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Should I let the cats outside?

post #1 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:00am
Thread Starter 
EDIT; I am from the Netherlands, please remember that before getting into the American mindset - oh no, stealing cats and doing bad things to them - . Thank you ^^

I know this is a much debated question, whether you should let your cat out or not, but I am not looking for a debate on whether to do it or not, but mainly when I should.

I decided that it is fine to let the cats out, for a period of time, because we live in a safe area, there are many other cats (and there hasn't been a cat incident for as long as I know) and well, it is just nicer for cats to be outside. And they have been wanting to go out for ages!

But my question is when?
I have 2 small cats, mine is about 5 months old, very timid and curious. I don't think that he would be any problem at all. He is the sweetest thing and just will play by himself for hours. He doesn't bite or scratch (on purpose) and immediately loves almost anyone.
My sisters cat is the problem. He is a cross bred Norweigien forest cat with something, he is a few weeks younger than my cat, about 4 months old now. He can be very sweet at times, but at others he can be completely crazy! He runs from one side of the room to the other, chases his brother down the stairs and attacks him viciously sometimes (Though it has happened less often lately). Also, though we sit with him and he acts so sweet (and I guess he does love us a bit...), I can't help but think that the only reason he hasn't escaped and ran off is because we feed him!
Does it happen often that cats don't come back? (Because of their own choice and not because someone stole the please!)

Anyway, that is my question, I made a poll, and this may effect my decision. But please post as well!

Quote:
Originally Posted by StormOwner View Post
Oh dear, I thought that might happen.
Firstly, I live in Holland. And here people do no unspeakable things to cats, no poisoning etc. It is sad what happens in America...
Yes, It could happen but there is considerably less chance.
Building an outdoor cage isn't an option, our garden is already too crowded with my rabbit cage. And I don't want to debate whether I should let it out or not, because I have never heard of anything bad happening to a cat here.

Thanks! <3
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post #2 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:07am
Yes it happens cats don't come back.

They get hit by cars, they get attacked by dogs, they get poisoned, they get picked up by sick people who hate cats and do unspeakable things to them.

Cats to not need to "roam free" to be happy. If you want them to go out, either build an outdoor cat containment system or harness train them and take them out with you, under your supervision at all times.

If those are not viable choices, keep the cats in, give them cat trees to climb, windows to sit in and and play with them every day to keep them exercised and stimulated.
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post #3 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:10am
PS are these cats neutered? If not, that should be done right away, regardless of whether they are put outside or not. However, I am completely against cats being allowed to "roam free".

The dangers I described in my first reply are not my idea of freedom.

(Your sister's cat is just acting like a normal kitten.)
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post #4 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:11am
Thread Starter 
Oh dear, I thought that might happen.
Firstly, I live in Holland. And here people do no unspeakable things to cats, no poisoning etc. It is sad what happens in America...
Yes, It could happen but there is considerably less chance.
Building an outdoor cage isn't an option, our garden is already too crowded with my rabbit cage. And I don't want to debate whether I should let it out or not, because I have never heard of anything bad happening to a cat here.

Nope, cats can only be neutered at 6 months o.0
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post #5 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:12am
Please note that the poster is from the Netherlands and cat practices are different there. Many people let their cats outside and feel it is perfectly acceptable to do so. In some European countries shelters will not adopt to people if they plan on the cat being indoors only.
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post #6 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:15am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AbbysMom View Post
Please note that the poster is from the Netherlands and cat practices are different there. Many people let their cats outside and feel it is perfectly acceptable to do so. In some European countries shelters will not adopt to people if they plan on the cat being indoors only.
Thanks, AbbysMom Exactly what I wanted to say
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post #7 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:18am
I did answer your question. You asked if cats let out side don't come back. And the answer is yes.

Because they get hit by cars, killed by another animal, shut up in a garage or shed by accident (and starve to death) poisoned, stolen, lost, or picked up by some sick person.

Believe me, there are people everywhere in the world who do unspeakable things to cats, whether you hear of them or not.

I am sorry, I do not mean to sound hostile. But I participate in quite a few pet forums. And there are, every day, people who come in heart broken because their cat has disappeared. Not just Americans. In my opinion, and a poll is opinion based, it is not worth the risk.
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post #8 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:19am
Thread Starter 
Okay, well, thank you for your opinion
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post #9 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AbbysMom View Post
Please note that the poster is from the Netherlands and cat practices are different there. Many people let their cats outside and feel it is perfectly acceptable to do so. In some European countries shelters will not adopt to people if they plan on the cat being indoors only.
Yes, I know all about that. But with all due respect, a poll is something that asks for opinions, and I have stated mine, and the reasoning behind it.
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post #10 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by StormOwner View Post
Oh dear, I thought that might happen.
Firstly, I live in Holland. And here people do no unspeakable things to cats, no poisoning etc. It is sad what happens in America...
Yes, It could happen but there is considerably less chance.
Building an outdoor cage isn't an option, our garden is already too crowded with my rabbit cage. And I don't want to debate whether I should let it out or not, because I have never heard of anything bad happening to a cat here.

Nope, cats can only be neutered at 6 months o.0
Non neutered males are even less likely to return home. In addition, allowing intact males to "roam free" is irresponsible, as it is contributing to the overpopulation of unwanted cats

Please, at least keep them in until they have been neutered.

And remember, all those other cats...you don't know their health status. Allowing your cats to intermingle with them is exposing them to disease.
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post #11 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:29am
Ultimately, it is your choice, but if you are, please wait until they are neutered, and keep them up to date on vaccines, and dewormed regularly.

I have to say it though...

Even after living in Europe, I wouldn't let my cats out, and for the following reasons

- I monitor their diets carefully, I wouldnt know what they ate outside
- I have seen the damage a car does to a cat when a cat climbs up into it for a snooze
- I have held a cat as it died after drinking something blue-ish in colour, I can ensure inside that all chemicals are kept locked away and with lids tightened
- The issues that fleas and parasites can cause are disgusting and unhealthy
- The fact they could be hurt by a passing car, child, adult, get trapped somewhere (I was working at the shelter as a woman called every day for months hoping that we had found her cat, he had got trapped in a neighbours garage when they left for a long winter vacation in Florida - thankfully he survived but was a very sick boy when they found him)
- Cat fights with unneutered cats who tend to be more territorial

As for no unspeakable things happening in Holland, they do, I have a friend there and someone violently killed her cat. They never found out who did it but that person is probably well on their way to being a murderer. There are people like that everywhere and just because it hasnt happened yet doesnt mean it wont in the future, there are murderers in Holland like every other country and its a known fact that many start off abusing animals.
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post #12 of 32
3/13/10 at 8:41am
You may think no bad things happen to outdoor cats in Holland but it is not true.
My friends cat was poisoned and she lives in Holland.
I know many people in Holland and they keep their cats inside because it is safer.

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post #13 of 32
3/13/10 at 9:05am
I have 5 cats and they have a litter box inside and they use that but they can go out if they want to (not that four of them really do and if they do its only for a few minutes) Floss my tabby loves being outdoors but she never strays far, she especially loves lying on the patio in summer, I keep her in at night but if I'm outside thats mostly when the cats go out and when I come in so do they. I don't think there are huge risks where I live and I also know nearly everyone in my local community. It is different wherever you live. I would definetely wait until they have been neutured/spayed though as males do wander more when they are not done and females can get pregnant obviously. I think whatever decision you make it's your choice and everyone is entitled to their own opinion but at the end of the day they are you cats hun and you don't deserve being told off for it. Everyone has different beliefs and opinions-if they didn't life would be pretty boring xx
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post #14 of 32
3/13/10 at 9:55am
I think you have to be the one to make that decision. My cats live outside, but they are within a fence that has the cat fence in system attached to it. They are confined and other animals cannot get in. They have insulated dog boxes to sleep in when it is cold and raining. They are much safer than cats who are allowed to roam freely. However I do not feel they are as safe as they would be living inside all the time. The only reason they are not housecats only is because my husband is allergic to them. I do feel alright about them being where they are. If they were outside roaming freely, I would be very uneasy. l live in the country, but there is traffic on the road that goes by my house. There is much wildlife here, and that included coyotes. That being said, you are familiar with your neighborhood. If you feel confident in letting your cats be inside/outside cats, at least have them neutered or spayed first. Then be prepared in your heart for whatever happens as a result of them being roaming cats.
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post #15 of 32
3/13/10 at 10:01am
It's up to you what you do, but cats generally are safer inside, there are less dangers. My kitties are inside only, and are quite happy. Since they are still young, you can get a harness and leash train them and take them out for supervised walks if you wish to
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post #16 of 32
3/13/10 at 10:17am
A friend told me a rather horrific story a couple years ago. While on the way to work he saw some construction site workers kicking around (as in back and forth between them) a kitten that was near death. He wasn't sure if they did it or just found the kitten that way, but they certainly weren't trying to help it. He lives in Eindhoven, btw. So only Americans do bad things to cats?

I view dogs and cats the same way. It's not ok to let them run free. However a properly fenced backyard or walks on a harness can be the solution.
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post #17 of 32
3/13/10 at 10:27am
While the cat practices may be different in Holland, that doesn't mean that they are necessarily so, or even desirably so.

Cats are a predator that is very hard on the small bird population, for example. And I happen to know that scientists in Holland are expressing some concern over the decline of birds there. Protecting them from cats might be a good start.

Cats aren't mistreated by sick people in Holland? Have you seen this?

Cat garden defenses

Or this?

Cat Purse

I know that Europeans DO have a different attitude toward outdoor cats. They have a different attitude about declawing, too. Just because they're ahead of us on one doesn't mean they can't learn something from us on the other.

All that said, I find most Americans think they're going to keep that cute, cuddly kitten indoors, until the cute wears off and they start to mature. That's why we get so many cats at the shelter just about 5 or 6 months old, and they obviously haven't been outside very long.

(Oh, and just for the record, it is against the law in many towns, including ours, to let your cat OR dog leave your property.)
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post #18 of 32
3/13/10 at 11:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrblanche View Post
(Oh, and just for the record, it is against the law in many towns, including ours, to let your cat OR dog leave your property.)
I think it technically is everywhere, but no one enforces it. But if neighbors complain enough about damage done by someone's cat(s) the city can do something.
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post #19 of 32
3/13/10 at 11:29am
If you are going to let you cats outside, please spay/nueter them before doing so. You didn't have an option in your poll to let them out after the spay/nueter. So I would vote for that option if you had it.

And I will say that I differ in opinion from a lot of people here on TCS. I believe if you want to let your cat outside and that's what works for you and your household, by all means do it. But be wise about that decision, ie you don't want to let you kitty outside in a crowded urban city or if you live on a busy street where they have a high chance to get hit by a car.
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post #20 of 32
3/13/10 at 1:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sarahp View Post
It's up to you what you do, but cats generally are safer inside, there are less dangers. My kitties are inside only, and are quite happy. Since they are still young, you can get a harness and leash train them and take them out for supervised walks if you wish to
They don't have to be kittens to be harness trained. All my cats are harness trained, and they were adults.
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post #21 of 32
3/13/10 at 5:06pm
I had to vote for keeping inside, though if there was an option for SAFELY being outside (i.e. a cat fence) I would have voted for that. Dogs are more easily contained than cats, IMO, which is why we see so many more dogs left outside in yards.

I adopted my cat because I wanted an animal companion, and I live in a condo without a yard. Cat = ideal for my situation. Now, if I ever move to a place that has a yard or any outside space, I would LOVE to get her a cat fence so she can be outside. But she will NEVER be allowed to roam outside.

I will admit that I don't know a lot about indoor vs. outdoor cats in Europe, but I don't believe that America is the only place where bad things happen to cats.
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post #22 of 32
3/13/10 at 5:13pm
At least wait until after they are spayed/neutered. They can come into heat, and males can mate before 6 months.

Outdoor cats are becoming less common over here, more people are building/buying enclosures or cat fences or using harnesses.
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post #23 of 32
3/13/10 at 5:58pm
I never let a cat outside untill... the cat comes reliably to its name , is spayed/neutered & UTD on shots ... then I start them on a harness system and keep them in a cat proof yard... note only one of five is indoor / outdoor
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post #24 of 32
3/15/10 at 8:48pm
I voted to keep them inside, but if you must let them out, please wait until after they are spayed/neutered!

If you do let them out please be prepared that one day they may not come back.
There are many dangerous out there no matter where you live, including wildlife and other cats-- they could get in a fight with another animal and be seriously injured or killed, or be preyed upon by another animal or even a bird (I just saw a news report of a small dog which was carried off by an owl and never seen again, and have heard of this occurring with dogs/cats and other birds of prey.) There is also the danger of poisons/toxins (either intentional poisoning or accidental, poisonous plants or poisons put down for pests-- even eating a poisoned mouse could kill a cat.) Don't forget cars, diseases which cats may contract from wildlife or other cats, parasites, etc...
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post #25 of 32
3/15/10 at 9:14pm
I let my cats out all the time in the summer, but only under certain circumstances. They are on a leash so they can't get too far away and can't get to the road, and I only let them out when I can watch them. I doubt anything would ever happen (I live in a fairly laid back area where basically nothing bad ever happens, and my street has virtually zero traffic) but I still want them to be safe above all. No matter what the odds might be that something would happen, I'd never take my chances with their life.
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post #26 of 32
3/15/10 at 10:44pm
I think a cat is much happier and "better off" if they can go outside.That said...I also realize they live a MUCH shorter life and are exposed to more dangers and health risks with this freedom. I have opted to make my Alley a 100% indoor cat for her well being but do not judge others who may allow their cats to be either semi-or full time outdoor companions.

In the end it has to be an individual decision based on the person,the animal in question and the environment.Whatever you decide to do please keep your feline friend`s health and well being in mind.

Dank U heel viel!
(ik spreek niet t`viel van `t Nederlands,k?)

HosMan
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post #27 of 32
3/15/10 at 11:22pm
I've let a cat go outside, because I got him as a grown stray and he had obviously been used to going out and was miserable about being completely indoor. However, in the case of a kitten or young cat that doesn't have the habit of going out, it's better in every way to keep them indoors or in an enclosure of some kind. With enough cool stuff to play with and some cat grass (or other non-poisonous houseplant) to munch on, they'll be perfectly happy indoors as long as they don't know the difference.
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post #28 of 32
3/17/10 at 6:53am
Cats are not always happier and "better off" going outside. I have a 3 year old male who used to live outside before I got him. He is indoor only now and shows absolutely zero interest in going back out.

Anyone who has ever had to pick up their beloved pet off the street and bury him would certainly think twice about letting one outside again. I know I did.
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post #29 of 32
3/18/10 at 6:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlleyGirl View Post
Cats are not always happier and "better off" going outside. I have a 3 year old male who used to live outside before I got him. He is indoor only now and shows absolutely zero interest in going back out.

My cats who I rescued from living in the woods don't want to go outside at all. The one whose background is unclear is the only one who actually wants to go outside. Where I live there is an enforced leash law for cats, and being in the middle of town it's not safe anyway-cars, wildlife, etc.

When I was growing up we had indoor/outdoor cats. I had no choice in the matter being that I was a kid. A couple times people brought our cat back, and eventually that cat completely disappeared. It's likely either a bird of prey or coyote got him. My parents lived in the suburbs of Minneapolis/St. Paul, so even in the city you aren't safe from predators. They also had their cats poisoned by someone a couple of times, luckily they got the cats to the vet in time.
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post #30 of 32
3/18/10 at 12:41pm
I'm Finnish so my opinion won't be 'American'.. I voted to keep them inside, but it seems you have already decided to let them out. In this country it is illegal to let your cat go out alone unsupervised, but it happens a lot and every now and then I get to read oh so nice things from the newspapers how someone's cat came home with it's ears and tail cut of, or cat's had been tortured and killed by teenagers because 'they were bored' or 'just for fun'.

But if Netherland really happens to be the only country in the world where this kind of things don't happen, I'd say do not let them out until they are spayed/neutered (which can be done NOW) and I would also wait for them to grow to their full size so it's not so easy for example an owl to get the cat. (We have eagle owls living even in our capital city, so they are everywhere nowadays, not just in the countryside).
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