Is this irresponsible behavior?

[mmtillman]

Quote:
Exactly what Jade said , I have the same situation and agree 100%. I love my cat dearly and if I thought she was in danger from being outside I would never let her out. She is ''scrappy'' and street smart, and can hold her own. I had a cat that lived to be 11 and he was outside and inside all his life.
This is one of those topics that will never be agreed upon....some people hate cats....some love them....to each thier own I suppose....

 

[toredano]

I have 4 cats. 3 of them go outside day and night.They are outside with the chickens but dont bother them at all. We live on an acre of land inside a huge wooded aread.Only one road in and out.

 

[Rolsjo]

Well, It depends on a lot of things:

1. What kind of area you live in? Things like traffic, stray dogs, unruly kids should all be taken into consideration.

2. Could your cats be in danger themselves or be a danger to a neighbors' animals?

3. What is your own attitude and experience about cats? Would you be devastated if something happened to your cat or are you willing to take a risk that you could lose your cat?

Personally, I have an outdoor cat. He never comes in the house. I see him twice a day. In the morning when I feed him and when I'm making dinner he hangs around waiting for scraps. His job is to dispatch all the mice around the house and in the barn, and he takes his job seriously. However, we told our kids when we got him that it was entirely possible for us to lose him to a predator. We have hawks, coyotes, and owls around here. That is a risk we are willing to take so we don't have the mice take over our house. So far, he has shown himself to be a very intelligent cat and checks if it is safe to be out hunting. As a matter f fact, I noticed he is more likely to be out hunting in the rain because the hawks aren't around then. Smart boy!

 

[georgialee]

I don't think it's irresponsible. We kept our cat indoors for 2 years and she just recently started wanting to go out and I can tell she enjoys it.

 

[jennmugg]

My aunt had a cat who demanded to go out every night, and would return in the morning. One morning he came back very sick. He was injured somehow and the vet said it would be very helpful to know what happened to cause the injury, but no one knew because he was obviously out prowling alone. He lived a few more years having to be on a special and expensive prescription diet.
One night he ran out and never came back. My aunt was upset because she loved him and never knew what became of him. I think that's just the chance you take with an outdoor cat. Also if your cat is not neutered or spayed, lives near busy road, or could in anyway become a nuisance to your neighbors, then yes, it's irresponsible. I love mine and worry about them too much to let them stay out. Our friendly neighborhood hawks like cats very much.

 

[gel2727]

My husband is allergic so our cats are outdoor only. If we didn't have them, we'd be overrun with mice. They have a very nice shed with lots of hiding places that they love. They are just as happy and friendly as any other cat I've seen. They have their shots and are spayed, and we've never had any complaints from the neighbors.

As long as they aren't neglected and are happy, and have somewhere to hide and sleep, then I don't think it's irresponsible at all. I used to pet sit, and (I'm not saying every one) the most miserable cats were always indoor cats. I know some cats are fine with it, but I just think it goes against their nature to be locked inside.

 

[Wifezilla]

I have 3 indoor/outdoor cats. 2 of them never leave the yard. One tends to wander a bit, but mainly to see if he can get the neighbor to give him treats

They are all fixed and vaccinated. There aren't many predators, but have seen a hawk circling overhead at times, and there are foxes near the railroad tracks a couple blocks away. But basically we are on a quiet, suburban street.

The 2 cats that don't travel far are 19 and 12. Been indoor/outdoor kitties their whole lives.

 

[Uzuri]

I'm not one of those folks who say "OMG OUTSIDE CAT BAD!!!!1!eleventy!11!", but I will warn you, for your cat's sake, that if it is a beloved pet, you're risking injury and disease. Things you'll never have to deal with with a 100% indoor cat will become an issue. Leukemia, FIV, worms, and toxoplasmosis are some things you'll need to familiarize yourself with.

Mine started out outside, and have ended up inside, after the first time an old tom came and threatened to kill her kitten. Punkin has never quite gotten over it; he's a spaz

But I love him anyway.

If it's a barn cat... well, you accept a different sort of risk and life expectancy with them, in trade for freedom.

 

[Wifezilla]

You mean Cookie would live LONGER if I kept her inside? She's 19! People are already suspecting she is possessed or something. If I had a dollar for every time I heard a friend say "Is that thing still ALIVE???" or "I think it died years ago and someone forgot to tell her" I could retire

My zombie kitty

(who is still quite spry and loves to lay in the grass in the sunshine)

 

[LizzyJo]

Is this irresponsible behavior?

Why do you ask?​