Cats inside house (2 Cats Dead; 1 Cat Adopted; 1 Raccoon, 1 Possum Relocated)

[LightPhoenix]

But as I said, I completely understand why some people prefer their cats to stay inside. In fact, for some cats, its definitely better. But, at the same time, this isn't neccessarily true for ALL cats. Or all pets for that matter. That's really where my sticking point on all of this is, as I've seen cats that love the outdoors and live just fine out there as much as inside for many, many years.

Pretty much summed up my thoughts.

My cats stay inside because I don't trust my neighbors not to kill them or have them locked up. That's a price I pay for living where I am (in the city, near the university). If I had the option, I would definitely let them out if I thought it was okay. Then, if someone came to me and told me they were digging up flower beds and crapping all over everything, I might re-evaluate whether letting them out is okay. That said, I don't think that letting pets outside is inherently bad, as some people in this thread seem to.

 

[OakwoodDM]

Now, I realise things may be different for me because the outside is less dangerous in England than in America (no coyotes, bears, or raccoons, and considerably fewer people with guns) but both the cats we've had have been outside cats, both have been healthy, happy animals, and both have lived to well over 10 years and died of natural causes, and I fully plan to allow the cat I get next to be an outside cat. Of course, as others have said, if someone complains about my cat's behaviour, things might change, but until then, it's natural cats all the way for me.

 

[Jeysie]

That said, I don't think that letting pets outside is inherently bad, as some people in this thread seem to.

I don't think it's *always* bad. If I lived in a house like one of my uncles does, where there's a ton of wilderness isolated from roads, people, and hazards, and without any cat-eating animals living in it, I would let my cats out to play. Just that I'm willing to venture most cat-owners (in the US, at least) don't live in that sort of place. And even if I could afford to live in that sort of place, I wouldn't, because I'd go nuts being that far away from everything.

Plus, cats don't *need* to go out. It's nice, yes, but if the owner takes care to provide their kitty with lots of stimulating toys and attention, an indoor cat will be just as playful. I suppose I'm as baffled at the backlash about keeping an indoor cat as some people are baffled at the reaction towards wanting to let a cat outside.

Plus, sometimes a given cat doesn't even need that much stimulation. My cat ignores most of the toys I buy him and my attempts to play... he'd rather alternate between lounging on the bed and rubbing me up and meowing until I pet and cuddle with him. I think he sneaks outside more because he's incredibly curious about anything new (he hates *any* closed doors) than an actual desire to be outside.

Peace & Luv, Liz

 

[ceratitis]

best of luck
i suggest you try to be as calm as possible before going over to talk to the cat owners as last years saga really isnt their fault and it may force them to be defencive. other then that have you tried pepper spraying the cat when ever you find it in your yard? i'm no expert but it sounds like the cat would learn to avoid you and your yard.
hope all goes well

 

[Aurora]

Ceratitis, your sig makes me laugh every time I see a post from you.

 

[Lewis526]

My Bengal and my Ocecat would love to go outside. I do not want them to do so as it is bad for them.

You have an indoor tiger?

 

[Bront]

Hellhound, I have to say that does not make sense to me:

See the following for why:



Liking something is not a reason to give in to it at all times....

EDIT - NOT SO EXTREME EXAMPLE

Apparently you're not aware, but Hellhound owns a several acre farm (I believe). It's a little different for him that it is for others.

I do let my cat out, but she was raised an indoor cat, and I rarely see her leave our property, and she actualy prefers to use her litter box to do her business. She's also been declawed, and tends to run before she fights. She is also tagged.

 

[John Morrow]

(no coyotes, bears, or raccoons, and considerably fewer people with guns)

It's also large birds of prey. Cat collars get found in eagle's nests.

 

[Vraille Darkfang]

OK. For some reason my long, well thought out post just got eaten by the system.

So, a summary:

No-Kill Shelter: They only take Tame Animals from the Columbia Humane Society. (IE those the they can find a home for easily). The Humans society has so many strays, a lot of tame cats still don't get adopted. Dead in.


It is for your Cat that I started this. In my county, once your cat is off your property it becomes a "Non-Native Nuisance Animal", & it has a very clearly defined legal status. Namely proper methods of "Eradication".

The Live Trapping I do is a preferred method, but not the only one.

1. Shooting the cat dead is valid method of eradication (however, discharging a firearm in the city limits is a no-no)

2. Poisoning is valid (with the proper permit, which requires lots of training and a State Certificate).

3. Beating it to death is OK. (This one gets really fuzzy, as Animal Cruelty can also fit in here).

The simple fact is (in my area) a cat beyond your property is a potential Pest and may be treated as such. I live in an agrarian area that has historicaly seen a lot of farming (esp chickens). Many other people raise Rabbits (the meat pen variety), Pheasent, Quail, Turkeys and other things lower on the food chain than a cat. These farmers wont mess around, a cat (or other varmit) on their land is NOT going to be making it off again. A Grand Champion Chicken is worth quite a bit of cash.

If you really want to let your cat run around outside, feel free to do so. But in my area, if he doesn't come back, that's sort of what "Non-Native Nuisance Animal" & "Eradication" Mean.

Your laws (and people's attitudes) may vary.

 

[Wystan]

You have an indoor tiger?

www.bengalcat.com