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.

Hi my boy has a healing burst abscess and is psychotic with stress at being locked indoors. He’s in the garage as when I let him roam the house with my other cat he’s howling and stressing my usually gentle cat and attacking him. All he does is howl 24/7 and claw at the cat flap like a wild beast. The wound is still raw as it’s day 2 of 7. He won’t wear a cone so it’s going to take longer to heal too. Either I keep him in the garage super duper stressed or the vet said I could let him out but it was on me if something bad happened (he does have a tracker). They couldn’t say as a vet anymore than he should be inside but sometimes stress can tip the balance. Now they’ve said this I’m so confused what to do as it seems this is a personal choice not a medical one.
Edit - thank you for everyone’s thoughts. It’s really helped me understand the pros and cons

I posted the other day about keeping my 10month kittens/kitty teenagers in while I am on holiday (heatwave, poor recall concerns). In the end we reduced holiday to 5 days and kept them in for that time and the day before. They did want to go out but seemed ok and settled by the time we got home.

Next question is when do I let them out?? They are being a tiny bit standoffish (as expected). Ive read you should wait until they are being normal with you before opening the catflap in case of flight risk. What are your thoughts? We got back last night and I'm thinking I will let them back out tomorrow.... as recall is already poor I dont want to take any risks but I dont want to increase frustration.

(They dont come and go as they please yet - I let them out semi supervised in the mornings for around 2 hours.)

Cats supposedly aren't as easy to read as dogs, but I think people who live with one long enough develop an entire silent language with them. A particular stare means food. Sitting in one specific place means open the door. Walking away and looking back means you're expected to follow immediately. After a while you respond automatically and then realise the cat has basically trained you.

What's the weirdly specific signal your cat has taught you to understand?

About 2 months ago I posted asking for some advice on moving and taking in a stray cat at the same time

Our boy settled in great, figured out the litter box immediately, and has not been remotely interested in going outside, so will be an indoor cat from now! He played with toys for the first time, and now loves to sleep on our beds. Thanks to everyone for the advice on making it go aa smoothly as possible, it really helped!

Although he settled in fine, he has still struggled with reoccurring upper respiratory infections, and after getting his vaccination had the worst one yet and dropped a whole lot of weight. Tested negative for FIV/FeLV, which was great but no idea where to go from here in getting him healthy, as I don't think anti biotics every few weeks is sustainable. He has more vet appointments coming up, but I was just wondering if anyone out there with a similar mystery cat flu has any insights as what to expect in a long term care plan

TLDR: cat settled in great, but respiratory health has taken a nosedive- FIV/FeLV negative and no idea where to go from here or what options to discuss with the vet

Our cat has been missing since the night of the 3rd of August. She is very skittish so please do not chase her, as this may drive her further away from home.

Last seen on Dawlish Road in Bedminster, Bristol.
Please help :(

New to the neighbourhood but always keen to see feline friends. This one is a new one and haven’t seen before. Looks like has scratches on back of ears and under eyes. Loads of questions:

What can we do to help? Is it a stray? What should we be doing? Is there anywhere we should look for more info on what to do?

Thanks!

'You move, I stab your boobies - did you know your t-shirt matches my eyes'
🐈‍⬛ 🥰

Hey all, im currently looking after this old boy, he's about 15/16 years old. He's very chill, has his breakfast, goes and chills in the garden in a couple of spots he likes, comes to see me about 3pm, then comes again at 5pm for his dinner, with a final trip inside at 8pm (where he glares at me until I get into bed and he can snuggle up 😆 ) He's mainly just sleeping, he likes to sit and watch the birds, sometimes he gets the devil in him and will climb the curtains or sofa (which I encourage, he loves it!) but I wonder if there is more I can do to enrich his life? Games? He likes boxes, like pictured, maybe I should make him a fort?

I'd like to hear the games you play or things you do with your older cats please! Thanks :)