Should cats be allowed outside to play?

There are two camps.

Some say they should be strictly indoors as they kill mice, rats and the occasional bird. They say they are a threat to wildlife and it's safer for them to stay in as they could get hurt.

The other camp feels they should be able to enjoy nature and roam as they please.

What are your thoughts?

I let my cats outside. If you restrict them by keeping them in the house, they constantly try to escape and get frustrated. My Bengal cat kicked hell and she tried the door handles to get out, but I waited until she was old enough. Now she stays in the garden and couldn't be happier. If you live in a flat, then obviously, you can't let them out. That's fine if they are well looked after. They get bored indoors, especially if you live alone and go to work all day. If they are indoor cats, you need to give them another cat to play with.

There might be a time in the future where I will have to rehome them to suitable people. 

Do you let your cat out, or keep it inside?

Parents
  • There is a large cherry tree in our garden. When I kept my cats indoors, the squirrels used to eat all the berries. Now the cats are old enough to venture out, I never saw a squirrel again. They bring home the occasional mouse or squirrel. I saw my Bengal playing with something on our lawn. It was a baby bird that was stolen from it's nest. It's eyes were not even open yet. That was just awful!

    Nature is a beautiful thing, but it can also be very ugly and harsh. You might suggest to keep cats indoors, but when they are allowed outside, they thrive. There are so many stray cats around that are fed by the elderly. Letting mine out will not make a difference considering. 

    When you play with kittens and cats with string, they can't resist catching it. It's because they are hunters. 

Reply
  • There is a large cherry tree in our garden. When I kept my cats indoors, the squirrels used to eat all the berries. Now the cats are old enough to venture out, I never saw a squirrel again. They bring home the occasional mouse or squirrel. I saw my Bengal playing with something on our lawn. It was a baby bird that was stolen from it's nest. It's eyes were not even open yet. That was just awful!

    Nature is a beautiful thing, but it can also be very ugly and harsh. You might suggest to keep cats indoors, but when they are allowed outside, they thrive. There are so many stray cats around that are fed by the elderly. Letting mine out will not make a difference considering. 

    When you play with kittens and cats with string, they can't resist catching it. It's because they are hunters. 

Children
No Data