Is it crule to prevent my cats from leaving my garden?

Hello,

I have a garden that is about 130 sqm and I am seriously thinking about putting in a new fence (cat proof) to prevent my cats from leaving the garden.

My reasons for this are:
They are getting into fights with other cats and the local stray
They mostly want to go out at night and i dont let them to because of fears of being run over, or attacked by a fox/badger. It breaks my heart each night when they miow and scratch to get out.
Generaly being overprotective, i worry when ever they leave the house!

Now my question is, is this crule and unfair to the cats if they are now used to leaving the garden? One of them was a flat cat that before I adopted her never went outside.

Thanks

I don't think you are being at all cruel or unfair. Every reason you listed indicates a valid concern for their welfare. A part of life is that we don't always get to do everything we want. And that applies to cats also.

Keeping them safe is not cruel

My cats are indoor only, 2 of them go out but only with a harness and leash.

I agree, keeping them safe is not cruel. Mine are only allowed out in the daytime and I have http://www.freedom-fence.co.uk/ so they are confined to the garden. Our oldest cat is 9 and she adjusted with no bother when we installed it last year.

I think its a excellant idea. They can go out with complete safety. Theres nothing cruel about that at all.

I think it is a wonderful idea and not cruel at all!

I think it's a great idea. You'd be giving them the best of both worlds - the chance to go outdoors without the dangers that come with letting them run loose.