House cats... Is it cruel?

[carreauchompeur]

As the title says. I have a 4th floor flat, and would really like a cat, or pair thereof. I think I'd be a decent owner, have thought about it for a while, and would give the prospective kitty plenty of attention, treats, etc. And lots of love.

However, obviously it wouldn't have the benefit of "outside". Now, the cat rescue places would not give me one because of my living arrangement, therefore it would probably be kittens who wouldn't have known anything else- Does this make it better at all?

Discuss.

[Spitfire2]

We've just taken on a lovely older cat who would be ideal for your type of situation. She's a happy friendly wee thing but really can't go outside due to having arthritis (she can't jump high or move all that quickly)and the fact she's got st eyesight. Put lots of people off but she's a great pet already.

Our other cat loves going out and would be very unhappy in a place like yours.

Each cat is different and many will be just fine indoors - if you are willing to take on a rescue cat which needs to be indoors (e.g. if that is all they have previously known and/or they have issues like our new girl) only I'd have thought the Cat Protection places would be keen to take advantage of that.

[carreauchompeur]

I might try the rescue places, however I'm sure that at least the RSPCA (I walk dogs for them occasionally) don't rehome above ground floor...

[paintman]

Don't know about any height restrictions but when we were looking after our old cat died the RSPCA rehoming centre in Leicester (Scudamore Road) had a number of cats during that time with 'indoor' on the description.

Of the two kittens we finally got (from Cats Protection) the tom can't wait to go out whilst his sister is completely the opposite!

[jakejake]

Well since you are asking, I think it's unfair. I mean would you like to be shut in for your whole life?

I'm a total hypocrite though, I love Dogs and am upset at dog cruelty, but eat most other animals. Anyone else think that's weird?

[Micra Bore]

Can you put a catflap in your front door? If cats feel confined they'll be buggers, they need to think they can come and go I'm afraid.

[doug1e1972]

i got 2 cats both love to scrape the door to have it open, but both only like to look out it and not take a step out in the cold air. the cat i had before these two was also a total house cat, so no i dont think its cruel to keep a cat outside. just remember and accept that it will prob scrape away at the door and maybe want to explore the hallway etc.

[Conian]

Voted yes because cats should have freedom, but I am aware that some cats are more suited to indoor life so it'd be ok to have one of those rather than convert a fresh cat to imprisonment.

[mrmr96]

If you get kittens which have only been inside while being weaned then they won't be upset at being kept in because they won't know what they are missing.

I know that in a way that might sound a bit mean, but the cats won't be upset. I have two cats and live near lots of roads and I was concerned for their safety (both the road and cruel people) so I keep them indoors and have done since birth. It also saves the problem of them coming home dirty or with 'presents' (dead animals etc) but the best thing is that it saves me and the wife being worried about them the whole time while they are out.

They are very happy and content cats and we have lots of toys/games etc to keep them happy while we are out at work (office hours) and we are home the rest of the time to give them lots of attention.

I think this works better than taking a cat from rescue which was an 'outdoor' cat and then trying to keep them in, as they will most likely go mental!!

[dudleybloke]

i't depends on the cat.
some cats you love going out but some other cats will be perfectly happy sleeping somewhere warm all day then when you get home will sit on your lap and in straight to sleep again.

if you get a lazy cat you'l be fine!

[Streps]

My next door neighbours have a 3 legged rescue cat with poor eyesight and i can fully understand why they keep it inside for it's own safety.
But to keep a normally healthy cat indoors most of the time is slightly unfair.

[Thom987]

As above it depends on the cat. We adopted a stray who happens to have leukemia. She has no real interest in going outside, especially in this weather. She will happily sit at the window looking out, even crouching when she sees a bird, ready to pounce, but she has no real interest in going out.
Would a kitten not want to wonder out eventually?

[chevy-stu]

As already said, get an older cat that is happy with an indoor life.

Any young cat will be inquisitive and want to explore.

I know people who have pedigree cats that are never allowed out, as the owners are scared $hitless of them being stolen..which I think is cruel personally (bit of a mascot pet IMO)

[Boozy]

Mine used to go out, they seem happy enough being in here, one was run over and nearly killed and the other's too scared to go out anyway so they seem perfectly happy watching the world from the window.

(Merry Christmas from America!)

[Haighermeister]

I have two cats, one Bengal, one half ragdoll. Marley, the Bengal loves nothing more than going our, adventuring and generally arsing around.

Mythos, half ragdoll, half shorthair something (the wife knows) HATES going out. Literally will not leave the house.

If you get the right breed, a house cat can be more loving and affectionate than a cat that goes out. And they can be just as happy

[Jasandjules]

Uh, it is possible to get a cat which is a house cat - Persians and Rag Dolls are amongst the breeds suitable.

I guess the other thing is, will you get a place in a couple of years with a garden?

[carreauchompeur]

Jasandjules said:

Uh, it is possible to get a cat which is a house cat - Persians and Rag Dolls are amongst the breeds suitable.

I guess the other thing is, will you get a place in a couple of years with a garden?

I did have a lovely place with a garden and 2 cats... However the other occupant decided she would rather be shagging her workmate. I'm not bitter.

I'll look into ragdolls....

[fiveus]

i live on a third floor flat.and my cat louis was a rescue and totaly hates going out.so she is ideal

[Parsnip]

I voted yes simply because our cat was a rescue - super timid, scared of everyone he doesn't know etc. - never thought he would have any interest in going outside until we tried one day - he went for a wander and decided he liked it - gradually got more adventurous as time went on and now occasionally stays out all night and only uses the litter box as a last resort - poo with a view seems to be his preference.

I guess it does depend on the cat, but to not give them the option of trying it IMHO is cruel - I'm sure a "indoor" cat would be happy enough staying indoors, but how do you know you have an "indoor" cat if it has never been outside?

[okgo]

I live on first floor, and we are going to get a cat(s) as there is a flap installed in one of the windows that goes onto an extension and then I am going to make something like one of these to let it get in and out!

http://catladder.blogspot.com/