Originally Posted by mrblanche
If your children were apt to roam anywhere in the neighborhood, go over any fence, into any yard, into any street, and you had no way of explaining to them the dangers of cars, cruel people, and cruel animals, I suspect you WOULD keep them in.
In many US areas, it is now illegal to allow an animal to leave your property, and that includes cats.
Bengalsmum, most of us here are aware of the cultural (and sometimes situational) differences that lead some members to let their cats roam. Even though we may disagree with your decision and feel morally bound to raise the question, very few of us would go so far as to pass judgment on you based on this issue. I, for one, would never let a cat out -- but I deeply treasure the friendships of many members who do!
When people mention it to you, try to remember that they're thinking of the well-being of your kitties. They want to make sure that you're fully aware of the ever-increasing dangers involved in letting your cats roam. Some of them may not be very diplomatic in how they state their concerns, and for that I apologize -- but their hearts are in the right place.