Just got first cat! Quick question.

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sneeby

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Hi guys I'm new to this forum. I've been a dog owner for a few years now and I love them, I always wanted a cat but never got one cause I wasn't really sure how the dogs would treat it (they aren't too friendly around our neighbors cats)...

Well anyway, I moved out recently, into a nice little apartment in the city and we are only allowed small pets here, so I went out to our local animal shelter and got a cat a few days ago. So far hes great! really pleasant attitude and pretty playful.
I just have a question, hes always looking out the window to the balcony, like he wants to go outside. Should I let him go out on the balcony? We are pretty high up and I don't want him to accidentally fall down or somehow climb onto a tree and get lost.

Thnx
 
jujubee

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I wouldn't let him out. I live on the 2nd floor, i let my cat on the balcony, but as soon as she starts looking over the edge, or putting her feet on the bars i bring her in. There are birds flying around here, i think she may take a leap, not thinking, and leap too far. I considered putting up some screen or something on the railing but i figured she may jump up to get a better view and miscalculate.
 
chichismom

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NO! There is so much trouble he can get into out there. If he is'nt nuetered, theres a good chance he'll run off. Once you start letting them out, they will want out all the time. Instead, set him up a nice window perch- that way he can see out, but is safely behind doors. Outdoor cats don't live as long as indoor cats- its a dangerous world out there for kitties!
 
adymarie

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I wouldn't. When we lived in an apartment we had 2 cats that were content to just look. If they leap before they look they could be seriously hurt!

BTW - Welcome to TCS - may your stay here be long and profitable!
 
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sneeby

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cool thanks guys for the quick replies! Thats what my friends have told me, outdoor cats are more likely to get hurt and get into trouble, which I don't want.

I'm thinking of getting him some sort of window perch, so he can get some fresh air and get a better look at nature. So whats the average price range for a perch?


thnx again
 
adymarie

adymarie

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You can get a cat tree fairly inexpensively on e-bay or even make one of your own. You can google making a cat tree and come up with lots of instructions.

Good luck!
 
jenny82

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I got a window perch for about $20 at the pet store and mine love it.

I would just look around the next time you're at Petco or Petsmart.


Now if you're looking for an actual large cat tree, I would recommend Ebay because it's much cheaper!
 
persi & alley

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Originally Posted by sneeby

Hi guys I'm new to this forum. I've been a dog owner for a few years now and I love them, I always wanted a cat but never got one cause I wasn't really sure how the dogs would treat it (they aren't too friendly around our neighbors cats)...

Well anyway, I moved out recently, into a nice little apartment in the city and we are only allowed small pets here, so I went out to our local animal shelter and got a cat a few days ago. So far hes great! really pleasant attitude and pretty playful.
I just have a question, hes always looking out the window to the balcony, like he wants to go outside. Should I let him go out on the balcony? We are pretty high up and I don't want him to accidentally fall down or somehow climb onto a tree and get lost.

Thnx
Click to expand...
He may be used to being outside but I would not let him out. Alley looks out the window a lot like she wants to be outside (she was a rescured cat so probably used to hang outside.) But no more. Better safe than sorry.
 
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menagerie mama

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I don't believe in letting cats outside at all. Too many things can hurt them. Parasites, hawks, other animals coming into the yard, diseases, poisoning...to name a few. That's just my opinion.
 
tavia'smom

tavia'smom

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Welcome to the site and no I would not let him out on the balcony for alot of reasons. Thank you for being so concerned about his safety.
 
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