Thinking of getting a cat, some advice?

cyborg

cyborg

cyborg

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Recently broke up with my GF and wanted something in this empty house, so thought of a cat.

I've read that keeping a cat as indoor only is better for it and they live longer, it would also be better because it would be cleaner. Do you think this is cruel though? Also, like most people, I work 5 days a week, so it will be at home alone from 9-6, is it fine to leave it with food/water and toys to play with, or is an indoor cat unsuitable for this? I don't want to be cruel to the thing.
 
Not sure best reason for getting a cat is because you have an empty house.
As for indoor cat vs outdoor cat, indoor will probably live longer due to not getting in contact with other cats and germs and not being run over or such, but indoor cats can be a tad miserable. I went from 2 indoor cats to 3 indoor/semi outdoor cats ( they have an outdoor cat run ) and the difference being outdoor makes to them is huge.
 
I live right on the banks of a river, big grassy banks too, so Parker had plenty of land to prowl, catch rodents and do what cats do when out and about. He lived to 19 years old, so all the rubbish about 'indoor' cats living longer is just that, rubbish.

In my opinion though, having a cat and keeping it prisoner inside is just wrong.
 
Cats are clean animals. You might have some muddy paw prints but that'll be it.

The only reason I would keep a cat indoors is if it was too sick to go outside. But if you keep it as an outdoor cat then it'll probably go crazy being locked up all day (don't be surprised if you're furniture gets shredded). Just get a cat flap.

IMO, forcing a healthy cat to stay indoors is like keeping birds in cages. You can do it but it's probably better for the animal if you don't.
 
Azagoth said:
In my opinion though, having a cat and keeping it prisoner inside is just wrong.
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same here in most cases

theres exceptions though. like if you live right on a main road or its a more rare cat and under threat from people stealing them. or even if you live near total scum. one of our cats year ago (like 18 maybe) was poisoned by a neighbour:(

our last 2 cats lived to 19 and 21 as outdoor cats :o
 
not really a fan of people who keep cats indoors, i really can't see the point.
especially if people live in flats. it's cruel to the animals..

another reason to not have it indoors is that you'll be away from 9-6.
much better to kick it out so it can do whatever it likes, and you won't have to change the litter tray :p

also good if you go away for a weekend or something, it can stay outside for ages
 
Probably best if you keep it as a semi indoor cat. My cat goes outside most days, normally for a couple of hours when I get back from work.

I don't let him out over night or when it's raining. Apart from fur in the spring he's constantly cleaning himself so he creates any mess.

He loves it outside and he'd hate if it couldn't go catch flies / birds
 
We have a cat we keep indoors all the time, not my choice, personally I think its cruel, they arent like dogs, they need freedom.

I think theres some rspca rule stating you shouldnt leave a dog for more than six hours at a time on its own, dont know if it applies to cats but probably does.
 
my mum is paranoid about letting my 2 cats out so they stay in the house mostly.

if you are getting a cat for indoors and working all day i would get 2 so they can play with each other etc :)
 
Azagoth said:
I live right on the banks of a river, big grassy banks too, so Parker had plenty of land to prowl, catch rodents and do what cats do when out and about. He lived to 19 years old, so all the rubbish about 'indoor' cats living longer is just that, rubbish.

In my opinion though, having a cat and keeping it prisoner inside is just wrong.
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im in a similar situation but i live next to a small woods & field. kitty adopted us about 4 years ago and today shes like a mini missile :)
 
cyborg said:
hmm ok. Another question. I realise cats clean themselves, but do you need to clean them also?
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no, apart from wiping their feet when they're muddy :p

i remember washing ours when they were kittens once or twice, but i think that was with a special anti-flea shampoo or something
 
cyborg said:
hmm ok. Another question. I realise cats clean themselves, but do you need to clean them also?
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nope. you can brush em but not really necessary. only thing you should do if an "outdoors cat" is to every 3-4 months give them anti-flees and anti-worms medication. also if its a female outdoors cat and your not planning kittens get her done, trust me its for the best :)
 
What I can't understand is how he manages not to stick of cat spit even though he's licking himself all the time.

I wipe my cat over with a pet wipe probably once a month, no real need to thoughs. I clip the very tips of his claw ever so often too, just to protect myself when we play fight.
 
Azagoth said:
I live right on the banks of a river, big grassy banks too, so Parker had plenty of land to prowl, catch rodents and do what cats do when out and about. He lived to 19 years old, so all the rubbish about 'indoor' cats living longer is just that, rubbish.
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lolwut. Well, I guess your sample size settles it!
 
Well I think having a house cat is fine if you have the space! Bonuses to keeping your cat indoors is they will never run into trouble for example air rifles, raped by some chav scum, set on fire and so on:rolleyes:.
 
well our cats 17 now but she looks about five ,she slobs about the house most of the time but also likes to be out quite a bit ,gets in the odd scrap now and again ,we take her on holiday as well ,she enjoys the change and kills lots of small furry things.
her brother victor miowdrew was owned by a neighbour and died ages ago he was more of an indoor cat
 
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