Are cats allowed outside?

wellingtoncats · Aug 5, 2005

Originally Posted by Purity

Sam, is it a common thing in NZ to have indoor cats? I know in the UK it's still quite unusual.

Hi Purity,

No it's definitly not common to have indoor cats in NZ. The only people I know who keep their cats indoors are breeders. Actually alot of people I know have outside cats that never come inside. If you asked someone if their cats lived inside here in NZ you would probably be laughed at they would answer "Mate, cats are MEANT to be outside"

Sam

enigma · Aug 5, 2005

I remember reading someplace that some cities it is against the law to allow your cats outside unless they are on a leash. (recommend a harness.) so make sure you check out your laws. three of my six cats love to go on walks. one cat is terrified outdoors, and will curl up and howl. make sure you know the area well if you are thinking of letting your cat go outdoors unattended, such as stray dogs, children, and so on. and make sure your kitty had all the shots also, some vets recommend extra shots to protect your kitty from the outdoors.

bigkittendaddy · Aug 5, 2005

My 2 boys love to sit in the windows and taunt the birds but if I try to take them outside they just sit by my foot and cry. They do not like it outside. I think it scares them. They have lived in my Apt for the 3 1/2 yrs. I've had them and they are 6 now. The only place i keep them off of is the Kitchen counters and one small knicknack shelf where I have some kinda pricey pottery pieces. Other than they go where they will. I use the laser light in the common hallway in the AM to let them get some good running in.

semiferal · Aug 6, 2005

Allowed? No. But unfortunately at my house, I am not the boss of the world and Harvey knows exactly what to do when he wants to go out. If he scoots out the door and slips under the neighbor's fence, there's not a bloody thing I can do about it. Sigh...

stephenm · Aug 6, 2005

My 8 cats have access to an outdoor run through a cat flap in the back door, this allows them to get some fresh air but keeps them safe from roads, cats, dogs and people.

coaster · Aug 6, 2005

Wow, that's a really nice, spacious enclosure, StephenM. Your kitties sure are lucky!!

xocats · Aug 6, 2005

StephenM...Your enclosure is beautiful. You have very lucky kitties.

Lei

elizwithcat · Aug 6, 2005

Originally Posted by WellingtonCats

Hi Purity,

No it's definitly not common to have indoor cats in NZ. The only people I know who keep their cats indoors are breeders. Actually alot of people I know have outside cats that never come inside. If you asked someone if their cats lived inside here in NZ you would probably be laughed at they would answer "Mate, cats are MEANT to be outside"

Sam

And how long do these cats last?
Of course if somebody views their cat as disposable, they would just get another one after the first one "dissapears".
It's a fact that indoor only cats live much longer than either outdoor or indoor-outdoor cats.
My book is very clear on this subject.
An outdoor cat is not safe. He can pick up fleas, mites and ticks, or cat diseases. He can be hit by a car. You don't know what he has been eating while outside. The intelligence of a cat is less than that of 3 year old child.
Would anyone allow a 3 year old to roam free? Then why should the cat roam free?
The indoor cat is safer and healthier.

elizwithcat · Aug 6, 2005

Originally Posted by StephenM

My 8 cats have access to an outdoor run through a cat flap in the back door, this allows them to get some fresh air but keeps them safe from roads, cats, dogs and people.

It's lovely. My cat loves to sit by the balcony's window looking outside.
I decided to take him out on a balcony but he won't have none of it. He scratched at me and run back inside. Poor baby was scared.
I guess I won't be needing any inclosures any time soon. Consiering that I don't have either a house or a back yard, it can not happen any time soon.

ginger's mum · Aug 6, 2005

Originally Posted by elizwithcat

And how long do these cats last?
Of course if somebody views their cat as disposable, they would just get another one after the first one "dissapears".
It's a fact that indoor only cats live much longer than either outdoor or indoor-outdoor cats.
My book is very clear on this subject.
An outdoor cat is not safe. He can pick up fleas, mites and ticks, or cat diseases. He can be hit by a car. You don't know what he has been eating while outside. The intelligence of a cat is less than that of 3 year old child.
Would anyone allow a 3 year old to roam free? Then why should the cat roam free?
The indoor cat is safer and healthier.

That is a narrow-minded attitiude, you don't give a cats intelligence much credit do you.
NZ cats can wander for miles in the suburbs without having to cross a road, we have no predators and most dogs are enclosed in a yard so puss just walks along the fence top.
I don't know of ANY only indoor cats in NZ except breeders, and have personally had 3 cats live to the ripe old age of 14-16, ALL died of age related causes and I've known of a few in/out cats live to 20years old. There are ALWAYS people who veiw cats as disposible but those I know LOVE their cats to the point of spoiling them with sirloin steak and thyroid shots. In 30 years we only had one cat dissapear and we think it was because she was so pretty.
Each country and each situation is different, here in Japan I wouln't let my girl out as there is nowhere for her to roam but if I was in NZ in the suburbs or out in the country she'd be out at night after being fixed just like all my other cats.

elizwithcat · Aug 6, 2005

Originally Posted by Ginger's Mum

That is a narrow-minded attitiude, you don't give a cats intelligence much credit do you.
NZ cats can wander for miles in the suburbs without having to cross a road, we have no predators and most dogs are enclosed in a yard so puss just walks along the fence top.
I don't know of ANY only indoor cats in NZ except breeders, and have personally had 3 cats live to the ripe old age of 14-16, ALL died of age related causes and I've known of a few in/out cats live to 20years old. There are ALWAYS people who veiw cats as disposible but those I know LOVE their cats to the point of spoiling them with sirloin steak and thyroid shots. In 30 years we only had one cat dissapear and we think it was because she was so pretty.
Each country and each situation is different, here in Japan I wouln't let my girl out as there is nowhere for her to roam but if I was in NZ in the suburbs or out in the country she'd be out at night after being fixed just like all my other cats.

Never been to NZ, maybe it's a cat paradise, but it's clearly not the case here in US. Have you not read stories posted on this very site about cats being run over, mauled, or lost because they were allowed outside? They are all over the site, all you have to do is look. Do go read some Crossing the Bridge stories, just read the first page. Then count the cats killed by cars, or killed by dogs, and then say that you can honestly advocate allowing cats outside.

As for cat being less intelligent than a 3 year old child, I got it from my cat book. Maybe you should let the author know how narrow minded you think she is.

semiferal · Aug 6, 2005

I think the thing we should all be learning from this thread is that there is far from a universal opinion on whether cats should be indoors or outdoors.

In the US many shelters won't let anyone adopt a cat if they plan to let the cat outdoors. In the UK, it's hard to adopt a cat from the RSPCA if you *don't* plan to let the cat outside. And personally, I don't think either position is 100% correct.

Cats are definitely safer indoors, but many are much happier if they have access to the outdoors. I admit to being a very nervous Mom so my cats are rarely allowed outdoors. But I also have to acknowledge that in my own life, I know that what is safest is not what will make me happiest, and more often than not I choose to take the risk and do what will make me happy. It's hard not to at least acknowledge the validity of adopting a similar viewpoint for our cats. The individual situation should be assessed, the individual cat should be taken into account, and a decision should be made. Sometimes it's better for a cat to be 100% indoors, sometimes it's better for a cat to be allowed out under controlled circumstances.

huggles · Aug 6, 2005

Originally Posted by elizwithcat

Have you not read stories posted on this very site about cats being run over, mauled, or lost because they were allowed outside? They are all over the site, all you have to do is look. Do go read some Crossing the Bridge stories, just read the first page. Then count the cats killed by cars, or killed by dogs, and then say that you can honestly advocate allowing cats outside.

I read and post on every RB thread and yes there are alot of cats killed by cars, dogs and the like - but there are also many that die from old age and illnesses not related to "outside" issues.

Please be aware that as mentioned every country and ever situation is different. My boys are indoor/outdoor cats and we live on a semi busy road. I made the choice of allowing them outdoors as they infact enjoy it more outside. We thankfully have no predators in the area.

I weighed up the fact that they may get hit by a car - good grief I dont want that to happen, but I will give them a happy life no matter how long they stay with me - they are happy outside - they love it outside. Then they come in at night and stay inside until the morning. Ask anyone on here that knows me - my boys are spoilt rotten.

This is not uncommon in Australia - indoor only cats, unlike the US are uncommon.

Everyone needs to respect each others decision about whether they allow their cats outdoors or not - when someone asks an opinion about indoor/outdoor cats, do not immediatly close your mind to the fact that in certain/ some situations cats are FINE outside. I have grown up with numerous cats - all being outdoor cats - and all have lived to an old age.

this is just my 2 cents worse - I tried to stay away from this thread, but eventually it dragged me in

elizwithcat · Aug 6, 2005

Originally Posted by huggles

I read and post on every RB thread and yes there are alot of cats killed by cars, dogs and the like - but there are also many that die from old age and illnesses not related to "outside" issues.

Please be aware that as mentioned every country and ever situation is different. My boys are indoor/outdoor cats and we live on a semi busy road. I made the choice of allowing them outdoors as they infact enjoy it more outside. We thankfully have no predators in the area.

I weighed up the fact that they may get hit by a car - good grief I dont want that to happen, but I will give them a happy life no matter how long they stay with me - they are happy outside - they love it outside. Then they come in at night and stay inside until the morning. Ask anyone on here that knows me - my boys are spoilt rotten.

This is not uncommon in Australia - indoor only cats, unlike the US are uncommon.

Everyone needs to respect each others decision about whether they allow their cats outdoors or not - when someone asks an opinion about indoor/outdoor cats, do not immediatly close your mind to the fact that in certain/ some situations cats are FINE outside. I have grown up with numerous cats - all being outdoor cats - and all have lived to an old age.

this is just my 2 cents worse - I tried to stay away from this thread, but eventually it dragged me in

Well, of course eventually even an indoor cat is going to die from old age.
But it's going to be a lot harder for an outdoor cat to make it to old age.
I also grew up with the indoor-outdoor cats, and no, not all of them made it to ripe old age. I loved these cats as a child, and it was very sad when one day they just didn't come home. So, this experience is not something I care to repeat, as I know first hand what can happen to a cat allowed outside.
I am completely against allowing cats to go outside, so, I would advise anyone according with my belifs, which are never going to change. And those beliefs are accepted here in US, as any good shelter wouldn't adopt out a cat if the new owner says the cat will be allowed outdoor.
Now, whatever is done in other countries-I haven't been to Australia, NZ, or UK, so I wouldn't know what's going on in there.

huggles · Aug 6, 2005

Originally Posted by elizwithcat

Now, whatever is done in other countries-I haven't been to Australia, NZ, or UK, so I wouldn't know what's going on in there.

exactly my point - the original poster of this thread is from Israel - I am not aware of what is considered "normal" in Israel - nor are you - therefore we can give our opinions but not disrespect others that have different opinions based on what is "done" in other countries

elizwithcat · Aug 6, 2005

Originally Posted by huggles

exactly my point - the original poster of this thread is from Israel - I am not aware of what is considered "normal" in Israel - nor are you - therefore we can give our opinions but not disrespect others that have different opinions based on what is "done" in other countries

Frankly, if I moved to a country, that considered allowing cats outside normal, no way I would allow my cats out. I mean, they are actually eating cats in some countries (no joke), so just because something is done in a particular country, doesn't make it acceptable to me.

huggles · Aug 6, 2005

I must say - that my boys dont always like it outside - like now for example - its raining, its cold and its the middle of winter - they both much prefer it inside sleeping in front of the fire

clever boys I tell ya!!!

booktigger · Aug 7, 2005

Well, i have a 14 year old cat who spent the first 11 years of his life one road away from an extremely busy road, and the last 3 of those years he actually lived on the street 24/7, until i took him in. His only health prob - he had 3 bad teeth, yet was still 5.5kg (12lb). Despite keeping him in for 6 weeks, he didnt adapt to an indoor only life, so he was allowed out, although he was made to come home every night, if it meant me getting on my hands and knees and getting him from under cars. He had to spend 10 days inside last year after an op, and got depressed and was 100% better as soon as he was allowed outside, so he will have that kind of life. I also have a 10 year old who has been an indoor/outdoor cat all her life, although she only goes out for 20 mins at a time here, but that is her choice, she will sit at the top of the stairs and look out the door but not go. I have lived in my house for 4 1/2 years and only cat has been hit by a car in that time, although her owners still let her out.

ripley601 · Aug 7, 2005

Ihave 2 indoor cats and one outdoor. One of my indoor cats at one point was extremely interested in getting outside. Sooo I let her out. SUpervised by me of course. She was a total jerk, ran under the porch, and wouldn't come out. Never again. If she wants to roam around nicely and listen fine. but she immediately goes for some hole..too afraid she'll get stuck. My outdoor cat is just like a dog. Sticks right to me, never more than 5 -10 ft away. He will only walk the property if we are with him. (we have 10 acres and he is almost blind) If we are not out side he is on one of the porches or snoozing in a chair in the sun. If you really want to let them out. Build a kennel ..with a roof just like for a dog. then they can get some fresh air, lay in the grass ectt. and you won't have to worry. Just be SURE they have all of their shots.

purity · Aug 7, 2005

I don't think it's irresponsible to lets cats out if, like Sam, you live in a beautiful part of the world where there aren't too many busy roads and very few wild animals. I would allow my cats outside IF it was safe for them, but I live in a small seaside town with a lot of passing traffic, and letting them out would be a death sentance, no doubt at all. Therefore, I fail to see how it can be called cruel to keep them inside.

I would have loved to have gotten my two from a shelter, but as someone else pointed out, shelters are very dubious about giving people animals unless they are allowed outside. I think this is a great shame, as my two are perfectly happy, and have all they need at home. If I move to a different area then I will reconsider my options, and either let them out supervised, or build an enclosure for them. In the meantime, they are certainly not suffering or miserable as they are.

Each person needs to weigh up their individual circumstances and do what is best for their cat, that's what loving the gorgeous little creatures is all about.

Are cats allowed outside?

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