[kerrysuz]

I don't want to start the indoor/outdoor debate here, but I would like to find out if there is anyone out there who has indoor-only cats AND indoor/outdoor cats. I have three cats. Two (Whatnot and Fiddlehead) are so skittish that I would never let them out. They are almost 9 and are fine indoors. The other one (Yeti) was an outdoor cat and never would have become an indoor cat except that he was injured and I took him to the vet. Because he wasn't my cat at the time, I didn't know his rabies history, so he was quarantined for 6 months. When he would cry at the door, I ignored him because I was told by the town's animal control officer that if they were to find him, he would be euthanized immediately.

Last week, he and Whatnot actually got out. They somehow pushed a screen out of a window. I really don't know how it happened or who was the cause. Whatnot was petrified, but Yeti seemed very comfortable. I brought them back in (thank GOD they were both out back and not already down the street). Then yesterday, I took Yeti out on a harness. He seemed SO happy to be outside, but he didn't want to be on the harness. When I tied him up on a long tether, he actually bolted so fast that he got out of the harness. I brought him back in, but now I feel that he so wants to be outdoors. I think I'm oversensitive to this, but I feel like he's depressed.

So, my question is, is it possible to have one indoor/outdoor cat and two indoor-only cats? And if so, what precautions should I take to make sure the indoor cats aren't somehow negatively affected by this change. I will have to get Yeti the feline leukemia shot, which he doesn't have as an indoor cat. He has a collar, so I'd put that on him. And I would either give him a flea collar or do that liquid down his back. He has very long hair, so it would be hard to find any ticks or fleas on him.

Besides those things, I would just have to pray that he is okay outside. He's so friendly that I would worry that he would end up someone else's pet, but I think he would be happier outside. It's just killing me.

Thanks for listening. I look forward to hearing from you. But again, please don't tell me the pros and cons to indoor or outdoor cats. I know them all. It's the cat's happiness I'm most concerned about.

 

[kittygirl04]

I understand that you are worried about your cats happiness. My Yoda went through this also. She loved being outside, but when she didn't come home one night I totally lost it. I was so worried and upset. Thank God she came home, so I decided from that moment on she was indoors only. I know she didn't understand why, but I did it for her so she was sure to be safe. I know I can be called greedy because I want to keep her inside and alive for my own happiness, but I also don't want her to be harmed in any way. There are so many freaks out there--who knows what people would do to a cat? Yoda was sad for quite awhile and she even tried to escape when the door would open, but now that time has passed she seems fine. I would advise most people to never start it, that way you don't have to stop it. It's much harder to stop once they've gotten a taste of the great outdoors. If you think it is worth it to let your cat be happy--then it is your decision whether to let him out. (As long as you are aware that something may happen to him at any time.) For me and my cats--I say no way, it's not worth it.
Also, what does your cat look like? I was told by Forgotten Fourpaws that black cats are in extreme danger around the Halloween season. They said that cults (or whatever) look for black cats in particular so they can do their disgusting rituals on them.

 

[kittygirl04]

If you think it is worth it to let your cat be happy--then it is your decision whether to let him out.

Oh gosh, that didn't sound very good. Oops! I didn't mean it like that. My cats are quite happy inside with toys, love, and each other to torment! :shock:

 

[Ariel]

I hae three cats. Two are indoor/outdoor cats and the other one is a strictly outdoors cat. I live on a lake though. If I were to live in a nieghborhood, I would seal my backyard and let them wonder in that.

 

[kerrysuz]

But it seems no one has experience with some cats totally indoors and some indoor/outdoor. There are unique issues with the i/o cat bringing smells and ticks in from the outdoors. And is it possible that he could taunt the other cats (not consciously) by being outside? Such a conundrum.

 

[kittygirl04]

I guess fleas and ticks would both be a big problem. Yikes! You'll probably get a response soon from someone in your situation. Alot of members aren't here everyday, so hopefully you'll hear something soon. Poor kitty--I feel bad for him, but I secretly want him to stay inside...hehehe :lol:

 

[Aonir]

Ok, I do have experience in this area! I had 4 cats. 2 where indoor/outdoor and the other 2 were inside cats. Then one of the indoor cats go out... ANd naturally, I FREAKED! But he came back and was allowed outside again... Then he got hit by car.
Now, the remaining inside cat didn't mind staying indoors, even if the others wandered outside. ALL my cat's would have never been outside if my Grandma didn't refuse to have indoor cats.
Now that I am moved out... guess where my indoor cat is? OUTSIDE. Does she care that we've had so many troubles with outdoor cats? NO.

The other 2 indoor/outdoor cats.. The female lost her tail, god knows how... And the male(MINE!!!) lost his leg! Go figure that. I refused for my cat to go back outside ever again. But did she listen? No.. He kept getting stuck on the roof and needing helped down...

Stick with indoors. It is not worth the pain...

 

[tanyuh]

That's horrible Aonir, I'm so sorry!

I agree with you though, its not worth it.

Kerry, how old is Yeti? The younger he is, the more likely he'll be to adjust to an inside-only situation. He will also be more likely to accept the harness/leash. Ideally, I think you should train him to like the harness and only let him outside when you are able to watch him. OR you can build an enclosed area for him to play in that is outside but safe. When I move into a house, I will build one for my cats. If you do decide to let him out, however, you MUST get ALL THREE of your cats immunized for EVERYTHING. If your indoor cats have contact with Yeti, they can get sick - they are basically outdoor cats too. My cats are indoors but they are still immunized up the yin-yang because of the strays we have around. There's no telling when one will run into my house or when my cats will step out the door and get attacked. Better to be safe than sorry.

Good luck!

 

[kittygirl04]

Kerry, I think Tanyuh has the best idea! Maybe you could make a fenced in area for Yeti. My brother's neighbor has a tall cage that is enclosed on all sides so her beautiful persians can go outside on nice days. That would also be cool to have it attached to the house with a cat door. Am I getting too extravagant? hehehe! It appears that I would do anything to please my kitties! After looking at the pictures that you sent to me, is it possible that a raccoon injured Yeti? With the surroundings in the photos--I bet you get lots of wildlife. I think a large cage would be safe and still keep Yeti happy.

 

[riotgirl007]

a compromise?

would it be possible to build a cat enclosure for safe outdoor access? I would be concerned about him exposing your cats to disease and parasites by coming and going

 

[kerrysuz]

Thanks

Thanks for all of your responses. Part of my whole dilemma, besides the fact that I thought Yeti was acting as thought he wanted to go out, was that my husband has ALWAYS said that he thought cats should be outdoors, yet all of my cats have always been indoors. So I figured John would agree to let him out. Low and behold, he totally said to keep Yeti inside. I think that he's way more attached to these cats than he wants to let on, and he doesn't want to see Yeti killed by a car. I actually became more concerned about Yeti getting hurt by cruel people. I don't know of cruel folks in the neighborhood, but he's SO friendly that I would be afraid he'd get himself in trouble.

So for now, he's inside only. I don't think my husband would go for an outside enclosure. I would love it, but neither of us loves the chain-link fence look, and I don't want to have to carry them to the outside enclosure. I wish there were a way that we could create one that has a cat door, but again, doubt John would be for that. Who knows...as he gets older, maybe I can convince him.

Oh, and for those who asked, I think Yeti is about three or four. We've had him since he was one or two. And Yeti's back to his old self. When he cries at the window, he's usually appeased if I bring in some grass. And in the fall, I bring in a box full of leaves for them. I'm such a good mom. :lol:

Thanks again.

 

[riotgirl007]

neat idea

you might want to check out this revamped backyard http://www.lisaviolet.com/cathouse/backyard.html

 

[tanyuh]

Oooo box of leaves??? Do they just flop around in there? That sounds like fun! I should try that! Of course, I bet it makes a HUGE mess hehehe. I'd be concerned about bugs in the leaves tho, ewwww.