the little old lady defence - the nice little old lady that feeds your cat and slowly adopts it.

The police hate these cases. The owner insists on a microchip and the lady says she just fed the cat. We went around in circles btw because this is what these cases are like if you try and prosecute them!

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2023 18:54

LexMitior · 19/01/2023 18:51

It's a huge issue! It's called the little old lady defence - the nice little old lady that feeds your cat and slowly adopts it.

The police hate these cases. The owner insists on a microchip and the lady says she just fed the cat. We went around in circles btw because this is what these cases are like if you try and prosecute them!

Well I have always had cats that roam and most of my friends and family do and no little old lady has ever had to be prosecuted because they wouldn't give a cat back. So, like I say. It really isn't an issue.

WandaWomblesaurus · 19/01/2023 18:54

I have indoor cats - very healthy and happy and content - after about a year old they didn't want to go out anymore.

My previous beloved cat of 20 years was attacked by several foxes at once. It was utterly heartbreaking. I wouldn't have an outdoor cat now.

WandaWomblesaurus · 19/01/2023 18:54

levellingleveller · 14/01/2023 20:05

It’s really, really cruel. Cats are evolved to respond to an active, moving environment, filled with living things. Your house cannot provide that. And we all know how good fresh air and being outdoors makes us feel. Why would it be different for your cat? And you cat is showing you very, very clearly how much s/ he needs to outdoors.

If you can’t keep an animal in the way it needs, don’t have that animal as a pet. Give your cat to someone who can give them the life they need.

Nonsense.

LexMitior · 19/01/2023 18:56

@AllThingsServeTheBeam - we are going to have to disagree. But it's the reason that there is a crime of dog abduction in the UK but nothing for cats. Because cats have element of choice in their lives when they go outside, this is the problem.

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2023 19:03

LexMitior · 19/01/2023 18:56

@AllThingsServeTheBeam - we are going to have to disagree. But it's the reason that there is a crime of dog abduction in the UK but nothing for cats. Because cats have element of choice in their lives when they go outside, this is the problem.

Well if you want to continue to be incorrect I can't stop you.

LexMitior · 19/01/2023 20:22

My point was a legal one. Yours was that you own your cats come hell or high water. A different thing, I think

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2023 20:25

LexMitior · 19/01/2023 20:22

My point was a legal one. Yours was that you own your cats come hell or high water. A different thing, I think

I think you're posting on the wrong thread...

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