Some cats are happier about being indoors than others. Our two, although rescue cats, are apparently part Norwegian Forest and they hate being shut in for long. They do come in for the night, though they grumble loudly about this in summer and the younger one tries to pick the cat flap open with her claws (which she can sometimes manage if it’s on the “in only” setting).
I am fairly sure we have now managed to convey to them that the wrath of God, ourselves and every other civilized person will descend upon them if they catch birds, but mice are fair game as long as the cats keep them outside.
You could say the same thing about caring for any pet that has social needs (so, not reptiles/insects/arachnids/fish - but even they need caring for) - why get a pet if you're too busy to care for them? Surely your pet is part of your family? Nobody would suggest that it's unreasonable to expect dog owners to walk them every day.
People raised in a family and social culture where cats go out, may have specifically chosen to have a cat because they believe the cat will have enrichment needed by going out and they believe they will have the time needed to spend with their pet in addition to that.
If you told the average dog owner, who has taken on a dog in a family and social culture that expects a daily walk etc, that as of this year the expectation is now that any dog must be agility trained and/or able to be groomed to crufts standards - they’d look askance at you and might well tell you they don’t have time to do that. It doesn’t mean they don’t care about their pet. People make decisions, usually, about getting pets based partly on what they know the care expectations are, and what they know they can do.
I got a cat, and in fact am getting two more on Monday, because I grew up with cats and I have always enjoyed their company and I believed I could meet the cats’ need even as a single person working full time.
I didn’t expect to have to inject my current cat with insulin in a set regime twice a day for nine years, because he developed diabetes - nor spend the proportion of my salary needed on his specialist food, medicine and insurance that resulted from illness - but I have done that because I care very much about him and believe that having taken him into my home I have that responsibility to him. I just don’t happen to agree with you, on the basis of much the same information, about the risks and benefits of a cat having outside access in the UK specifically. It doesn’t mean I don’t care about either my cat or the environment, I have just reached a different conclusion from you.
I still don't know if my Grand-kittens will be outdoor or indoor cats. Their new flat is down a quiet lane with secluded gardens, so I suspect outdoor.
But it wouldn't be too hard for them to be indoors as (I found out today on a video tour led by my granddaughter) every patio door and window has a fly screen.
Further to my post back up the thread a bit... The blessing cat was starting to look and act a bit strange. We called a friend who is involved with cat rescues and she duly showed up to confirm a dark premonition that had come upon me, "She's pregnant!" Some miserable b****** had also figured that out and had abandoned her, far from home. Meanwhile, this not being something we can deal with very well for very long, our friend is working her network for the inevitable new homes that will be needed, and has set up a feline maternity ward in the sunroom, with a sort of darkened tent, and lots of special food. More later...
Further to my post back up the thread a bit... The blessing cat was starting to look and act a bit strange. We called a friend who is involved with cat rescues and she duly showed up to confirm a dark premonition that had come upon me, "She's pregnant!" Some miserable b****** had also figured that out and had abandoned her, far from home. Meanwhile, this not being something we can deal with very well for very long, our friend is working her network for the inevitable new homes that will be needed, and has set up a feline maternity ward in the sunroom, with a sort of darkened tent, and lots of special food. More later...
God bless you for taking care of her after someone did such a cruel thing.
(I do suggest getting her spayed after she has her babies, of course.)
Further to my post back up the thread a bit... The blessing cat was starting to look and act a bit strange. We called a friend who is involved with cat rescues and she duly showed up to confirm a dark premonition that had come upon me, "She's pregnant!" Some miserable b****** had also figured that out and had abandoned her, far from home. Meanwhile, this not being something we can deal with very well for very long, our friend is working her network for the inevitable new homes that will be needed, and has set up a feline maternity ward in the sunroom, with a sort of darkened tent, and lots of special food. More later...
God bless you for taking care of her after someone did such a cruel thing.
(I do suggest getting her spayed after she has her babies, of course.)
Amen dear ChastMastr!
On a tangent, Mrs RR was delighted when we were joined in bed by a yowling very soggy pussy at 3 am last night. 'Why?' I asked. 'It means it's been raining' Mrs RR replied', 'Praise the Lord!'.
She went back to sleep so pleased.
My grandkitties live in kitty heaven. My daughter is at home and keeps busy with my granddaughter, the house and all that, and loves playing with the kitties and cuddling them. (They were her first 'children', after all!) Only Loki will sometimes go out the front door if it's left open to gather deliveries and such. They have a huge back patio with cat towers, toys and people to wait on them paw and foot.
My Belle, as Queen of the Universe, thought she wanted to be outside and did push out the screen in the front window a couple of times. One of those times, she apparently shamed Jasmine into following her to freedom. Poor Jazzy was huddled under the bush that grew in front of the window in question. That was the one and only time she stepped out of the house. She was definitely an indoor girl.
Comments
I am fairly sure we have now managed to convey to them that the wrath of God, ourselves and every other civilized person will descend upon them if they catch birds, but mice are fair game as long as the cats keep them outside.
People raised in a family and social culture where cats go out, may have specifically chosen to have a cat because they believe the cat will have enrichment needed by going out and they believe they will have the time needed to spend with their pet in addition to that.
If you told the average dog owner, who has taken on a dog in a family and social culture that expects a daily walk etc, that as of this year the expectation is now that any dog must be agility trained and/or able to be groomed to crufts standards - they’d look askance at you and might well tell you they don’t have time to do that. It doesn’t mean they don’t care about their pet. People make decisions, usually, about getting pets based partly on what they know the care expectations are, and what they know they can do.
I got a cat, and in fact am getting two more on Monday, because I grew up with cats and I have always enjoyed their company and I believed I could meet the cats’ need even as a single person working full time.
I didn’t expect to have to inject my current cat with insulin in a set regime twice a day for nine years, because he developed diabetes - nor spend the proportion of my salary needed on his specialist food, medicine and insurance that resulted from illness - but I have done that because I care very much about him and believe that having taken him into my home I have that responsibility to him. I just don’t happen to agree with you, on the basis of much the same information, about the risks and benefits of a cat having outside access in the UK specifically. It doesn’t mean I don’t care about either my cat or the environment, I have just reached a different conclusion from you.
But it wouldn't be too hard for them to be indoors as (I found out today on a video tour led by my granddaughter) every patio door and window has a fly screen.
I don't mind either way. 🐈
God bless you for taking care of her after someone did such a cruel thing.
(I do suggest getting her spayed after she has her babies, of course.)
Amen dear ChastMastr!
On a tangent, Mrs RR was delighted when we were joined in bed by a yowling very soggy pussy at 3 am last night. 'Why?' I asked. 'It means it's been raining' Mrs RR replied', 'Praise the Lord!'.
She went back to sleep so pleased.
My Belle, as Queen of the Universe, thought she wanted to be outside and did push out the screen in the front window a couple of times. One of those times, she apparently shamed Jasmine into following her to freedom. Poor Jazzy was huddled under the bush that grew in front of the window in question. That was the one and only time she stepped out of the house. She was definitely an indoor girl.