Discussion
One for all you cat lovers.
My girlfriend has moved in recently and she would love to get a cat. I'm quite a fan of the little buggers as well but we have a bit of a problem in that my flat doesn't lend itself in any way to allowing a cat to get in and out of the building without somebody holding a series of doors open so an outdoor cat is just not an option.
So that leaves 100% house based cats. Now I know sweet FA about looking after cats but I've always assumed they're at their happiest when they're out chasing mice and getting stuck up trees and to keep one indoors would be cruel. Contrary to that though, I've read several websites that suggests cats won't miss the outdoors if they've never been out but I need some convincing that the cat will be happy.
Also, assuming we go ahead with it, would we be best going for a brand new one and bringing it up to only know indoors or would we better going for a rescue cat that's previously lived indoors. I really don't want to be lumbered with a cat that spends its days scratching at the door wanting to get out.
My girlfriend has moved in recently and she would love to get a cat. I'm quite a fan of the little buggers as well but we have a bit of a problem in that my flat doesn't lend itself in any way to allowing a cat to get in and out of the building without somebody holding a series of doors open so an outdoor cat is just not an option.
So that leaves 100% house based cats. Now I know sweet FA about looking after cats but I've always assumed they're at their happiest when they're out chasing mice and getting stuck up trees and to keep one indoors would be cruel. Contrary to that though, I've read several websites that suggests cats won't miss the outdoors if they've never been out but I need some convincing that the cat will be happy.
Also, assuming we go ahead with it, would we be best going for a brand new one and bringing it up to only know indoors or would we better going for a rescue cat that's previously lived indoors. I really don't want to be lumbered with a cat that spends its days scratching at the door wanting to get out.
I understand your dielma. I think a bit of outside time is best, but there are "indoor cats".
not sure I'd ever get one though.
Although if you have a spare room you could turn it into a nifty cat gym, with all them tower toys and things to chew on. Just dont ever let him see the tv, and keep the windows shut so he cannot see outside!!
BTW, I've found cats to be most useful at getting in and out through the most bizzare methods, never seemingly by the door!
Ours climb tree, jump 10ft to the roof, accross that, and then a 4ft jump onto a 3 inch window ledge, then hop in through the tiny vent window in the bathroom......out via the same way!
Not that amazing until you consider one did it with a full size dead rabbit on board once, a nice surprise when i found it on the landing!
So maybe see if there is a window that he can get access in and out of, even if only when you are there, ie not left open.
not sure I'd ever get one though.
Although if you have a spare room you could turn it into a nifty cat gym, with all them tower toys and things to chew on. Just dont ever let him see the tv, and keep the windows shut so he cannot see outside!!
BTW, I've found cats to be most useful at getting in and out through the most bizzare methods, never seemingly by the door!
Ours climb tree, jump 10ft to the roof, accross that, and then a 4ft jump onto a 3 inch window ledge, then hop in through the tiny vent window in the bathroom......out via the same way!
Not that amazing until you consider one did it with a full size dead rabbit on board once, a nice surprise when i found it on the landing!
So maybe see if there is a window that he can get access in and out of, even if only when you are there, ie not left open.
can be done but you won't enjoy it.
had a cat from a kitten, just your average pet shop puss, and lived in a 5th floor flat [1000sqft ish]. cat had the run of the place and a large balcony to get some air on.
worked for a while but its hard watching your pet looking forlornly out the window and going nuts when meeting new people with new smells.
let it go to a friend with a farm in the end. wouldn't do it again, no matter what type of cat it is.
had a cat from a kitten, just your average pet shop puss, and lived in a 5th floor flat [1000sqft ish]. cat had the run of the place and a large balcony to get some air on.
worked for a while but its hard watching your pet looking forlornly out the window and going nuts when meeting new people with new smells.
let it go to a friend with a farm in the end. wouldn't do it again, no matter what type of cat it is.
Me & the ex had 2 British Short Hair cats (from kittens) and they were 100% indoor cats...Well I lie, I once left the bathroom window open and girl cat fell out (I think boy cat pushed her but anyway, I digress...)
Apparently this breed are particularly good as house cats because they're lazy little (they're not actually a small breed) s
ts and love to just lounge around.
They do have a good charge about every now and again but they seemed happy enough in the house all the time...actually no, I'm lying again, once they'd been out in the garden, they would always look longingly at the door and want to go outside. I even let boy cat out in the rain once (just to learn him for moewing to go out) and he bloody loved it!
On this basis I conclude that British Short Hair cats are probably as good as you'll get for being 100% indoor cats. But, make sure you get 2, otherwise the poor little bugger will go insane on its own, I mean what sort of life is that, with no mates, ever, I think it's cruel.
And if you can, get them used to going on a harness and lead, so you can at least get them out in the fresh air once in a while (I'd probably recommend that you get your girlfriend to do this, you'll look a right tit walking 2 cats).
Hope that helps....sort of!?
Apparently this breed are particularly good as house cats because they're lazy little (they're not actually a small breed) s
ts and love to just lounge around. They do have a good charge about every now and again but they seemed happy enough in the house all the time...actually no, I'm lying again, once they'd been out in the garden, they would always look longingly at the door and want to go outside. I even let boy cat out in the rain once (just to learn him for moewing to go out) and he bloody loved it!
On this basis I conclude that British Short Hair cats are probably as good as you'll get for being 100% indoor cats. But, make sure you get 2, otherwise the poor little bugger will go insane on its own, I mean what sort of life is that, with no mates, ever, I think it's cruel.
And if you can, get them used to going on a harness and lead, so you can at least get them out in the fresh air once in a while (I'd probably recommend that you get your girlfriend to do this, you'll look a right tit walking 2 cats).
Hope that helps....sort of!?
Edited by roboxm3 on Tuesday 16th December 13:57
Edited by roboxm3 on Tuesday 16th December 14:00
My cat has never been out, that was part of the reason the rescue center let me have her as i spend quite a lot of time at home.
Depends on the breed of cat, do some research, orientals tend not to be outside cats. I've got a Tonkinese and she likes hights (often to be found on top of my kitchen units).
If you get a kitten they adapt the their surroundings. Just expect a mad half hour from time to times as the bolt up and down the hall.
Invest in a scratching post and a radiator bed and you'll have a new family member.
Depends on the breed of cat, do some research, orientals tend not to be outside cats. I've got a Tonkinese and she likes hights (often to be found on top of my kitchen units).
If you get a kitten they adapt the their surroundings. Just expect a mad half hour from time to times as the bolt up and down the hall.
Invest in a scratching post and a radiator bed and you'll have a new family member.
Both mine are house cats. They used to go out a little when the weather was OK and I'd work from the garden, but there's too much for them to hurt themselves on knowingly or not. There's a good vets over the road and lots of neighbours have pets because of that. There's a few that have dogs which would make mincemeat out of my 2 cats, so it's not worth putting them in harms way
They do sit at the window watching whats going on, and the odd time they venture out when i've got a door open they go about 10 feet into the garden and run back in as soon as there's any noise
They do sit at the window watching whats going on, and the odd time they venture out when i've got a door open they go about 10 feet into the garden and run back in as soon as there's any noise
LHDisbest said:
My cat has never been out, that was part of the reason the rescue center let me have her as i spend quite a lot of time at home.
Depends on the breed of cat, do some research, orientals tend not to be outside cats. I've got a Tonkinese and she likes hights (often to be found on top of my kitchen units).
If you get a kitten they adapt the their surroundings. Just expect a mad half hour from time to times as the bolt up and down the hall.
Invest in a scratching post and a radiator bed and you'll have a new family member.
I've got a 13 week old Oriental Kitten (well oriental siamese cross) his folks never went out and they were happy as larry.Depends on the breed of cat, do some research, orientals tend not to be outside cats. I've got a Tonkinese and she likes hights (often to be found on top of my kitchen units).
If you get a kitten they adapt the their surroundings. Just expect a mad half hour from time to times as the bolt up and down the hall.
Invest in a scratching post and a radiator bed and you'll have a new family member.
My GF has been spoiling him with just about every cat toy in sutton coldfield though.
We have three cats, two of whom love the outdoors and spend all day outside and come in for the night and when they are hungry. They are always in the woods behind our house and bringing in wildlife.
The third hates being ouside and much prefers to live in and mince about. She hardly ever goes outside, save for an occasional afternoon in the summer.
Nothing cruel about keeping cats inside, they are creatures of habit and quickly get used to it, get one from a young age it will not be a problem
The third hates being ouside and much prefers to live in and mince about. She hardly ever goes outside, save for an occasional afternoon in the summer.
Nothing cruel about keeping cats inside, they are creatures of habit and quickly get used to it, get one from a young age it will not be a problem
Our first cat was kept in for first 6 months then let them out. The first one was fine for close to 2 years, then got hit in the night and died.
Then we got a new kitten and did the same but lock him in at night (no repeats please!). I go home for lunch and and hes always inside. But as soon as we unlock the flat in the morning he'll be out for 45 minutes. Then come in for the rest of the day.
They want to be outside. I dont want him to get hit, but i'd rather worrie a little knowing hes loving outside than lock him up all the time.
Then we got a new kitten and did the same but lock him in at night (no repeats please!). I go home for lunch and and hes always inside. But as soon as we unlock the flat in the morning he'll be out for 45 minutes. Then come in for the rest of the day.
They want to be outside. I dont want him to get hit, but i'd rather worrie a little knowing hes loving outside than lock him up all the time.
randomman said:
LHDisbest said:
My cat has never been out, that was part of the reason the rescue center let me have her as i spend quite a lot of time at home.
Depends on the breed of cat, do some research, orientals tend not to be outside cats. I've got a Tonkinese and she likes hights (often to be found on top of my kitchen units).
If you get a kitten they adapt the their surroundings. Just expect a mad half hour from time to times as the bolt up and down the hall.
Invest in a scratching post and a radiator bed and you'll have a new family member.
I've got a 13 week old Oriental Kitten (well oriental siamese cross) his folks never went out and they were happy as larry.Depends on the breed of cat, do some research, orientals tend not to be outside cats. I've got a Tonkinese and she likes hights (often to be found on top of my kitchen units).
If you get a kitten they adapt the their surroundings. Just expect a mad half hour from time to times as the bolt up and down the hall.
Invest in a scratching post and a radiator bed and you'll have a new family member.
My GF has been spoiling him with just about every cat toy in sutton coldfield though.
I'd love to get another Tonkinese but she would get upset. I love my cat.
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