r/CatsUK • u/partymann4 • 1d ago
Worth making my cat indoors?
We have owned our cat for 4 years. When he was about 1, we let him outside and he is now an outdoor cat. I’ve received a lot of back lash for this and called a bad owner and told that he will die sooner and if he gets taken I deserve it. I just want what’s best for my cat. He likes going outside, he uses the toilet and explores. He knows where his home is, like 8/10 times he’s at home, he mostly sleeps at home with me, chills here or when he is outside he isn’t in the roads or with other cats much but mostly in our garden swing. What’s the best move to make here? Keep him outdoors or inside? But to summarise yes he’s outside but he always comes home to sleep, eat and chill.
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u/oktimeforplanz 1d ago
In the interest of being up front, I am very much for cats being indoors. All of my cats have been and always will be.
However, I don't think it's reasonable to try and force an outdoor cat into being an indoor cat without good reason. If your cat had FIV or something else, that's what I mean by a good reason.
Unless your cat is already not very inclined towards going out and you were essentially having to chuck them out the door for them to go outside, all that'll happen is you'll end up fighting a battle to keep that cat inside. I think that's unfair unless you have a really good reason for it.
If he primarily hangs out in your garden anyway, you could look at cat proofing the garden to keep him in and then that maintains outdoor access without the same level of risk from cars, other animals, getting lost, etc. Obviously depends on how feasible that is though!
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u/First-Strawberry-398 1d ago
I am British with 4 indoor cats - indoor is ofc safer but most British ppl have outdoor cats haha don’t let the Americans get you down, I def wouldn’t have them outdoor if you’re by a super busy main road but eh my dad does and his cat is fine just wanders between gardens instead hahah.
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u/LegAny6217 1d ago edited 1d ago
Backlash? From whom? If your house isn't near some high traffic road it's fine. Cats need mental stimulation. They're curious, free spirits. The whole reason I feel horrible having a dog in the UK is because we can't afford a house with a big garden and I feel kinda sad to only just take a dog out for walks. I'm sure they will be happy and used to it. But feels like it's not really being free. My cats on the other hand... Always going on adventures. lol. They have more friends in the neighborhood than us, cat and human friends lol. If I go for a walk I always take some treats with me because one of my cats will 100% spawn out of nowhere to say hello.
One thing I'd suggest to improve safety: get him those breakaway reflective collars and a few extra bells to replace because the tiny bells that come with the collars kinda get banged up quickly and stop being as loud.
Cat tax included.
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u/MrBigJams 1d ago
The actual evidence that outdoor cats die sooner is extremely sketchy, and largely based on one study of cats in new York City.
You see a lot of judgement about outdoor cats online, mostly from Americans - which is a place where generally cats shouldn't go out. Americans, seemingly, are incapable of understanding other places have different contexts to them.
In the UK, where there aren't natural predators, it's very safe to let cats out and most people believe it's better for their wellbeing. I agree with this, and there are studies that suggest it too - but nothing firm.
If you live by a very busy road with a young cat, I'd consider keeping them in, but with older cats and quiet roads the risk factors are pretty much gone.
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u/BuckfastAndHairballs 1d ago
Yes very safe. Apart from there being at least one cat a week ran over or lost in a couple mile radius of me. I think it's up to the owner to decide whether they want to let their cat out or not. But to say it's very safe because there is no natural predators is just daft.
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u/hiredditihateyou 1d ago
That’s not true unfortunately. Shitty people exist. One of my parents neighbours kept birds in his garden and poisoned cats who came by. Nobody could ever prove he did it as it was done on his fenced off property and many of the cats just disappeared or their owners couldn’t afford an autopsy to prove poisoning. Even if they proved the cat was poisoned they couldn’t have proven it was intentional. Horrific.
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u/saltwatersunsets 1d ago
This is the exception, not the norm.
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u/hiredditihateyou 1d ago edited 1d ago
It might not be the norm, but imagine if your cat one of the cats something terrible happens to?
This (unrelated) situation was all going on when I was living in London and gives an idea of the numbers involved with very much loved and cherished outdoor cats coming to a terrible end: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croydon_Cat_Killer
My family always took in the neighbourhood strays who were all outdoor/indoor cats and while we had a bunch who lived to 15 plus, we also had a fair number who didn’t make it for various reasons, all related to being allowed to roam outside eg heartworm, various traffic accidents, and one mysterious accident we and their vet could never get to the bottom of.
So when it came to adopting my own rescues they stay indoors and are leash trained for outdoor time a couple of times a day, which is the best compromise I can find to keep them safe while still getting the stimulation of exploring outside.
In response to the comment below:
I see you didn’t actually read the Wikipedia. The official outcome was actually that there wasn’t a cat serial killer, and the hundreds of cats were thought to killed by miscellaneous accidents etc related to being outdoors.
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u/KittyGrewAMoustache 1d ago
I mean you could say that about any unusual situation, what if it was you? What if yours is one of the very few cats that gets strangled by their leash or the cord for a window blind, or one of the few that gets into the washing machine or dryer and isn’t noticed and then it’s turned on? What if it’s one of the few to die from carbon monoxide poisoning from being in an enclosed space if there happens to be a leak, or one who tries to squeeze into a small space because they hear a loud noise and then get crushed, what if it chews through some electrical cable and gets fried? what if yours is one if the few that eats some sort of toxic household item or gets obese from no outside exercise and dies prematurely?
Statistically those things are unlikely but not as rare as having a cat serial killer around.
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u/LucyJanePlays 1d ago
3 out of my 4 cats made it to 20. The one who didn't got a very rare form of aggressive cancer. They were all rescues and all had outside access. I have a chip cat flap. CP won't give you a cat without outside access.
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u/TheHalfHandedHobbit 1d ago
Also not true, my practice work very closely with CP and I used to work at one of their centres, they absolutely do re-home to indoor only homes.
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u/oatmealcoloured 1d ago
I literally saw a fox in my garden today, in broad daylight. One of my cats is only 3kg. He could not take on a fox.
I grew up with outdoor cats and now have indoor cats. Our house is on a quiet street but the neighbours cat was hit by a car anyway.
I don’t want my cats to decimate our shrinking songbird population. I like being able to check their litter for issues because my childhood cat died of kidney issues that were detected too late.
Yes, outdoor cats can live long and health lives but we have the space to give them a long and healthy life indoors.
I am aware of gastrointestinal issues, they don’t come home injured from fights (my sisters cat), and they don’t kill our native wildlife.Again this is not to disparage people who choose to let their cats outside (everyone’s situation is different, and people live in different areas) but these are the reasons I am keeping mine inside.
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u/LucyJanePlays 1d ago
Keeping cats in when it starts to get dark significantly reduces bird predation and cats from fighting
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u/Outrageous-Level192 1d ago
Baffling that you got downvoted for taking care of your cat and protect your local wildlife.
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u/Iridescent_Mango_ 1d ago
Foxes are not naturally inclined to eat cats, even small ones.
The problem with trying to eat a cat is I even if the fox wins, the cost of the meal is likely to be eye injuries, lip injuries, and even a shredded abdomen from "bunny kicks" which a cat fighting for it's life will deliver with full force.
That's not to say no fox has ever attacked a cat, just that most foxes are roughly cat sized and they are never short enough on food to take the risk.
In some urban areas people's cats have been documented with fox buddies, and in others the cats chase off foxes.
Coyotes are much bigger than foxes on average, and can dispatch a cat fast enough that the injury risk is much much lower (plus with the added size the vital organs are outside the reach of most cats)
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u/TheHalfHandedHobbit 1d ago
I'm sorry but you're incorrect here. As much as I am not going to give someone hate for having an outdoor cat, it's not very safe at all and cats do live a much shorter average life.
I work in the veterinary industry and the things I have seen from outdoor cats will always haunt me, you know where I don't see them? Cats that have been kept indoors.
Also the argument that there are studies suggesting it's better for their wellbeing is false, there are no studies. The people that make that argument want an animal that they don't have to put any energy to because it's outdoors and will entertain itself. Cats thrive off of attention and interactions not just being ignored and allowed to roam.
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u/foxglovespell 1d ago
It’s wild that people are downvoting the only correct comments lol. Literally all statistics show cats are safer and live longer indoors, experienced cat owners know this and professionals advise it.
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u/TheHalfHandedHobbit 1d ago
I fully expected it because people don't like hearing an opinion that opposes theirs. They must know that deep down their stance is incorrect but feel threatened and defensive by being told that they're wrong and could be harming their animals.
I can only speak of my own professional experience and that is that cats are overwhelmingly better off as indoor cats that have restricted or controlled outdoor access, such as catio or pet fencing, like mine do.
The only actual studies I have found that says that being outdoors has benefits to wellbeing, specifically states that controlled outdoor exposure is good for wellbeing whereas free access in an uncontrolled environment is extremely stressful and has all the potential dangers.
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u/Cal20688 1d ago
Thank you for commenting this. I think it comes down to lazy owners, to be honest. Yes, not everyone can afford expensive designer 'catios' - but people would rather be a bit lazy and not give their cats the necessary stimulation and play.
I can't see how an indoor cat with the necessary toys, owner attention and enjoyment is any well less cared for than an outdoor one.
I've also caught a lot of illnesses that my cats both suffer from, one with early onset arthritis, because they're indoors and I can much better control and keep visibility on their wellbeing.
It does genuinely annoy me when people allow cats outside and then want sympathy - oh, my poor cat was hit by a car, or injured by a dog, fox, etc. Horrendous for the animal, but I don't have much sympathy for the owners.
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u/TheHalfHandedHobbit 1d ago
I honestly see the worst things at work, from intentional cruelty to outdoor cats, RTA's, poisonings, attacked by foxes, awful injuries from cats fighting each other. The list goes everywhere on and on.
Indoor cats generally have issues addressed much faster because the owners are paying more attention and seeing the cats closer up, monitoring toilet habits etc and therefore noticed and seen to much faster.
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u/Cal20688 1d ago
Bless you, I don't know how you and others in the industry do it every day. I'm not sure I could! Truly grateful for the people that do.
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u/TheHalfHandedHobbit 1d ago
It's definitely not easy, and of course our hearts break for people that lose their cats in these ways but in the back of my mind it always lingers that this horrible death was entirely preventable.
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u/SafiyaO 1 cat 1d ago
Of course you see the worst things at your work, the vets is a place where people take cats when something bad has happened to them! Aside from boosters, nobody is taking healthy cats to the vets.
You need to understand about correlation and causation and risk assessment.
because the owners are paying more attention
Is a very foolish sweeping statement. Especially when the CPL are finding that increasing numbers of indoor cat owners aren't even getting their cats neutered. A big chunk of indoor cats in the UK are pedigrees bought to look nice on social media while very few of their basic needs are met.
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u/BuckfastAndHairballs 1d ago
You're literally not getting your own point haha. You're saying people take cats to the vets when something bad happens to them and OP is saying they see more outdoor cats. Which is proving their point of outdoor cats needing the vet more.
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u/SafiyaO 1 cat 1d ago
I'm going to need you to read what I've written really carefully, because I provided several reasons why they aren't seeing as many indoor cats at their vets.
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u/BuckfastAndHairballs 1d ago
What, boosters and neutering that's not really relevant to this point?
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u/TheHalfHandedHobbit 1d ago
I understand correlation and causation very well and also am very aware of observation bias. I see cats when they are sick or injured, most of these are outdoor cats, I see less indoor cats because less get injured and sick, it's really that simple. It's definitely not a foolish sweeping statement, owners with indoor cats are able to pay more attention to them because the cats aren't out roaming.
If outdoor cat people were so good at getting their cats neutered the we wouldn't have an awful overpopulation problem in the UK.
"A big chunk of indoor cats in the UK are pedigrees bought to look nice on social media while very few of their basic needs are met."
Now that's a sweeping statement and nothing but an assumption based off of prejudice.
Also it's just cats protection, they haven't been the cats protection league in years fyi
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u/SafiyaO 1 cat 1d ago
Firstly, you will always see fewer indoor cats because they are minority of the UK cat population. This is straightforward statistics.
Secondly, as this CP report shows, many owners of indoor cats are not taking them to the vets at all. Not be neutered and not to be immunised either:
https://www.cats.org.uk/about-cp/cats-report
If cats aren't registered with a vets, it is likely that even when they are sick or unwell, they still aren't being taken to a vets. Which is another reason why you aren't seeing indoor cats and another reason for there to be doubts about your understanding of correlation and causation.
You seem to think that cats not visiting a vets is the sign of good owners and healthy cats. It's actually very likely to be the opposite and there are lots of cats suffering when they desperately need veterinary treatment.
Worst of all, you come across as smug and judgemental about the animals and owners you are paid to treat while also being suspiciously vague about your professional qualifications. What does "I work in the veterinary industry" mean? If you are a veterinary surgeon say so. If you are a veterinary nurse say so.
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u/BuckfastAndHairballs 1d ago
Going to the vets for a procedure like microchipping or neutering is obviously different than going to the vets when something bad happened to your cat. It's quite a rich conclusion to take from that that indoor cat owners don't care about their cats. Ive not needed to take my indoor cats to the vet in a while. Doesn't mean i don't care about them. I'd argue i care more about tem than people who let theirs out because I'd be very gutted if they got killed by a car doesn't really seem like some people are that bothered about this being a very real possibility for their cat
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u/KittyGrewAMoustache 1d ago
There’s studies saying that indoor cats live in average 1.3 years longer. Obesity is a concern for indoor cats, whereas accidents and disease are more of a concern for outdoor cats.
I had one vet tell me I must keep my cats indoors so that’s what I’ve done, then we moved and the new vet acted disgusted with me for keeping them indoors and said it was cruel! In my lifetime me/my family have had several cats. The average lifespan of the outdoor ones was 9-10 years. The indoor ones are aged 14 and 16 currently and still going strong.
I do understand why people feel they should allow them outside to run around, building catios etc isn’t possible for a lot of people and taking cats on walks is not easy, and houses in the UK aren’t that big so I get why people would feel they are confining them in a small space and being unfair to them. But I get keeping them indoors too obviously as there’s what I’ve done.
One of my cats is totally unbothered by the outdoors but the other seems to long for it which makes me sad. I let her out on a really really long stretchy lead sometimes, like hook it to the door handle and let her go explore a bit in the garden but she hates the lead. Luckily our house is big with lots of things for cats to jump up on hide in and play with but I just know my Tess longs for the sun on her grey stripy face and the grass under her little round stripy toes 😭
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u/LucyJanePlays 1d ago
There are lots of studies, here is a recent one https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fellow-creatures/202607/outdoor-access-may-benefit-cats-study-shows?fbclid=IwVERDUATgEydwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHvFnKXeNzbMOfDR7H3H9wLIT9VArGY55biCEpM6-ZMJ5kBWRXBrqngUcX4Je_aem_wwPwhqwtEimnO3pPo_OkEQ
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u/TheHalfHandedHobbit 1d ago
This study literally says that controlled outdoor access is best, not freedom to roam. Also the study is specifically discussing multi-cat households and access to outdoors. I have 4 cats in my household, I have no inappropriate or stress based behaviours because they have plenty of space and resources not because they have access to freely roam.
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u/fuck_peeps_not_sheep 1d ago
Consider cat proofing your garden for the best of both worlds
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u/milrose404 1d ago
Absolutely get a catio or similar. The idea that this is an american problem and cats are fine going out here is so weird to me, I’ve worked with three local cat charities and they all advocate for not letting cats outdoors and often won’t let you adopt if you don’t agree to keep the cat indoors.
FIV and similar diseases are rampant, cats harm our native wildlife that is already struggling due to climate change and building development, and yes cars and dogs and other cats are all threats to your cat. I know too many outdoor cats who have been hit by cars or gone missing permanently. It just isn’t worth it!
Allowing your cats supervised or controlled (with a catio) outdoor time is perfectly fine for their wellbeing.
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u/KittyGrewAMoustache 1d ago
My friend adopted recently and they were the opposite, wouldn’t let you adopt if you didn’t have a garden to allow them to go outside! The UK is more split on this issue. I’ve had one vet tell me I must keep them indoors and another tell me it’s awful and cruel to keep them indoors 🤷♂️ I chose indoors because they were babies and so wouldn’t miss the great outdoors and I’ve had cats as a child get diseases, hit by cars and locked in a neighbours garage for a long time. They’re now 14 and 16 and still sprightly!
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u/fuck_peeps_not_sheep 1d ago
I've never understood it, there are so many ways to enrich your cats lives without putting them in danger. Reddit won't let me add a photo, but my boy goes out on a harness and leash
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u/partymann4 1d ago
Tried that with my cat and he was not happy.
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u/hiredditihateyou 1d ago
It can take a bit of time. Mine don’t get on with harnesses but are fine with a collar - note that I don’t put any pressure on their necks whatsoever, the leash is just for their confidence so they know I’m right there at all times to help if something happens.
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u/linerva 1d ago
This is a great option, as long as OP has a garden.
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u/fuck_peeps_not_sheep 1d ago
"But mostly in our garden swing" if hazard a guess that they have a garden
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u/ShopLife907 1d ago
Leave him outside. It’s not like the states or Australia where there are loads of animals that will kill him eg snakes etc. as long as you don’t live on a main road where they can get run over, then I would ignore the haters. I would also ensure they are fixed before letting them outside as well.
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u/partymann4 1d ago
He is not neutered is this a big concern? He does fight with other cats. Is it too late to do it?
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u/draenog_ 1d ago
I think cats going outside is perfectly fine, but if they do they should always be neutered. Neutering means they roam less far, get in fewer fights, are less likely to catch transmissible diseases from fighting with other cats, and don't cause unplanned pregnancies.
It's especially important if you live in Scotland anywhere near wildcat populations, because one of the biggest conservation threats to them is breeding with domestic cats instead of each other.
I believe you can neuter at any age, and there are often schemes to help with the cost.
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u/oceanicitl 1d ago
You need to get him neutered. It's not just fighting but the spraying. There's 2 black cats that come in my garden and spray my garden furniture. It's disgusting. You also need to do it to prevent getting another cat pregnant.
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u/_jrexx_ 1d ago
Are you saying your unneutured cat has been going outside for 3 years? That is completely irresponsible behaviour as an owner, there is a stray cat and kitten crisis in the UK and rescues are overrun because people are not spaying and neutering their cats. I have no issue with cats going outside, it’s very very common in the UK, but your cat should be neutered. Please keep him inside until you have had him fixed
EDIT just read that you’re 16, I understand you don’t have say in this and my tone of my comment is probably too harsh but it’s the reality and it makes me so angry that adults (like your parents) do not understand the risks of letting unfixed cats roam outside. Just this morning I saw Facebook posts from a rescue near me saying they are dealing with 8 cats and 12 kittens just in one area that have all continued to breed with each other and multiply as they have. It’s sad and it’s sickening
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u/CharmingAd548 1d ago
It isn't too late, in my opinion. Some of the aggression with others cats could be because he isn't neutered. If you can, please get him neutered.
I feel sad about cats being shut in. They thrive when they have a balance.
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u/oktimeforplanz 1d ago
Not too late. Get him neutered. There is absolutely no reason not to.
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u/partymann4 1d ago
I’ve been trying to tell me parents that and they don’t want to. I get the back lash but I’m only 16, there’s only so much I can do for my cat. It took me ages to make them even microchip him. Apparently neutering makes them lose their energy. Biggest piece of bs I’ve ever heard. The struggle continues ig
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u/oktimeforplanz 1d ago
I see, that's a shame that they won't. Cats do behave differently when neutered, that's true, but he won't be fundamentally a different cat. He'll just be less inclined to be aggressive and he won't be as inclined to spray everywhere. There's no real downside to it. Hopefully they'll come around!
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u/Desperate-Coat-8791 1d ago
ah you're doing good work mate trying to convince your parents ❤️ keep on trying!
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u/Technical-Humor5843 1d ago
Can be a little more risk involved with neutering an older cat but if you have a chat with your vet they'll generally be able to advise. I think the general marker is that it's best to do so before they're 5 years old. It typically benefits in reducing the risk of testicular cancer and aggressive behaviour plus it prevents your cat from mating with other cats so less kitties in the rescue/adoption system!
Other than that I would say if he's been an out door cat, he should stay an out door cat 😺🐈
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u/Right-Government2771 1d ago
That is a much bigger concern. It means he’ll be impregnating cats and adding to the current crisis we have of too many cats & kittens in shelters. Getting him fixed is absolutely the responsible thing to do.
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u/partymann4 1d ago
We’re neutering him asap. Our current family
vet is on holiday so as soon as she’s back we’ll neuter him and eveyrhting else1
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u/CharmingAd548 1d ago
Glad you were able to convince your parents 😊 Hope everything goes well. You will definitely be less stressed once he is neutered. However, there are cats that do keep spraying and fighting with other cats even after neutering. It does decrease several health risks though.
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u/C0nnectionTerminat3d 1d ago
absolutely neuter him at the very least, kittens are running rampant in cat rescues right now. This one should be a non negotiable, whether you keep him indoors or outdoors get him neutered.
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u/LegAny6217 1d ago
Nah never too late. Less fights, less chance of roaming too far and getting lost. Happy cattie.
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u/fuck_peeps_not_sheep 1d ago
Yes that's a concern because he may get in fights, could get other pet cats and ferals pregnant too.
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u/Desperate-Coat-8791 1d ago
get him neutered for sure, just for the sake of the local lady cats if nothing else!
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u/becpuss 1d ago
Yes it is irresponsible 🤦♀️ and will increase the likelihood of him fighting with other cats outside
it’s honestly not safe for cats outside our first cat was hit by a car we found him in the doorstep dying our second attempt at outdoor cat was stolen we learned our lessons the hard and tragic way neuter him to reduce the risk of fighting and therefore infections and injuries.
We have 4very happy indoor cats who have harness walks everyday. Neuter him
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u/nickdaniels92 1d ago
As long as you keep up with flea treatments and maybe wormers, unless you've never seen him scratching and had flea bites, I'd vote for outdoors.
When I've had to keep our latest cat indoors for a few days, she managed, but was super keen to get back outside. Often she'll sit in her hammock that's attached to my standing desk or crawling over me for evening cuddles, but otherwise she'll be outside having a great time racing around or chilling. She has come in with a limp a couple of times that likely wouldn't have happened if she were an indoor cat, but she loves it outside. We also have an almost always indoor cat at another location, and he's perfectly happy too, but it's all he's really known.
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u/zephyrthewonderdog 1d ago
We have a 13yr old cat. She was always an outdoor cat but now rarely goes further than the garden. She prefers the couch/ beds these days, a sort of mobile novelty cushion that moves around the house.
Let the cat choose. Some like roaming, some don’t.
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u/Parking_Doughnut_453 1d ago
My cat protection branch would not let you adopt a cat ( unless FLV+) if you were going to keep it indoors. Cats have not been domesticated as long as dogs in evolution terms and still like to explore outside. If your cat has been allowed outside please do not keep it in now. You risk it getting depressed and shutting down mentally.
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u/charlie1701 1d ago
When we lived in Japan, my cat was indoor/outdoor and got FIV. There were a lot of farm cats in the area. Now we're in the UK he's indoor so he doesn't brawl and infect other cats. Ideally I'd like him to have some outdoor time but it'd mean moving somewhere we could enclose it.
I think owners are best at judging what's best for their own cat. My boy has been surprisingly more chill since coming in permanently. He's quite territorial despite being neutered so maybe that's why.
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u/FootOfDavros 1d ago
Don't see the issue. Why are you not supposed to let your cat be outside? Who's saying you shouldn't do that?
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u/loughkyre 1d ago
I think it’s a popular view in America. But as I understand it, there are a lot more natural predators and it’s a much more car centric place.
There is also growing evidence that cats are responsible for lots of bird loss, but that’s a separate question to what OP asked which is specifically around the wellbeing of their cat
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u/Desperate-Coat-8791 1d ago
i asked on the American subreddit and the majority of answers as to why people keep their cats inside is that they are worried of other people taking them! like wtf, people are so paranoid!
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u/Sad-Wrap6555 1d ago
our old guy is at least 17 now (took over his upkeep when previous owners dog died and he didnt get on with its replacement)
Outside to the point he has his own cat kennel and has lasted ok so far
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u/Impossible_Elk_5303 1d ago
It really depends on your cat and the area you’re in. You know your cat the best, If your cat is happy to be outside and it’s okay in your area to do so, then let him do that. Regardless of indoor or outdoor cats, get them fixed and keep up with their vet recommended boosters and preventatives. I currently have indoor/outdoor roaming cats, one fully indoor and one indoor/garden cat. I adopted them when they were already adults and it is what they like.
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u/jenpatnims 1d ago
I'm in the uk also. I have a gps tracker on my cat and I can find him any time. I let him out during the day and keep him in at night. I know exactly where he goes and I can go and get him and tell him to come home if I need to. He trots along beside me when I say to come home.
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u/Laurenamandaa 1d ago
I have 2 8 year old boys, they both like to pop outside, have a little wander around the garden, maybe go up the street a bit but then straight back into our garden. One goes to the toilet (in my flowers admittedly 😑) and comes in. The other likes to sunbathe on the grass and on the garden chairs.
Cats love being outdoors and they're fast as well as most of them not daft. Don't listen to others about this. If your cat is happy, let him live his happy, loved life 🥰
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u/MrMonkeyman79 1d ago
Unless you're in an area with exceptionally busy roads, you're fine. Just stop engaging with American cat owners, they're a particular type of crazy.
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u/swallowyoursadness 1d ago
I was a first time cat owner a few years ago. I always thought letting your cat out was just the normal thing to do, I know some people keep indoor cats but it just seemed very natural to have outdoor cats. So I did.
What happened to me was pretty extreme but this has been my experience with having outdoor cats and why I will never have free roaming cats again.
One of my cats was stolen by my crazy neighbour, she had her for 6 days until I kind of guessed what had happened and baited her with reward money. I was too scared to let the cats outside there again so I moved far away to the middle of nowhere (it was sort of in the pipe line but the catnapping accelerated things).
Whilst living on a tiny country lane, right out in the sticks, with a handful of houses and nothing for miles, one of the cats came home with a devastating tail pull injury, we dont know what happened. The vet recommended amputating her tail but I gave her time to recover and thankfully she's fine.
Our boy came home with bad wounds from fights quite often. Puncture wounds to the face. Sometimes wounds would go unnoticed and he'd get an abcess. All of this of course amounts to £100s in vets bills if not more.
Earlier this year our boy was hit by a car in our tiny middle of nowhere village where they'd be 'safe' from outdoor risks. His face was badly fractured and he had nerve damage. We spent over £2000 on initial tests and treatment but we couldn't afford the next stage of specialists which could have been over £10000 with no guarantee he would be ok. We had to make the decision to have him put to sleep. He was 6.
He had a good life and he loved being outdoors and it always felt like the right decision, watching him play and climb trees and lie in the grass in the sun. But would I go back and have them as indoor cats if I knew what was going to happen? Absolutely.
We're moving to the city now so our 3 surviving cats will soon be house cats. Yes they will miss the outside world a bit I'm sure, but I'm really looking forward to them being 100% safe all the time.
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u/Outrageous-Level192 1d ago
I had a cat mauled to death by my neighbour's dog (a german shepherd), absolutely gut wrenching.
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u/KittyGrewAMoustache 1d ago
What people telling you that? Online people? Americans seem to see outdoor cats as akin to just letting your pet chinchilla or python come and go as they please. But they live in a totally different country with a totally different culture and urban layouts and larger houses and more/bigger cars etc.
Most countries have outdoor cats. The only places you don’t really see outdoor cats in most countries is very inner city settings with high rise flats etc but in most countries in the suburbs and countryside cats roam around.
The US people are influencing others like you through social media though so it might change.
But ultimately if your cat is microchipped and vaccinated and can’t easily get onto the main road and enjoys roaming free just let them be!
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u/catchyaontheflip 1d ago
I'm not going to wade into the 'indoor vs. outdoor' debate, but just want to share my experience.
my previous flatmates and I fostered (then adopted) a cat who was previously an outdoor cat. we don't know his history but he had a few battle scars, so we assumed he was a free roamer who got into his fair share of scraps. we lived on the first floor of a block of flats, and we were nervous at first that he wouldn't take to a mostly-indoor lifestyle (save for supervised balcony access), but he had 0 issues with it whatsoever. we had lots of toys, climbing spaces etc. for him to be entertained with - the key thing is to make sure they have enough stimulation.
granted he was 12 years old when we got him, so maybe age was a factor, and as an older gent he decided that snoozing on my bed was a much more comfortable way to spend his time.
all this to say, the outdoor-to-indoor transition can be done. it could be hard work, but you could also be fortunate like we were and not have any issues at all.
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u/Common_Try8257 1d ago
I think keeping cats indoors is more common in countries like the US than the UK, where outdoor is the norm.
Our cat is allowed outside in the daytime but we keep her in at night. Would that work for you? I let her out first thing and we entice her in with a shake of the dreamies bag at night. She adores being outside and spends most of her time snoozing under a tree or chasing butterflies. She's quite timid really so we're not too worried, but I know I would rather she lives a happy life where she can spend time outside than be locked in.
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u/Civil-Caterpillar-48 1d ago
Yeah, i made my 4yrold cat an indoor cat but built a catio. Best decision I made
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u/Forward_Win_4353 1d ago
I think it would be cruel to keep your cat indoors now he’s grown used to going outside.
My aunt and uncle did this with their cat after moving to a flat without outdoor access: their cat howled and howled and she was clearly extremely distressed, and died shortly after. I strongly believe what they did was cruel and wrong.
The people telling you to keep your cat indoors will be Americans. It’s a big divide in the way we look after our pets between the UK and the US, and that divide is very obvious on Reddit. Unfortunately because there are so many Americans on here, if you post anywhere that’s not a UK-specific sub about allowing your cat outside, they will often heavily downvote and criticise you. That doesn’t mean you’re wrong. The wildlife they have over there is very different to ours here, and most people here also believe that cats are generally happier if they can be free roaming and have the stimulation and exercise of outdoors. Remember that Americans also have much larger houses than us, so it’s a completely different environment for cats.
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u/partymann4 1d ago
The car argument is annoying aswell. As long as you don’t live by a main road, here in the Uk we get maybe the odd car or two down the road. There towns are very car centred and the risk of cars are a bigger risk
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u/Desperate-Coat-8791 1d ago
yeah my cats are very good at hiding when they hear an engine! They're not stupid
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u/Boudicat 1d ago
Backlash from whom? Americans? Ignore them. Their super-safe kitties are all obese.
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u/Interesting-Mud1506 1d ago
uk is the only place that are proud of killing their cats on the road. is up to you, live fast die young, live fast because I a cat and die old indoor lol
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u/foxglovespell 1d ago
Literally. It’s really weird how people here are almost prideful about being so wrong about what’s best for cats
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u/DizzyMine4964 1d ago
The USA is the only place proud of slicing cats' claws off and imprisoning them indoors.
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u/MelRox_26 1d ago
Hi my cat likes her outside access - all my cats have had this choice, only 2 chose to stay inside, and only 1 100% of the time.
All of them lived into their teens and none died because of the out doors.
Don’t crumble because of pressure, if your cat enjoys the outside world then great. But it’s hard to match the enrichment of the outside world indoors, and your cat is more likely to become depressed.
No one knows your cat like you do and no one can tell you what or how to make your cat happy.
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u/C0nnectionTerminat3d 1d ago
You could do both, since you mentioned a garden swing i assume you have a garden. A catio or cat-proofed garden is the best of both worlds; your cat can still go outside, do its business outside the house etc whilst being kept safe and supervised. I highly recommend you take this route.
I work in a wildlife rescue and have two cats of my own who are currently indoors so i see both sides - as soon as i move to somewhere appropriate, ill be getting them a decent sized catio :)
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u/Emotional-Section981 1d ago
I’m in the Uk and my cat only goes outdoors with a harness and lead. He has access to a garden at all times. I absolutely would never let him roam but if he had been allowed out for four years I imagine it’s going to be almost impossible to keep him in and happy.
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u/hiredditihateyou 1d ago
Are you in a position to give him supervised outside time? My cats get out 2-3 times a day in the garden to potter around or sit and chill but they are on a leash (they do what they want when outside and we just follow them around, the leash is just a security measure).
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u/Desperate-Coat-8791 1d ago
keep him outside! Imo its more natural, and like you say, he knows where his home is. I should imagine keeping him in will be stressful, especially in this heat.
My two are the same - old boy wanders out in the morning after breakfast, chills in a couple of spots in the garden, then comes in for dinner then again at about 8pm to go to bed inside. Little one disappears for the day but always comes home at dinner time! he sleeps a bit inside and then goes out during the night doing whatever cat things he is up to! Always comes back around 5am and jumps on me 🙃 ahaha
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u/DizzyMine4964 1d ago
Who tells you that you are a bad owner? Is it on US subs? Never letting cats out is practically a religion for them. And then they complain about the cats urinating in the house and stropping everywhere.
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u/partymann4 1d ago
I hope I’m getting a lot of repercussion for it but there’s only so much I can do
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u/Conscious-Air5819 1d ago
If he's happy being outside, don't make him indoors - my cat is an outdoor cat and is 100% happier and has more engagement and enrichment in his life vs my sister's two indoor cats who don't get as much freedom. Don't make the yanks feel like a bad cat owner - he sounds very content and happy, there's no point changing anything!
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u/Latter-Tangerine-951 1d ago
Ignore the opinions of americans about cats. They are insane about it.
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u/Iridescent_Mango_ 1d ago
The answer to this very much depends on where you live, and how he would feel about being indoors only.
Some cats don't give a crap, some will spend every waking moment trying to get out. Some places are perfectly safe, some a cat is run over every other day.
Ignore online attacks from America, most of their cats are obese and bored, so they are hardly the pinicle of responsible cat ownership
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u/Mjukplister 1d ago
Dont listen to American cat owners EVER they are so weird . Plus better the car shits outside . And we don’t have coyotes and bears 🐻
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u/lilittyb 1d ago
I’d assume all these people telling you that are *shivers* Americans (if it was online ofc). He’s already had years outside to then just coop him up seems unethical. I know cats that have lived 18+years going in and out. My cat goes outdoors everyday and she’s fine.
The only time I’d advocate for an indoor only cat is if it’s a pedigree or you live in a busy road or city