Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm adopting a kitty on Saturday. I just lost one in December, and he was an indoor cat. He would often go out on a chain, but he LOVED the outdoors. How should I go with this one? I don't really want to risk he/she getting hit by a car because there's a busy road close by. Also, I live in north western PA and the winters here are brutal! I've also heard indoor cats live longer. Is this true? Should I just stick to the indoor life for this one too? I just realize that cats are naturally nature oriented and need space to play and explore. I just want the best for my new furbaby. Let me know what ya'll think! Thanx

Well, statistics say an indoor only cat lives much longer than the 2 year average for an indoor/outdoor cat. It's not just cars, but disease, dogs, other cats and predators like coyotes. Ask around, many people who post here have indoor only cats that are very happy to view the world through a window. Some have trained their cats (or the cats have trained them) to go out on a lead and harness, others have safe enclosures from simple ones to fancy multi-story ones but all are secure and keep the cats safe from dogs and most other perils. Personally, I've had indoor only cats for the last 30 or so years. Most have really not shown any interest in the outdoor life. I took one outside when I was considering building an enclosure...he cried to go back in the house!

I agree with Abymom. 15 cats here and they all are inside only. Most came from outside and show no interest in going back out there. One of them thinks about it occasionally and so has to be watched around the door, but the one time he snuck by me he ran in a circle and dashed back in.

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PHWildCat
Cat Board Monitor and Chat Host
Pet Hobbyist
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

Mine are all indoor. There are wild animals out there (here in Los angeles we have coyotes), cars, evil people, all sorts of dangers. We have three cats and the young kittens want to go out, mostly because we do. the oldest is scared to death to leave the house. they live longer, aren't exposed to things like Felv or FIV or fights with other cats. Mine are entertained by the things indoors, and also enjoy sitting in the window and watching the life outside. We put birdfeeders around on the windows which they enjoy a lot. I'd urge you to keep them indoors, or take them for walks on a leash if they will. Mine hate leashes, but maybe yours will enjoy them. I'd also suggest having more than one cat. Mine keep each other entertained (running thru the house at all times). Just a thought.

good luck,

Lisa S., mom to three cats and two rabbits

Hi. I'm new to the cat forum so I have been reading different posts. I can tell you my sis and I have 6 cats in our household and ALL are indoor cats. We have a 'cat pen' for them if they want to be outside in the backyard. It's actually a 6wx6hx10L dog kennel. We put a cover over the top so they can't climb out. They love it. We have scratching posts in there with a couple of wicker beds.
If your last cat was an indoor cat there is no reason you can't keep your new companion an indoor cat too. We started all our cats when they were little to be indoor. We do let them have run of the back yard when we are out there to supervise them. My oldest cat is 20 years old. No way would she live that long being allowed to roam the streets. Thats not to say indoor cats won't get sick or injured. We have had other cats come down with one thing or another and have them pass away. The average age for outdoor cats is 2-5, if they are lucky. We have had cats in our area get hit by cars,etc. My next oldest is 12 and she never figured out how to climb a fence so she can go out in the back yard and will not get out.
When I got my first cat, 20 years ago, I wanted a companion. Not one that will come home when it has a mind to. Now we have 6 cats and 2 dogs.