Cat owners

[stoofa]

Indoor cats make me a little sad - because they do so love the outdoors.
The sun, the hunting, the socialising - finding their way into the local community and where they are in the hierarchy!
Our rescue cat spent most of her first 6 weeks with us up at windows making whining and chirping noises.
Our rescue kitten took a little longer to find the window and was a little scared on his first run out, but they both love it now.

But I guess - if they have never known it they won't miss it.
Cats are very clean animals, they spend so much of their time cleaning and personal grooming. Once they know where the toilet is they should stick to it. You won't have the issue of the cats thinking you don't know how to hunt and them bringing the hunt in for you.

Our two tolerate each other rather than being the best of friends, there is an uneasy truce between them.
When we both work they can be in the house on their own from around 8:00am - 6:00pm and they have never really caused trouble in that time - they just want out as soon as we arrive.

 

[Mat]

Indoor cats make me a little sad - because they do so love the outdoors.

Luna will happily sit by an open door and just look through it rather than actually going outside, even with the opportunity, so not all cats are imprisoned, so to speak.

 

[TwsT]

Don't get a cat. They're foul smelling, murderous little furry sods.

Get a dog. They stink too but are superior in every way.

sometimes i think my dog thinks it's a cat

Stupid boxer.

 

[iaind]

Nothing more depressing than walking past a house and seeing an "indoor cat" sitting on the windowsill looking out of the window at a world they'll never get to enjoy or experience.

Quite a closed minded view

My cats both sit on the windowsills looking outside - I guess you'd walk past my house thinking how depressing it is? They don't do that because they're longing to be outside (mine could be if they wanted to!), they do it because thats what cat's like doing.

Indoor cats can be perfectly happy cats, in the same way that outdoor cats can be miserable cats - if they're looked after properly then they will be fine and live a contented life. They're all different too - you may find some cats will give you clear signs that they need to get out and some may never want to go out at all. You can't assume they all want the same things

I had one as an indoor cat - I got her because she was better off inside in my flat than locked up at the RSPCA. Now I've moved to a larger place I've got another one and they both go out - it's great to see her outside but in reality neither of them spend a huge amount of time out, a few hours a day at most

 

[BuffetSlayer]

Also, as for outside cats; I don't like the idea of them. They are essentially an invasive species that kill far too many birds and rodents for sustainable populations to deal with. If you want cats, keep them indoors.

Your argument is invalid

 

[ubern00b]

Opinions are like bumholes. Everyone has one.

My two are great little furballs, they do not smell or scratch or are mean or any of the things said in this thread. I keep their litter tray clean and them fed and they are perfectly happy. I give them all the attention in the world and they in turn give me attention, happy purrs and general awesomeness.

My two were indoor cats until recently and they had no issues. Everyone thinks it is cruel etc but my two knew no different. You don't miss what you don't know, right? They were raised from kittens as indoor cats and thats what they knew. When I started letting them out they were petrified of the outdoors. A few months on they go out now and then but almost always after a few hours end up back on my bed curled up at my feet.

I still keep them indoors when I am not home and let them out once I get in from work, they are perfectly happy with this arrangement.

 

[McGray]

Opinions are like bumholes. Everyone has one.

My two are great little furballs, they do not smell or scratch or are mean or any of the things said in this thread. I keep their litter tray clean and them fed and they are perfectly happy. I give them all the attention in the world and they in turn give me attention, happy purrs and general awesomeness.

My two were indoor cats until recently and they had no issues. Everyone thinks it is cruel etc but my two knew no different. You don't miss what you don't know, right? They were raised from kittens as indoor cats and thats what they knew. When I started letting them out they were petrified of the outdoors. A few months on they go out now and then but almost always after a few hours end up back on my bed curled up at my feet.

I still keep them indoors when I am not home and let them out once I get in from work, they are perfectly happy with this arrangement.

You have raised wuss cats.

Congrats.

 

[Twirlywoos]

maybe this is really her way of telling you she wants kids.

 

[ubern00b]

You have raised wuss cats.

Congrats.

You rather I raise fighting cats and make some money from them on the weekends fighting other cats?

 

[BuffetSlayer]

Quite a closed minded view

My cats both sit on the windowsills looking outside - I guess you'd walk past my house thinking how depressing it is? They don't do that because they're longing to be outside (mine could be if they wanted to!), they do it because thats what cat's like doing.

My two do the same, and they are outdoor cats! They spend ages looking out of the window. One will often sleep on the windowsill as well.

Indoor cats can be perfectly happy cats, in the same way that outdoor cats can be miserable cats - if they're looked after properly then they will be fine and live a contented life. They're all different too - you may find some cats will give you clear signs that they need to get out and some may never want to go out at all. You can't assume they all want the same things

My two are like chalk and cheese. One hates being in, the other hates being out. But for me, the crucial thing is they have the choice. I personally don't like the idea of keeping a cat indoors, but as long as they are not in any distress then to each their own. They are certainly safer indoors, but then the flip side is they will never live their life to the full (imo) without being outdoors doing what cats do.

 

[McGray]

You rather I raise fighting cats and make some money from them on the weekends fighting other cats?

Yes.

 

[ubern00b]

Yes.

Could be intersting. I'll get right on that

 

[FoxEye]

Get 2 as they will keep each other company and its not much extra work.

This. Cats are social and they do get bored.

If leaving alone for a long time, definitely have two. Preferably two who have grown up together (or kittens).

For indoor cats keeping the from being bored is the main challenge. Bella (my indoor cat) needs a lot of one-on-one time, and playtime as often as I can give it. Cat furniture, loads of toys (think the same amount as your average child), places they can look out the window, whatever stimulation you can give them.

I also take Bella outside on a harness, for an hour a day, in the garden. There's no doubting she loves it outside, but I'm fairly sure she's also happy inside - as long as I keep playing with her

 

[Diagro]

My kitten. She is great.

Although she meows at our door from 5-6am till around 6:45 when i get up to feed her.
I prob made her worse as i get up at 6:45 every day to feed her.

She will then snuggle and pur, then go into attack mode a and nibble our legs or feet.

Then she will see we are getting ready to leave and start puring again.

Then we leave for work.

get back 8 hours + Later and from what i have seen she can hear the cars and starts meowing again. We go in and feed her then she starst the cycle of puring and attacking and purring.

Crazy cat.... But we love her! We don't allow her outside. As she is only 5 months old. and I prob wont untill next spring

 

[BuffetSlayer]

My kitten. She is great.

Although she meows at our door from 5-6am till around 6:45 when i get up to feed her.
I prob made her worse as i get up at 6:45 every day to feed her.

She will then snuggle and pur, then go into attack mode a and nibble our legs or feet.

Then she will see we are getting ready to leave and start puring again.

Then we leave for work.

get back 8 hours + Later and from what i have seen she can hear the cars and starts meowing again. We go in and feed her then she starst the cycle of puring and attacking and purring.

Crazy cat.... But we love her! We don't allow her outside. As she is only 5 months old. and I prob wont untill next spring

Cats are very receptive to routine. They learn your behaviour and cycles. Our cats know the routine, and pretty much stick to it without too much coaxing from us. The trouble comes when things get turned upside down. It can be a little stressful for cats at first as they can be sensitive to change but if you offer them plenty of reassurance and interact with them they will soon get used to it

 

[ubern00b]

Cat furniture, loads of toys (think the same amount as your average child)

Every cat is different though. Rather buy a couple of cheap toys to see if your cat has the vaguest interest in playing with them before getting more or expensive ones.

I bought so many toys for my two and they cannot be bothered. They get far more enjoyment out of a scrumpled up piece of tin-foil, an empty box or a bendy straw than anything I have ever bought for them.

Billy, my younger one, loves bringing in twigs from outside and plays with them for hours. Every morning I wake up I have more foliage in my house. He is a weird little sod.

 

[eatcustard]

Don't get a cat. They're foul smelling, murderous little furry sods.

Get a dog. They stink too but are superior in every way.

This

Cats are vermin and kill mice, I like mice

 

[Pudney]

Every cat is different though. Rather buy a couple of cheap toys to see if your cat has the vaguest interest in playing with them before getting more or expensive ones.

I bought so many toys for my two and they cannot be bothered. They get far more enjoyment out of a scrumpled up piece of tin-foil, an empty box or a bendy straw than anything I have ever bought for them.

Billy, my younger one, loves bringing in twigs from outside and plays with them for hours. Every morning I wake up I have more foliage in my house. He is a weird little sod.

Those plastic containers from Kinder Eggs. Both of you get a treat then...

 

[Spook187]

Nothing more depressing than walking past a house and seeing an "indoor cat" sitting on the windowsill looking out of the window at a world they'll never get to enjoy or experience.

lol give over, cats like to see whats going on the world knowing they are safe looking out of the window you been playing with that mouse of yours to long.

 

[Luggs]

Be prepared to spend the next 10 years picking hair off your clothes...