Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I can tell from reading the posts that this group that indoor is a preference but I have a problem and am wondering if there is anyone out there who can give me advice? We live in the country on 350 acres with 3 kids 9, 4, and 2. We also have mice, seriously. I love cats but am also highly allergic. The kids really wanted kitties and I really didn't want mice so we went to a shelter and got two sweet sweet sisters, thinking they would be mostly outdoor kitties with occasional trips inside. However, these two are huge love bugs! Huge!! They want to be lap kitties all the time and want lots of human contact following us from room to room. So we tried it but my allergy is already bothering me so there is no way for it to work with indoor kitties so now we are having to decide to make them outdoor kitties or bring them back to the shelter. We have only had them two days and we are all so in love it is very hard to think about taking them back and also hard to think about them being lonely outside. (They would sleep in the garage.) We dont' have to worry about alot of the outdoor problems because of where we live. Any input would be appreciated.

Ok, first of all you need to understand that cats who live outside have shorter lives than inside kitties. Average lifespan is 5 years or less outside and can be up to 20 years inside. They wander and roam and can get very far away and get lost, wild animals including raccoons will fight them and if there is a road, they will find it. Secondly, if not spayed they will have kittens, each could have up to 6 kittens in about 2 litters a year so soon, you would have lots of kitties. And they will still need all their shots, it is even more important if outside running about. Third, if they love being with people, and are not allowed in, they will be lonely and may go looking for someone to cuddle and lap sit with. Trust me, nothing is worse than looking for a lost pet everyday and never knowing if it was lying somewhere suffering and waiting for you or is safe and loved in someone elses house. Perhaps before you make your decision, you could talk to your Dr and see if there is something that you could do for your allergies to keep the cats, perhaps go to a allergist even.
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PHWildCat/Tessa and 18 cats, 1 dog and even a hamster
Cat Board Monitor and Chat Host
Pet Hobbyist
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

First off I would go to an allergist and get some medication. Second give it time. Usually you will develop an immunity to your own cats. Bathing them will help. How old are they?
As to indoor outdoor, I am assuming since they are shelter cats they are already spayed. How old are they? You shouldn't be letting them out until they are at least 8 months old.
Good luck.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker