My cat is miserable...

[beak]

Quote:
Interesting.

 

[FrizzleFreak]

Quote:
Interesting.

Ummmm.....'kay..... it's a cat. Didn't you ever read "The Cat That Walks By Himself? No, it's not illegal to let your cat outside. No, it's not illegal to let your goats outside. Same with dogs, horses, sheep, rabbits, cavies, etc. It's not always a good idea, but it's not illegal.
TO THE OP: Find something that just really gets her going, and let her be with that in a room, where you all can visit her, but she's not underfoot? That would be ideal....For instance, my cat can go for hours just batting the cat door back and forth. He's not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but you get the idea.Kitty run is a great idea.

 

[Tala]

My cats would be miserable if I tried to force them to stay inside too.
I found them as stray kittens, they stayed inside for about a year, now they come and go as they choose. They are smart, tough and happy. And they still come sit in my lap in the evenings. What more could I want?

I figure it's like everything else we do, there are risks and benefits.
In my particular situation with my particular cats the positive aspects far outweigh the risks of being outside. I believe it's up to each of us to chose how much risk we are willing to take/allow for us and our "kids"

If you can't find a happy medium with your cat, maybe it's best that she go to another home where she can be outside? Describing her as "miserable" just doesn't seem right and I would try to make her happier.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I'm not a real big fan of people letting their cats run outdoors. Personally, I don't want to have to deal with your cat bothering my animals, using my yard and barn as a bathroom, and having to listen to yowling fighting cats at 3:00am. Granted, I live in a fairly rural town, but we still have these issues...and there are plenty of cats running around who may or may not have an owner. It may be someone's cat running around, but if its on my property, then its my problem.

Anyways, my point is that if you live near other people and your cat bothers your own animals, she will definitely bother others' animals as well. I know people around here don't take too kindly to that and a cat like a bengal they may easily mistake for some other kind of wild animal. I do know they sell cat leashes which you could easily set up so she can have some supervised outside time. Also, the run idea sounds like a good one too!

Otherwise, lots and lots of toys. Catnip is a good treat too and will keep a cat busy for a long time. You can actually grow your own catnip and dry it for them!

 

[KattyKillFish]

we're not talking discussing people letting their cats out and our opinions on it. we're discussing how to take care of a breed of cat that needs a different kind of attention that a normal cat would. stay on subject guys, i looked at this thread to read about bangels, not to see everyone arguing.

 

[beak]

If cats are fixed it eliminates the yowling. We live on 8 acres and all of our cats stick around our house. They have plenty to do and have no reason to go wandering. When I was a kid my mother had a Tom cat and yes he roamed the whole neighborhood and got in many fights. All cats and dogs should be spayed or neutered unless they are being used for breeding.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

we're not talking discussing people letting their cats out and our opinions on it. we're discussing how to take care of a breed of cat that needs a different kind of attention that a normal cat would. stay on subject guys, i looked at this thread to read about bangels, not to see everyone arguing.

The OP mentioned that her cat bothers her animals and that is the reason she is afraid to let her outside. I think the opinion posts point out that a wild looking cat such as a bengal may not be safe outside, especially if it will bother livestock (goats, poultry, etc.). Personally, if I saw a cat like that around my yard, I probably wouldn't think it is someone's pet. Now if she lives on 100+ acres with no neighbors, then I doubt it would bother anyone else's animals. Bengals are notorious for getting in trouble, both indoors and out.

I don't see any arguing

If cats are fixed it eliminates the yowling. We live on 8 acres and all of our cats stick around our house. They have plenty to do and have no reason to go wandering. When I was a kid my mother had a Tom cat and yes he roamed the whole neighborhood and got in many fights. All cats and dogs should be spayed or neutered unless they are being used for breeding.

I couldn't agree more! There are so many tom cats around here because people figure that at least their cat won't be having the kittens...it doesn't matter whether or not they are neutered. The guy who lives across the street will actually take the kittens he finds to be euthanized because he has had enough. Granted, I don't agree with that either...but that's what happens when people don't spay or neuter! (Not that this is what the thread is about, but its another very important point that I always think should be considered!)​

 

[Tala]

Quote:
I agree. My neighbors cats can be having a big, loud go-at-it in my front yard, and both of my FIXED cats can be sitting on the back porch totally disinterested! There's a big grey tom that disappears for days at a time because he's wandering the town. My fixed male is home every single day, in-and-out the house all day long - definitely not wandering far.

Altering really does help the wandering and fighting problems.

 

[Nikki28]

My only experience with bengals are with the ones that come into the clinic. I know alot of owners train theirs to leash walk (wearing a harness not a collar) also different "puzzle" toys for cats usually help keep their mind active.

I have seen several Bengals with broken legs so I definitely get the impression that they are very active.

 

[Zahboo]

When our cat was adjusting to being outside, he'd bolt to the road at a noise. We got him a harness and a kitty tie out *made lighter than dog tie outs. I wouldn't suggest leaving it unsupervise, so it won't get tangled in a tree or anything, but that may be an option. Or having a big run with toys and stuff, like a chicken run.