| Paw Colors | Points |
|---|---|
| Grey | 0-49 |
| Red | 50-149 |
| Orange | 150-299 |
| Green | 300-599 |
| Magenta | 600-1499 |
| Purple | 1500-4999 |
| Blue | 5000-9999 |
| Brown | 10000-24999 |
| Black | 25000+ |
I want my kitty to get more exercize since she is over weight. She won’t even fit into the harness! So if I could get her on some kind of leash, should she be an outdoor cat?
Keywords: outdoor cat, Overweight
Answers to this question
9 Answers
2
i’d say no. the people on here already gave you a LOT of really good reasons. when i was little, and we got our first cat, we let her outside because we didn’t know any better. we thought she was smart enough to stay away from the road, and we lived in a tiny, quiet neighborhood on a cul-de-sac with almost no traffic. i think i was in 2nd or 3rd grade when i was walking home from school and found her dead in the street. it was horrible. she was only a few years old! we learned our lesson, and now we never let our cats outside.
we had a neighbor who would only take her cat out on a leash because she thought it was safer, but her cat got fleas and had some sort of crazy allergic reaction and got really really sick. thankfully they caught it in time and the vets were able to help her, but they said it could have killed her! so now she keeps her cat inside, too.
0
OUTSIDE FROM THE HSUS……
Ever wonder what goes on behind closed doors? Healthy, safe cats live out their entire lives, for one thing. If you want your cat to live to a ripe old age, the best thing you can do for her is keep her inside. Allowing your cat to wander around on her own, without your supervision, makes her susceptible to any of the following life-shortening—and often painful—tragedies:
Being hit by a car
Ingesting a deadly poison like antifreeze or a pesticide
Being trapped by an unhappy neighbor
Being attacked by a roaming dog, cat, or wild animal
Contracting a disease from another animal
Becoming lost and unable to find her way home
Being stolen
Encountering an adult or child with cruel intentions
Some people believe there are good reasons to allow their cat to be outdoors without their supervision, so we’ve included a number of these objections along with our comments and suggestions.
“But I have a six-foot fence.”
Unless you have special fencing that’s designed to prevent a cat from climbing out, your cat will be able to scale your fence and escape the confines of your yard. If you do have special fencing, make sure that it can keep other cats or animals from getting into your yard to injure your cat. Some companies manufacturer ready-made cat fences and backyard enclosures.
“But my last cat went outdoors and he loved it.”
Your cat may enjoy being outdoors, but by allowing him to go outside unsupervised, you’re putting him at risk for a shortened life span. The expected life span of an indoor-outdoor cat will depend on several factors, including the type of neighborhood you live in and sheer luck. But, on average, cats who are allowed to roam outdoors often don’t live to see age five. Cats who are always kept safely confined can live to be 18 to 20 years old.
“But my cat’s litter box smells.”
Scoop your cat’s litter box on a daily basis. How often you actually replace (change) the litter depends on the number of cats in your home, the number of litter boxes, and the type of litter you use. Twice a week is a general guideline for clay litter, but depending on the circumstances, you may need to change it every other day or once a week. Wash the litter box with soap and water every time you change the litter; the use of strong-smelling chemicals and cleansers may cause your cat to avoid the box.
“But my cat likes to sun herself.”
Your cat can safely sun herself indoors by lying near a window. If you’re really intent on letting your cat outdoors, put her on a harness and leash and stay with her while she’s taking in the rays.
“But I can’t keep him in.”
Keep your windows closed or install screens. Remember to always keep your doors closed and teach your children the importance of keeping the doors closed, too. It may take a few days or a few weeks, but if there are enough interesting things for your cat to play with indoors, he’ll come to enjoy being indoors. Be sure to provide him with a scratching post and safe toys to bat or carry around.
“But we’ve always let her out.”
You can change your cat’s behavior. It will take time and patience, but it might save her life. When you implement your “closed door” policy, give her a lot of extra attention and entertainment. At first she may cry, but don’t give in—more often than not, she’ll soon be happy to stay indoors with you.
“But my cat knows to avoid cars.”
Even if this were true, all it would take is another cat, a dog, or a shiny object to lure your cat into the street and into the path of traffic. Also keep in mind that not everyone will swerve to miss a cat in the road.
“But my cat needs exercise and likes to play with other cats.”
Stray cats could spread viruses such as feline leukemia and other fatal diseases. If your cat needs a friend, adopt another cat who’s healthy and disease-free. Cats kept safely confined do need extra attention and exercise inside, so be sure to play with your cats regularly using a variety of toys and chase games.
“But my cat yowls and acts likes he really needs to go outside.”
Your cat may be feeling the physiological need to mate. If this is the case, make sure your cat is spayed or neutered. Sterilized cats don’t have the natural need to breed, and therefore, won’t be anxious to go out to find a mate.
Transforming a cat who is allowed roam freely outside into a safe cat will take time, effort, and patience; some cats will adapt more quickly than others. And many cat owners report that keeping cats inside actually fosters the bond between feline and human. If, despite your best efforts, your cat simply cannot make the transition, then vow to keep your next cat safely confined from the start.
Comments to Answer
3
why did people minus this? these are all really good reasons! i keep my cats indoors always. i love them too much to let anything happen to them!
0
Please don’t make your cat into an outdoor cat. Cats can live wonderful, long, safe and happy lives as inside only cats. Interact with your cat with laser pointers for activity. Provide scratching posts and toys. Catsofmany has posted great information. Check the fat content in the food you’re feeding your cat. A change of diet and routine INSIDE the house will very well solve your problem.
Comments to Answer
-2
i agree! i've never allowed any cat i've owned to go outdoors, and i've never had problems with their weight.
-4
2
I have to agree with catsrus, i_rock, catsofmany, and the other users who disagree with allowing their cats to go outdoors. It's just never made any sense to me why someone would want to take on the responsibility of another living creature, only to put it directly in danger. I also keep both of my cats indoors, and neither one of them has a weight problem. They get plenty of exercise playing with each other (and with us), plus they are fed a controlled and healthy diet. No need to cut their lives short. I would strongly urge you to keep your cat indoors and just increase your play time & revisit her diet selection.
2
0
I would suggest that You don’t make your cat an outdoor cat. There are many types of dangers for an outdoor cat.
Diseases like Rabbies, Feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency syndromes which spread vevery easily.
Parasites like fleas, ticks etc attcak outdoor cats. These parasites are carried by cats into the home. Fleas and ticks cause skin irritation and allergies.
Traffic and accidents: Acciedents are cause b vehicles and lot of traffic problems occur. They can also eat toxic substances on roads Or get trapped in traps.
Predators: Often outdoor cats have risk of falling victim to large predators like raccons, large dogs, coyotes etc. This results in fights. Cats get injured during such fights or can even die.
So these are some of the dangers for outdoor cats.
Keep your cat indoors,buy some toys, give your cat lots of love and attention and play with him/her.
Comments to Answer
0
3
um... there's no shot to protect your cat from getting hit by a car, eating toxic substances, or being attacked by a predator. so, in your own words, DUH!
-1
NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not unless you want to cut her life expectancy down to just a few years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
get toys. she can exercise indoors, too!!!
Comments to Answer
4
this is true! outdoor cats have a life expectancy of only a few years!!! indoor is more like 15-20. why would you want to cut your cat's life short???
-1
Consider these hazards and then decide if it’s worth the risk to let your cat out….
Traffic. Collisions with cars and other vehicles are common cat killers. It is a myth that cats are “street wise” about cars. Cats are intelligent and alert but, like most other animals, stand little chance against fast-moving vehicles.
Winters-It is very common for cats to climb up under the hood of a vehicle to lie near the engine for it’s warmth. Disaster strikes when the car is started. The fan belt is deadly and many cats, if they survive, lose limbs.
Diseases. Rabies and other diseases that can be transmitted to humans are a serious public health concern. And free-roaming cats are far more likely to come in contact with other animals who commonly carry rabies, like raccoons. In fact, cats are more than twice as likely to become infected with rabies as dogs.* There are other serious diseases that affect only cats. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, as many as 15% of sick cats are infected with feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)—and many cats have both. These viruses are fatal and transmitted through contact with other cats. Disease is one reason that two out of three veterinarians recommend keeping cats indoors.
Diseases for which we currently do not have vaccines for (Feline Aids), or vaccines that are not reliably effective (Feline Leukemia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis).
Heartworm. Yes, it is true that a cat can get heartworm, through mosquito bites. Shorthairs are at higher risk than longhairs.
Skin cancer. Light colored kitties (especially white) are at risk for skin cancer of the ears due to exposure to direct sunlight.
Toxoplasmosis. A single celled organism that cats can ingest while eating prey that has been exposed. Not only can it kill a cat, it is contagious to people and can result in severe birth defects to human babies whose mothers are exposed during pregnancy. Wearing rubber gloves while handling litter pan duties and gardening is highly recommended for pregnant women. Finding another home for your cherished pet is NOT necessary.
Poisons. Poisons exist on chemically treated lawns, in bait left out to kill rats or mice, and in auto antifreeze—which has an appealing taste—that leaks from cars.
Fleas. Free-roaming cats inevitably pick up fleas and ticks and then bring these pests into the home. Fleas can cause anemia, skin irritations, and allergies in cats—and transmit diseases to humans through their bites. Outdoor cats suffer from ear mites and worms that indoor cats are generally not exposed to.
Other Animals. Cats, dogs and wild predators such as coyotes, raccoons, and foxes are potential enemies of cats and often engage in fights that leave cats injured or dead. Outdoor cats can suffer torn ears, cut eyes, abscesses, and other injuries requiring expensive veterinary treatment. (an untreated abscess can kill a cat) And it’s not just tomcats. Female cats also get into fights because the very nature of cats is territorial.
Cruel People. Shelter workers see cats who have been tortured by children and disturbed adults. Cats are often the victims of burning, tarring and feathering, and other tortures. Animal dealers may collect outside cats for sale to research facilities. Outside pets are at the mercy of the people they encounter.
Cats do not observe property lines by any means. To them, a fence is something to climb on, not a barrier. Your neighbor may not have a problem shooting, trapping or poisoning your family pet.
Traps:
It is estimated that over 100,000 cats are caught in traps each year. Those who aren’t killed may suffer for days before being released and often lose limbs fro the injuries.
Hanging/choking. Those neat little cat collars which do not provide breakaway or stretch releases have killed many a cat.
Loss of Home. Fewer than 5% of “found” cats taken in by animal shelters are reunited with their families. Having your cat microchipped provides a valuable ID system.
Pet Overpopulation:
Unaltered cats allowed to roam and mate at will account for millions of the cats that must be euthanized each year because there aren’t enough homes for them. Allowing unaltered animals outside is irresponsible and at the root of the terrible pet overpopulation problem.
Cats can be completely happy inside if you provide them with toys, good care and most importantly, lots of love and attention. If you have a kitten, start it out right by never letting him or her outside. Older cats that are used to the “great outdoors” can make the transition to being indoor cats with time and attention. Spaying and neutering cats will also help you keep them indoors.
As if that is not enough food for thought, consider our wildlife. Cats kill many songbirds each year, plus rabbits, squirrels, mice, chipmunks, reptiles, etc. Most areas are not overrun with these creatures, and cats are not performing a necessary service by killing them.
Comments to Answer
2
-1
I would suggest that you don’t make your cat an outdoor cat unless it really wants to be. My parents said that the only way we could have a cat was if they went outdoors, so they do and we’ve had no problams except once in a great, great while they would come home with a scratch. If you get one of those red lazer point things cats go crazy for, that may help with losing weight indoors. You also can put your cat on a diet–healthy food only. I do have to say that outdoors has worked out great for us, but it may not for others. Try looking at some other posts that have to do with letting your cat outdoors. It’s you who decides.
Comments to Answer
0
1
"unless it really wants to be"? that's like saying that my parents should only let me do illegal drugs if i really want to. :( just because someone wants to do something doesn't mean it's good for them. so pet owners have to make hard decisions to do what's best for their cat.
-1
Don’t let your cat outside….catsofmany gave you plenty of good reasons not to….it’s a very bad idea. You can get them to lose weight indoors by restricting their diet……(most people overfeed their cats). Also exercise them in the house. I’ve found that the easiest way to get my cats to run is with a laser pointer,they run all over the house and up and down the stairs chasing it. They get a good workout.
Comments to Answer
-1
This might clear up alot of those problems: I would keep her on a leash! I was thinking maybe I could walk her everyday or something and in the winter she would stay indoors! So that scratches off the rabies, toxication from food, predators, and cars. Does that change your answer?
-2
Ravenclawxy, My cats have been outdoor cays from the time they were young. You can find cats all over my area who have lived above and beyond 10 years old who are outdoor indoor. It's your choice, so what have you chosen? I just want to say that I think mostly, cats outside have a better chance of being happier then cats indoors--depending on the indoors care. What did or will you choose?
-4
Add Your Answer
You must be logged in to post an answer.
