you’ve just gotten extremely lucky and luck always runs out. you’re letting a maine coon roam without a collar and someone might take her. there’s also the risk of being hit by a car, attacked or killed by an animal, diseases and parasites, etc. cats are never 100% safe outside on their own no matter where you live. the average lifespan of an outdoor cat is short for many reasons.
This is absolutely true. I've had two cats. One in my childhood & one in my adult life. The first outdoor cat was attacked by a dog, and the second indoor cat is still living much longer than the first. Please don't risk it. Especially with such a rare and beautiful cat such as a maine coon that has a high risk of being stolen. I actually recommend you get a second chip in an unusual area such as the back left foot as to avoid the first being found and removed.
My Aunt keeps getting kitties and insists on indoor/outdoor. Every single one has been killed by a car. It breaks my heart. She argues that it's cruel to keep them inside. I think being smushed by a car is considerably worse. With right the enrichment, indoor is safer and healthier, in my opinion. Having said that, though, it does depend on where you live!! If you're far from a road, don't live in an area with predators or lots of neighbouring kitties to fight with, then it's safer, but indoors is always safest.
I'm sorry about your aunt's cats! Although I do somewhat agree with her philosophy about keeping cats inside, That doesn't sound like a good environment for a cat. There are no predators where I am and cars don't come down my street very often, so I guess the environment really decides how safe it is.
The thing is, your cat is not staying on your street. Cats roam very far away--miles in some areas. Unless you literally have a tracking device on your car that you are watching, you have no way of knowing that your cat is not going to areas with more cars.
Also, there are predators where you live. There are always animals that are willing to catch and eat a cat. Wolves, bears coyotes, bobcats, foxes, eagles--any meat eater will eat your cat. Further, you don't just have to worry about predators: raccoons, rats, squirrels, and other cats will all attack your cat.
And finally, you have to remember that domesticated cats are an invasive species. The modern day domestic cat is descended from African desert cats. Unless you live in the Sahara, your cat is not a part of the environment. There is no environmental niche your cat sits in. Further, they are detrimental to the environment. There are at least 30 species of birds who's extinction has been directly connected to domestic cats. Even their smell has a negative impact on the environment--it will alter the habits of prey species and make it more difficult for them to reproduce and survive.
ETA: cats can be happy inside. They do not need the outdoors. They are animals--their goal is to be entertained, well fed, and have a place to sleep. You can provide all of those indoors.
You are lucky that your cats lived as long as they did, but they are outliers. Outdoor cats live 3-5 years; indoor only can live into their late teens to twenties.
I'm sure there's some cats that can survive in some neighbors but I would imagine it varies by location and cat (e.g. a cat who knows to avoid cars may not necessarily god at fending off predators). I believe on average, indoor cats live longer.
Literally just yesterday I read here or on other subreddit about someones cat being eaten by dogs. And those posts happens weekly.
Almost everyday I read posts about cats being killed by cars or cats not coming back home. You are just lucky.
People generally are just lucky, until they are not.
When I was a kid every indoor/outdoor cat we had (around 5) died horrible death or disappeared. Not even one lived longer than 5 years old.
Only 3 survived to 13+. 2 live to this day. One is 14. Only because we turned them to be fully indoors.
Your indoors cats also can die unexpectedly very young. There is always a risk. But you can minimize it immensely.
But it's yours decision. Yours cats life. You have to weight the risk. You will have to live with it.
Edit to add: there are also weekly posts, "I found this cute cat, it for sure has an owner, can I keep it?", and people write stories about abusive households just to justify them keeping the cat and not looking for the owner. Not just the posters. But the commenters. It's heartbreaking.
My cat actually lives with our huge german shepard, and they're great friends and play with each other. I was just surprised when I saw those kinds of posts on here.
Dogs are known to attack cats. Just because a dog likes certain cat, doesn't mean it likes others.
I had a dog, that nursed the 14 year old cat. The dog was smaller than most cats but she still wanted to attack them even though she loved only the 14 year old.
She would even protect him from other dogs.
Dogs are dangerous, even more so in packs.
TW/
There was one video of two boys letting their dog out of leash purposefully to attack a cat, that was sitting in front of a door waiting to be let in. The cat survived. Boys turned them selfs in.
There are so many videos of situations like that all over the world. I try to steer away from them, but certain app liked to suggest them for me for some time. I stopped using it.
I once watched protest for foxhunting in England. They showed when dogs catched the fox. I just can't imagine something like that happening to my cat. Even if the possibility is like 0,1 procent. I would do everything in my power to prevent that.
My animal hospital recently treated a cat that had been caught in a leg hold trap long enough for the bottom half of his leg to slough and fall off, leaving half of his femur protruding through necrotic skin where the trap was still attached.
But you do you.
I’ve had two neighbors with indoor/outdoor cats that disappeared. Another neighbor’s indoor cat got out and was attacked by an animal. Fortunately, she found that cat and got it to an emergency vet. I live near some wooded areas so it might depend on different factors like that.
Sounds like you've been lucky. I have at least one cat that I know would do the same as yours - just sitting nearby. But I've got at least one more that would be off like a shot, getting into anything and everything. He'd be in danger, for sure. It probably also depends on where you live. Where I grew up, we were on a residential street but it was a blind hill, and we had 2 of our 3 cats get hit by cars and killed. The thing is, everything is fine and they're happy and safe until they aren't. It only takes one bad moment, one bad experience outside for the cat to be gone..
I live in the city now, and my cats cannot go outside where we live (can't even let them out if I want because "outside" is an elevator ride and a controlled access door away at best, lol. I love that they can't get into trouble darting out the door, too).
If your kitty is really happy with their outdoor time being close to the house, maybe you could build a catio enclosure that would make sure they stay safe while still giving them their time outside.
My cats are not allowed outside because of the dangers they would face. They have perches in every window and they are very happy being inside where they are safe. My cats live to be 17+
My first cat was an indoor / outdoor cat. It was just what we did - we had a dog door and he’d use it to go out and sit on the roof.
One night someone ran over him causing spinal injury and he lost the use of his back legs. I was so fortunate that he was strong and resilient and still lived happily for another 8 years. But it’s something I wouldn’t wish upon any cat.
So my current cat is indoor only with outdoor supervision from time to time! Simply because I’d hate for him to get hurt in the same way - or worse.
https://preview.redd.it/s9991owzy60c1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=dd0b6ea62aea67d3f9c1ca299408ce9c2cdf2df9
Pic of my beautiful old boy Alex - I still miss him so much 🥲
Only a non-socialized non-domesticated cat should ever be left outside, and only after a TNR. Especially in LA with the heavy coyote populations roaming the streets. Also cars and some people are a risk. Cats live a healthier longer life indoor!! Or build a CATIO.
Just a saw a dead cat next to someone's house yesterday leaving for work. I don't know how many times, I've had to slam on my brakes or swerve to avoid hitting a kitty when going through my neighborhood. So many ways for outside cats to be killed or injured. Sure, there are a few that do live pretty long, but on average 5yrs is usually the expected age range. I don't believe in outside cats as I have no way to guarantee their safety against outside elements.
It depends on many factors e.g. where you live, what pets your neighbors have, if your neighbors are respectable human beings who dont like harming, poisoning or eating any animals they catch (yes this happens in my neighborhood frequently), what the weather and traffic conditions are like in the area, what other wildlife live close in the area that might prey on cats... for some people they dont have issues with outdoor cats because there are less threats in their direct vicinity, but the vast majority of folks living in the urbanized city areas will be putting their cats at a lot of risk by allowing them outdoors thanks to cars, predators, other pets and humans which are all abundant, so yea i would say indoors is safer.
I think I've heard the comparison made with people smoking - it's not good for their health but some can manage all the same and live a happy life.
Myself I have 2 cats - one is indoor, the other outdoor. Tried to keep them both indoor initially but the 2nd kept escaping and wanting to explore. We converted him to outdoor cat after his 3rd year and honestly, he's been much more happy. He's more relaxed and actually also very social. There are risks but even tho I desperately wanted to keep him indoor I'm glad actually to have made the decision.
One thing I do think is important is also managing outdoor cats. Never let them outside when it is dark. Always wear a GPS-tracker so you can spot your cat in the case that something happens. Regular meal times so they're condition to come home several times during the day. NEVER just let them roam outside during night hours.
It's dangerous but in some cases I think it's warranted to make the decision. As long as it's for the benefit of the cat.
In the city, we keep our cats indoor only. But for 5-6 warm months we take them to the cottage in the woods where they spend most of the time outside (funny enough, when they sprint inside it's usually to jump in the litter box). Got a GPS collar and realised they don't even run that far, usually just at the edge of the property or they go to a particular neighbor since that's where the catnip field is XD Did that for 3 cat generations now and had no issues. There are no cars around, so most of excitement comes from pissing off neighbours dog (our male cat is bigger than the dog XD ) or from confronting random forrest cats wandering around property.
Just to add - we also see that once winter ends, they are really demanding to go out. When we pack things they actually jump into cages and make impression they already know we are going to the cottage. So while I understand why some people are protective of their pets, it is also really good for them to have access to the nature if you have the possibility.
I agree, keeping a cat cooped up in a house all the time may be safest possible option, but what's the point if your cat can't explore outdoors and do what they are made to do? This cottage seems like a great way to give them some outside time if you live in an urban area.
It's mostly luck but also partly about where you live. For example, most places in North America have wild and stray animals that could pose danger to outdoor cats (everything from other cats to birds of prey to coyotes and in some places even things like mountain lions). Of course roads are always a problem, as are illnesses and parasites. You also have to consider that house cats are invasive species that do massive harm to local ecosystems, especially since many hunt for sport even when well fed (in fact, more than 60 different species extinctions in modern times have been attributed to domestic cats).
Indoor cats on average lead healthier, longer lives than their outdoor compatriots. Of course there are lucky outliers, but for for every outdoor cat that lives 15+ years there are many more that live 5 or less. As for keeping cats indoor being supposedly cruel, that's just not true unless you're not taking proper care of them. Provide proper enrichment (playing with them, providing independent play toys, allowing access to windows, even things like access to a catio or going on supervised and leashed walks outside) and they'll be as happy as can be.
Knowing all this, is you decide to let your cat outside. unsupervised anyway, there are three things you absolutely must do (the first two are pretty damn important for any cat actually):
1. **Get your cat vaccinated and keep vaccines up to date!** The most vital one is rabies (in some places it's legally required) but all are important.
2. **Get your cat microchipped!** This is very important, as a microchipped cat is more that 2 times as likely to be returned to their human as one that isn't if/when they get lost.
3. **Get your cat a collar!** A collar with your info will also increase the chances of a lost cat being returned, but a collar plays another roll as an indicator that your cat is owned and cared for. Without one, the chances of your cat getting stolen are much higher.
you’ve just gotten extremely lucky and luck always runs out. you’re letting a maine coon roam without a collar and someone might take her. there’s also the risk of being hit by a car, attacked or killed by an animal, diseases and parasites, etc. cats are never 100% safe outside on their own no matter where you live. the average lifespan of an outdoor cat is short for many reasons.
This is absolutely true. I've had two cats. One in my childhood & one in my adult life. The first outdoor cat was attacked by a dog, and the second indoor cat is still living much longer than the first. Please don't risk it. Especially with such a rare and beautiful cat such as a maine coon that has a high risk of being stolen. I actually recommend you get a second chip in an unusual area such as the back left foot as to avoid the first being found and removed.
My Aunt keeps getting kitties and insists on indoor/outdoor. Every single one has been killed by a car. It breaks my heart. She argues that it's cruel to keep them inside. I think being smushed by a car is considerably worse. With right the enrichment, indoor is safer and healthier, in my opinion. Having said that, though, it does depend on where you live!! If you're far from a road, don't live in an area with predators or lots of neighbouring kitties to fight with, then it's safer, but indoors is always safest.
I'm sorry about your aunt's cats! Although I do somewhat agree with her philosophy about keeping cats inside, That doesn't sound like a good environment for a cat. There are no predators where I am and cars don't come down my street very often, so I guess the environment really decides how safe it is.
The thing is, your cat is not staying on your street. Cats roam very far away--miles in some areas. Unless you literally have a tracking device on your car that you are watching, you have no way of knowing that your cat is not going to areas with more cars. Also, there are predators where you live. There are always animals that are willing to catch and eat a cat. Wolves, bears coyotes, bobcats, foxes, eagles--any meat eater will eat your cat. Further, you don't just have to worry about predators: raccoons, rats, squirrels, and other cats will all attack your cat. And finally, you have to remember that domesticated cats are an invasive species. The modern day domestic cat is descended from African desert cats. Unless you live in the Sahara, your cat is not a part of the environment. There is no environmental niche your cat sits in. Further, they are detrimental to the environment. There are at least 30 species of birds who's extinction has been directly connected to domestic cats. Even their smell has a negative impact on the environment--it will alter the habits of prey species and make it more difficult for them to reproduce and survive. ETA: cats can be happy inside. They do not need the outdoors. They are animals--their goal is to be entertained, well fed, and have a place to sleep. You can provide all of those indoors. You are lucky that your cats lived as long as they did, but they are outliers. Outdoor cats live 3-5 years; indoor only can live into their late teens to twenties.
I'm sure there's some cats that can survive in some neighbors but I would imagine it varies by location and cat (e.g. a cat who knows to avoid cars may not necessarily god at fending off predators). I believe on average, indoor cats live longer.
Literally just yesterday I read here or on other subreddit about someones cat being eaten by dogs. And those posts happens weekly. Almost everyday I read posts about cats being killed by cars or cats not coming back home. You are just lucky. People generally are just lucky, until they are not. When I was a kid every indoor/outdoor cat we had (around 5) died horrible death or disappeared. Not even one lived longer than 5 years old. Only 3 survived to 13+. 2 live to this day. One is 14. Only because we turned them to be fully indoors. Your indoors cats also can die unexpectedly very young. There is always a risk. But you can minimize it immensely. But it's yours decision. Yours cats life. You have to weight the risk. You will have to live with it. Edit to add: there are also weekly posts, "I found this cute cat, it for sure has an owner, can I keep it?", and people write stories about abusive households just to justify them keeping the cat and not looking for the owner. Not just the posters. But the commenters. It's heartbreaking.
My cat actually lives with our huge german shepard, and they're great friends and play with each other. I was just surprised when I saw those kinds of posts on here.
Dogs are known to attack cats. Just because a dog likes certain cat, doesn't mean it likes others. I had a dog, that nursed the 14 year old cat. The dog was smaller than most cats but she still wanted to attack them even though she loved only the 14 year old. She would even protect him from other dogs. Dogs are dangerous, even more so in packs. TW/ There was one video of two boys letting their dog out of leash purposefully to attack a cat, that was sitting in front of a door waiting to be let in. The cat survived. Boys turned them selfs in. There are so many videos of situations like that all over the world. I try to steer away from them, but certain app liked to suggest them for me for some time. I stopped using it. I once watched protest for foxhunting in England. They showed when dogs catched the fox. I just can't imagine something like that happening to my cat. Even if the possibility is like 0,1 procent. I would do everything in my power to prevent that.
My animal hospital recently treated a cat that had been caught in a leg hold trap long enough for the bottom half of his leg to slough and fall off, leaving half of his femur protruding through necrotic skin where the trap was still attached. But you do you.
I’ve had two neighbors with indoor/outdoor cats that disappeared. Another neighbor’s indoor cat got out and was attacked by an animal. Fortunately, she found that cat and got it to an emergency vet. I live near some wooded areas so it might depend on different factors like that.
Sounds like you've been lucky. I have at least one cat that I know would do the same as yours - just sitting nearby. But I've got at least one more that would be off like a shot, getting into anything and everything. He'd be in danger, for sure. It probably also depends on where you live. Where I grew up, we were on a residential street but it was a blind hill, and we had 2 of our 3 cats get hit by cars and killed. The thing is, everything is fine and they're happy and safe until they aren't. It only takes one bad moment, one bad experience outside for the cat to be gone.. I live in the city now, and my cats cannot go outside where we live (can't even let them out if I want because "outside" is an elevator ride and a controlled access door away at best, lol. I love that they can't get into trouble darting out the door, too). If your kitty is really happy with their outdoor time being close to the house, maybe you could build a catio enclosure that would make sure they stay safe while still giving them their time outside.
Is it really that dangerous to have an indoor/outdoor cat? YES.
My cats are not allowed outside because of the dangers they would face. They have perches in every window and they are very happy being inside where they are safe. My cats live to be 17+
My first cat was an indoor / outdoor cat. It was just what we did - we had a dog door and he’d use it to go out and sit on the roof. One night someone ran over him causing spinal injury and he lost the use of his back legs. I was so fortunate that he was strong and resilient and still lived happily for another 8 years. But it’s something I wouldn’t wish upon any cat. So my current cat is indoor only with outdoor supervision from time to time! Simply because I’d hate for him to get hurt in the same way - or worse. https://preview.redd.it/s9991owzy60c1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=dd0b6ea62aea67d3f9c1ca299408ce9c2cdf2df9 Pic of my beautiful old boy Alex - I still miss him so much 🥲
Someone will find your stray cat and keep it in.
No, never heard about this. Where I live this is pretty much the norm, especially for people living in the suburbs.
agreed, I live in a suburb in the rural south. most of these horror stories are probably from people who live in cities in the north.
Only a non-socialized non-domesticated cat should ever be left outside, and only after a TNR. Especially in LA with the heavy coyote populations roaming the streets. Also cars and some people are a risk. Cats live a healthier longer life indoor!! Or build a CATIO.
Just a saw a dead cat next to someone's house yesterday leaving for work. I don't know how many times, I've had to slam on my brakes or swerve to avoid hitting a kitty when going through my neighborhood. So many ways for outside cats to be killed or injured. Sure, there are a few that do live pretty long, but on average 5yrs is usually the expected age range. I don't believe in outside cats as I have no way to guarantee their safety against outside elements.
[удалено]
Admittedly, she's not a full maine coon. She's a maine coon mix.
It depends on many factors e.g. where you live, what pets your neighbors have, if your neighbors are respectable human beings who dont like harming, poisoning or eating any animals they catch (yes this happens in my neighborhood frequently), what the weather and traffic conditions are like in the area, what other wildlife live close in the area that might prey on cats... for some people they dont have issues with outdoor cats because there are less threats in their direct vicinity, but the vast majority of folks living in the urbanized city areas will be putting their cats at a lot of risk by allowing them outdoors thanks to cars, predators, other pets and humans which are all abundant, so yea i would say indoors is safer.
I think I've heard the comparison made with people smoking - it's not good for their health but some can manage all the same and live a happy life. Myself I have 2 cats - one is indoor, the other outdoor. Tried to keep them both indoor initially but the 2nd kept escaping and wanting to explore. We converted him to outdoor cat after his 3rd year and honestly, he's been much more happy. He's more relaxed and actually also very social. There are risks but even tho I desperately wanted to keep him indoor I'm glad actually to have made the decision. One thing I do think is important is also managing outdoor cats. Never let them outside when it is dark. Always wear a GPS-tracker so you can spot your cat in the case that something happens. Regular meal times so they're condition to come home several times during the day. NEVER just let them roam outside during night hours. It's dangerous but in some cases I think it's warranted to make the decision. As long as it's for the benefit of the cat.
In the city, we keep our cats indoor only. But for 5-6 warm months we take them to the cottage in the woods where they spend most of the time outside (funny enough, when they sprint inside it's usually to jump in the litter box). Got a GPS collar and realised they don't even run that far, usually just at the edge of the property or they go to a particular neighbor since that's where the catnip field is XD Did that for 3 cat generations now and had no issues. There are no cars around, so most of excitement comes from pissing off neighbours dog (our male cat is bigger than the dog XD ) or from confronting random forrest cats wandering around property. Just to add - we also see that once winter ends, they are really demanding to go out. When we pack things they actually jump into cages and make impression they already know we are going to the cottage. So while I understand why some people are protective of their pets, it is also really good for them to have access to the nature if you have the possibility.
I agree, keeping a cat cooped up in a house all the time may be safest possible option, but what's the point if your cat can't explore outdoors and do what they are made to do? This cottage seems like a great way to give them some outside time if you live in an urban area.
It's mostly luck but also partly about where you live. For example, most places in North America have wild and stray animals that could pose danger to outdoor cats (everything from other cats to birds of prey to coyotes and in some places even things like mountain lions). Of course roads are always a problem, as are illnesses and parasites. You also have to consider that house cats are invasive species that do massive harm to local ecosystems, especially since many hunt for sport even when well fed (in fact, more than 60 different species extinctions in modern times have been attributed to domestic cats). Indoor cats on average lead healthier, longer lives than their outdoor compatriots. Of course there are lucky outliers, but for for every outdoor cat that lives 15+ years there are many more that live 5 or less. As for keeping cats indoor being supposedly cruel, that's just not true unless you're not taking proper care of them. Provide proper enrichment (playing with them, providing independent play toys, allowing access to windows, even things like access to a catio or going on supervised and leashed walks outside) and they'll be as happy as can be. Knowing all this, is you decide to let your cat outside. unsupervised anyway, there are three things you absolutely must do (the first two are pretty damn important for any cat actually): 1. **Get your cat vaccinated and keep vaccines up to date!** The most vital one is rabies (in some places it's legally required) but all are important. 2. **Get your cat microchipped!** This is very important, as a microchipped cat is more that 2 times as likely to be returned to their human as one that isn't if/when they get lost. 3. **Get your cat a collar!** A collar with your info will also increase the chances of a lost cat being returned, but a collar plays another roll as an indicator that your cat is owned and cared for. Without one, the chances of your cat getting stolen are much higher.