I don't want to share too many details but a friend has a tame, non-feral cat who lives outdoors. (This is NOT an indoor/outdoor debate!) A few years ago the cat lost his eye in a fight. He continues to get in frequent fights which are documented by my friend. She seems to think he enjoys this kind of rough and tumble lifestyle based on her photos and comments about him. Today she shared that he got into a fight and his other eye has been damaged and he is "behaving as if he is blind." The vet is not sure if it is permanent and she has to give him drops and wait to see if it heals. She says she loves this cat more than any other she's ever owned and that if he died she would be beyond devastated.
In this situation, would you, personally, say something about bringing the cat inside? I feel like she is trying to live in two minds. Most people who have outside cats accept (right or wrong, again this is not a debate thread) the risk of fights and have determined based on any number of factors that despite the risks, the cat would be better outdoors. She doesn't seem to accept the risks, is shocked every time it happens, posts photos of his injuries and comments about how upset she gets when he is injured... I just can't understand why after the loss of his eye (a significant defensive disadvantage!!!!) she didn't bring him inside at that point.
I don't really want to say anything because she's very upset and I'm sure it would not be heard in the right spirit. But I feel almost compelled on behalf of her poor one-eyed cat, who should be able to live a life free of predators.
WWYD?
In this situation, would you, personally, say something about bringing the cat inside? I feel like she is trying to live in two minds. Most people who have outside cats accept (right or wrong, again this is not a debate thread) the risk of fights and have determined based on any number of factors that despite the risks, the cat would be better outdoors. She doesn't seem to accept the risks, is shocked every time it happens, posts photos of his injuries and comments about how upset she gets when he is injured... I just can't understand why after the loss of his eye (a significant defensive disadvantage!!!!) she didn't bring him inside at that point.
I don't really want to say anything because she's very upset and I'm sure it would not be heard in the right spirit. But I feel almost compelled on behalf of her poor one-eyed cat, who should be able to live a life free of predators.
WWYD?