topic Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS! in Community Chat

KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

FuzzyFace — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 13:43:52 GMT

I'm fuming and sad at the same time.

Two sweet little kitties that used to wander the neighborhood and would occasionally come by for a visit, now have pictures of them are posted on mailboxes with "Have you seen my cat?" om them.

These are the nicest little cats. One is a huge gray tabby; he looks like a gorilla and his voice is a high-pitched squeek. When he shows up on our deck wanting BooBoo to come out and play, BooBoo gets furious and tells him, "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!"

The other cat is Lucie, who is the sweetest, friendliest cat ever. When I would go for a walk, Lucie would meet me on the way back: "Hi! how are you today? Did you have a good walk? Can I come over and play?"

DAMMIT! I hate to see this! If you don't want the responsibility of taking proper care of your companion animal, DON'T HAVE ONE!

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

software — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 13:49:05 GMT

Cats will wander, they are curious, maybe they will come back.

If they have been spayed/neutered, they become territorial and usually stay close to home. Hope they show up soon.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

ScrapHappy — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:01:23 GMT

@FuzzyFace wrote:
I'm fuming and sad at the same time.

Two sweet little kitties that used to wander the neighborhood and would occasionally come by for a visit, now have pictures of them are posted on mailboxes with "Have you seen my cat?" om them.

These are the nicest little cats. One is a huge gray tabby; he looks like a gorilla and his voice is a high-pitched squeek. When he shows up on our deck wanting BooBoo to come out and play, BooBoo gets furious and tells him, "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!"

The other cat is Lucie, who is the sweetest, friendliest cat ever. When I would go for a walk, Lucie would meet me on the way back: "Hi! how are you today? Did you have a good walk? Can I come over and play?"

DAMMIT! I hate to see this! If you don't want the responsibility of taking proper care of your companion animal, DON'T HAVE ONE!

This was a big problem when I lived in California. On my street, neighbors let their cats wander outside all the time. What I didn't appreciate is when they'd get into my backyard and go after wildlife like birds and chipmunks. Our friends "lost" their cat and they were pretty certain a mountain lion or coyote got it. I don't understand why anybody would put their pet at risk. I now live in GA. In my neighborhood and the surrounding ones, they are multiple posts about missing cat or dog, found cat or dog or seen an animal running down the road. It's sad really.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

OKPrincess — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:03:38 GMT

Our two cats are indoor cats. There are times I’d like for them to play in the backyard but they don’t. A busy street is on the other side of the privacy fence so that’s a big no.

Unfortunately there will always be irresponsible pet owners. Pets are great companions for people but not everyone has the means and/or knowledge to properly care for them.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

nunya — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:04:54 GMT

I like cats but plenty of people do not.

It's their nature to hunt but I'd rather not see or hear it.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

eddyandme — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:05:28 GMT

You're so right! People should be responsible pet parents.

The ACO in my area has advised not to let pets out unattended. Coyotes prey on small pets. Even large dogs could be in danger as coyotes often run in packs. And, one from the pack will sometimes lead the dog into the woods with them and they all attack, so even large animals don't have a chance.

Just hoping nothing bad happens to these sweet kitties and that their parents learn from this experience.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

CelticCrafter — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:05:36 GMT

It annoys the you know what out of me. We have a neighbor that feeds the strays, so of course they keep coming back.

My cat would go beserk if a stray or outdoor cat crossed the front lawn - I would be afraid of her when it happened.

It got to a point where I wasn't able to open my windows on nice days or leave the front door open - we have a full glass storm door. She died in April and as much as I miss her and would like another one, I just can't do it anymore because of the fear factor and the possibility of having to keep the house closed up 365 days a year.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

LyndaGee — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:07:38 GMT

I agree. A few cats wander into our yard from time to time. I wish that, if somebody lets their cat out, they would at least put a collar on. I'm not sure if these are strays or have a home. I've left food out, but it was left untouched.

I sure hope those two kitties return home, safe and sound.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

Nightowlz — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:31:59 GMT

I know what you mean. Our next door neighbor has 3 dogs he does not take care of. I don't even know why he wants them.

His daughter rented a house without a fenced yard so she dropped off her dog. Have not seen her since.

His 2 dogs don't get along with hers so they caged hers up. Now they let it lose & caged up the other 2. They are in small caged dirt areas with no shelter from the heat or cold with the pins full of dog poo because it does not clean it up.

DH told him last weekend he needed to clean the poo as it was not humane for the animals. He looked at him like there was no way he was touching dog poo. He has OCD so guess that's a problem for him. Poor Dogs. He still has not cleaned it up & does not plan to. It's disgusting.

I'm almost 100% sure these dogs have never had any shots, never seen a vet, never had a bath etc.

He has to keep the dogs separate because one of the two he owns is a killer dog. They are all mean but the one would probably kill you if you went in their yard.

A small dog got thru their fence a couple of summers ago & it killed the dog. Had it in it's mouth slinging it around like it was a ragdoll.

Neighbor on our other side got a dog for what I don't know. He also threw it out in the backyard a pays no attention to it.

What's wrong with people? If you don't want to take care of your pets you should not own them or even be able to own them.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

nougat — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:45:48 GMT

@Nightowlz

that sounds like a complete nightmare to live next to!! i feel for you!

dont you have an SPCA that comes to rescue abused dogs and takes them away?

there has to be a dog rescue group you can call, if not for the poor dogs but the safety of all around, human & animal from aggresive dogs like these.

they need to be taken and either adopted out or evaluated for their viciousness!

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

mwmc — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:50:07 GMT

I got my cat when he was 2. He was a trap and release. Tried to make him indoor. Couldn't do it, so we take him out on a leash. Yes, I walk my cat like a dog.lol I also take him for car rides and he sticks his head out the window like a dog. We only allow him to do that in our neighborhood where the speed limit is 15. We take him to petsmart to walk around. He never goes outside unsupervised. He wants to go out he goes on a leash, no exceptions.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

MorningLover — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:57:16 GMT

A friend was justing telling me about the garden her

husband made in the back yard. They said the neighbors

cat is coming over and doing it's business there.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

chrystaltree — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:07:20 GMT

True but cats who are outdoors cats do wander and if they have been neutered or spayed, they make their way back home. Not that any of my cats were ever outdoors cats. Cats are so self sufficient that people tend to forget that there are a lot of hazards out their.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

nougat — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:08:16 GMT

I see both sides, really do. I have cats that go out and always felt sorry for the ones never allowed out, hear me out first please<

we all love the fresh air and sun on our faces and just the out doors so I always felt for cats that dont get to experience this, being in 4 walls 24/7

i always wondered what do they do 24/7 ? what can they do besides eat & sleep?

dont they get bored? just some thoughts I always had on indoor cats.

to never be able to roll in the grass, feel the sun and wind, nap in the shade, chase a butterfly, watch insects scurry around. they are missing so much if never allowed out.

I do agree with all though about the dangers, problems, roaming etc. just always wondered how happy a cat can be cooped up 24/7 inside 4 walls is all.

i have neighbor cat problems too from it coming over so I see that side like you all do too.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

Spurt — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:45:00 GMT

@FuzzyFace

My 2 cats are indoor cats, but they are allowed to go on the patio that has a fully enclosed high fence---they are not jumpers and have never tried to get out.....They have all kinds of toys to play with, some that are interactive....On my enclosed patio they can lie in the sun, they also like to catch June Bugs and other insects and bring them inside ....They also sit on the window sills they watch the birds/squirrels and watch people walk their dogs.....

So much can happen to cats that are outdoors or are indoor/outdoor cats---They can be killed by coyotes/dogs, get run over by cars, there are some cruel people that will throw things at them or kick them or abuse them or like one mean neighbor that actually left out food with poison for stray cats (karma got her---she forgot to pick up the food, her dog ate it and died---I felt sad for the poor dog but not her)

But what makes me really ANGRY are people that move away and leave their cat behind---like it can find adequate food/water and protection from heat or cold weather etc.... If people are moving and can't take their pet, they need to find a no kill animal shelter or organization that will help find it a good home--DONT DUMP IT ON THE STREET!!! A beautiful old Himalyan cat was left behind.and luckily he found me to take him in and he had a nice life, but so many cats dont have a happy ending to their story..........

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

Tinkrbl44 — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:20:08 GMT

@nougat

We have a cat and a dog, and they are brothers, and partners in crime ... so to speak.

My cat Bogey is indoor, and always will be. Like most indoor cats, he likes to look out the window and see what's going on in the neighborhood. So, outside on the terrace we have a humingbird feeder ... and Bogey loves to watch all his birdie friends come by for drinks.

I also throw a handful of nuts out on the terrace every day and a couple squirrels come by to nibble. It's really sweet to watch Bogey watching his "friends".

I also have a neighbor with a cat about Bogey's age and, yes, he and I get them together once a week for a "play date". LOL

Between our dog and neighbor cat, and the squirrels and hummers, Bogey has a full life as an indoor cat.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

FuzzyFace — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:27:38 GMT

nougat, I feel the same way--I do sometimes think that cats who are kept indoors 24/7 are missing out on the fun of running around in the fresh air, climbing trees, etc. If you're willing to pay, you can install things to keep them in your yard but do keep in mind that just because your cat can't get out, other critters CAN get in.

But I'm sure my BooBoo wouldn't be 13 years old now if we had let him out.

There are plenty of toys to keep them occupied and unless they WANT to be "only children" (my Boo does), adopting two cats at a time is a good way for them to keep each other company, play, etc. And of course there are tons of toys, and especially cat trees, they can amuse themself with.

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

Spurt — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:29:17 GMT

@Nightowlz wrote:
I know what you mean. Our next door neighbor has 3 dogs he does not take care of. I don't even know why he wants them.
His daughter rented a house without a fenced yard so she dropped off her dog. Have not seen her since.
His 2 dogs don't get along with hers so they caged hers up. Now they let it lose & caged up the other 2. They are in small caged dirt areas with no shelter from the heat or cold with the pins full of dog poo because it does not clean it up.
DH told him last weekend he needed to clean the poo as it was not humane for the animals. He looked at him like there was no way he was touching dog poo. He has OCD so guess that's a problem for him. Poor Dogs. He still has not cleaned it up & does not plan to. It's disgusting.
I'm almost 100% sure these dogs have never had any shots, never seen a vet, never had a bath etc.
He has to keep the dogs separate because one of the two he owns is a killer dog. They are all mean but the one would probably kill you if you went in their yard.
A small dog got thru their fence a couple of summers ago & it killed the dog. Had it in it's mouth slinging it around like it was a ragdoll.
Neighbor on our other side got a dog for what I don't know. He also threw it out in the backyard a pays no attention to it.
What's wrong with people? If you don't want to take care of your pets you should not own them or even be able to own them.

@Nightowlz

We have a neighbor that unfortunately thinks the leash law means that it's OK for her to put a leash on her 2 dogs and then let them loose to run all around the neighborhood with leashes dragging behind, she doesn't pick up after them either............If she won't or can't take care of the dogs--she shouldnt have them!

People get mad at some animal shelters because they are so picky on who they allow to adopt the cats or dogs. But they are trying to make it clear to make them think about it because its a serious 20 year commitment---They want to make sure the animal goes to a really good home and doesnt end up neglected or on the street!

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

nougat — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:32:29 GMT

@Tinkrbl44

awww, that does sound like a nice full life for Bogey! you really do things to make his indoor life interesting and that is great!

I know people who have indoor cats and dont even give them a toy to play with or any different food than the same dry kibble year after year!! what a boring existance that would be! thats what I was meaning in my last post.

glad you are such a good fur mama!!

Re: KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!

Spurt — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:32:36 GMT

@mwmc wrote:
I got my cat when he was 2. He was a trap and release. Tried to make him indoor. Couldn't do it, so we take him out on a leash. Yes, I walk my cat like a dog.lol I also take him for car rides and he sticks his head out the window like a dog. We only allow him to do that in our neighborhood where the speed limit is 15. We take him to petsmart to walk around. He never goes outside unsupervised. He wants to go out he goes on a leash, no exceptions.

@mwmc

That is so neat that your cat is leash trained....I tried it but my cats never cooperated...LOL There was neighbor that leash trained her cat and she would walk her everyday.....so sweet!