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Lightning-Strike Pet Loss Support Forum _ CyberShoulder Room _ Please Keep Your Cats Inside!

Posted by: Ken Albin Mar 18 2008, 07:00 PM

This may be somewhat graphic and I apologize for that, but I feel that I need to share this with those who have cats outside.

I teach high school Anatomy. Most of my students plan on pursuing a medical career. Part of our curriculum involves an extensive dissection of cats that have been euthanized at various shelters. These cats would wind up in landfills otherwise so at least they are providing a learning platform for future doctors and vets. I would imagine that many of these cats were rounded up from neighborhoods by animal control when people complained. These appear to be your typical cats who people feed outdoors.

This term we found that two of the cats had been shot. One had a pellet lodged in his hind leg. Another cat had a .22 bullet in her back. Both wounds had healed over, though there were signs of systemic infection. That was probably the reason why they were euthanized instead of being treated and then adopted.

If you have outdoor cats please consider bringing them in. There are a lot of cruel people in this world who do not hesitate to inflict pain upon any animal who comes into their yard. I have heard the argument that cats belong outdoors and are only happy there. I can only tell you that we have 9 indoor cats who are extremely happy. Most of ours are semi-feral and were trapped before being domesticated. Yes, it did take a lot of effort, scratches, and time for us to tame several of these guys but I am convinced that with patience and effort almost any cat can be acclimated to a happy life indoors.
Many people simply do not want to put forth the effort to do this. Even our Freddie, who to this day goes wild when we take him for a vet visit, is very happy inside. He sleeps next to me most nights and plays with the others. He will always be very shy and you have to pet him when he allows it but he has acclimated very well to home life.

My intention in writing this post is not to cause any dissention or hard feelings. Based upon what I have seen I know the hardships that cats can experience when they interact with some people outdoors. One of our cats, Daddy Cat, had a .22 bullet removed from his side by our vet when we took him to be initially checked out. Please consider taking the time to work with outdoor cats and bringing them inside. They will live happier and much safer lives.

Posted by: LoveThem Mar 18 2008, 07:22 PM

I wonder if you have any suggestions about my new adoptee, Lucky. He is supposed to be about 2 years old...was an abandoned cat and I am beginning to believe he lived outside for a while.

He tries to dash for our backdoor to go outside. I am training him not to go there with a water squirt bottle but I have read in cat magazines that if a cat has been outdoors it is hard to train them to stay indoors.

My original 3 furbabies I had from birth and they were never allowed outside and did not want to go out.

I don't know how long Lucky lived outdoors but it is his learning years and I'm not sure I will be able to break him from running to the door or being there when we come in from the outside. I understand some people had adopted him and then moved and left him and a neighbor took him to the SPCA after she discovered him alone. He is microchipped and he has run past me 2x (which is 2x too many). Once he is outside, he just looks around and doesn't run away so I get him pretty quickly. But there are stray cats around and I'm afraid one day if he goes out and sees one and starts chasing it to who knows where....we could lose him. We don't want to lock him in a room everytime we go outside to get the mail or something like that but he is not afraid of anything and will run if he sees the bottle but I can walk by the service area (which cannot be shut off) later and see him standing right at the door..only no one is coming in.

It's like a big adventure to him..he must have learned no fear when he was outside, who knows for how long.

If you think of anything..let me know.
Thanks.

P.S. I wrote cause of your topic t*itle. I didn't read what you wrote as graphic bothers me too much but I do agree with your topic.

Posted by: Ken Albin Mar 18 2008, 09:54 PM

Our little girl kittens would make a dash for the door every time we opened it. Day after day of putting our foot in the door to block them, along with a stern "NO NO NO!!" and carrying them away from the door/depositing them on the chair, has done the trick. After a couple of months of daily training they both wait for us away from the door. It just takes a lot of repet*ition and patience. I use the same type of consistent approach I do with my students. Cats are intelligent and learn the ground rules of the house quickly. It takes a little longer to conquer their stubborn streaks and bullheadedness. It's a lot like horse training. tongue.gif

Posted by: gillian Mar 19 2008, 10:44 AM

My cat Sasha is almost 6, and Darcey is 1. They are outdoor kitties and very happy. They couldn't bear to be locked indoors. In the freedom of the outdoors, they climb trees, and hunt, and interact with other kitties. They lie in the sun, defend their territory, and have fun trying to catch flies etc.

They get indoors in the evenings for a cuddle, and then are allowed out at night again till the following evening. But I couldn't bear to lock them in permanently. In the evening, even after only being in for an hour, Darcey goes to the back door and miaws till she gets out.

In my opinion, I think cats are in a sense wild and should be allowed to express their wild instincts. We complain that chickens should be 'free range' and yet lock our cats in. That makes little sense to me. Not once have my cats got in any trouble. No I'm sorry. My cats are outdoor kitties. If I tried to lock them in, they'd cry at the back door till I let them out.

I can see reason for some people doing it. Worried about them being run over, getting into a fight, people hurting them etc. But there are always dangers. For us too. When we go outdoors we know there are dangers, but that doesn't mean we don't do it. We like to go outdoors, regardless of the dangers involved. I don't think wrapping them in cotton wool is the answer. Do we lock our children in permanently because of the dangers of being outdoors? No. We let them out to play, and to go to school, even though they are innocent and to lose a child would be far far worse than to lose a cat. Not to mention the fact that Social Services would not allow us to lock our children indoors knowing it to be cruel. So why is it not cruel to do it to a cat?

Cats thrive in the outdoors. They are happier outdoors. Anyone would be. The way I see it, would you like to be locked in your house for the rest of your life?

The reason all your cats dash for the outdoors is because they crave the freedom, the fresh air, the ability to hunt and climb, they crave it. They want it. If it were me, I'd let them out. What about fresh clean air? They don't get to breathe anything other than stale indoor air. If your cats eventually stop dashing for the outdoors, you have merely trained them that outdoors is forbidden, just as you train a dog to sit on command. It doesn't mean they want to go out any less.

I never worry about my cats, they stay around the house, never go far ... they know never to go near a main road, and don't allow strangers to touch them. They are intelligent and streetwise. I have them annually vaccinated, wormed every 3 months, spayed and microchipped just in case.

However, if you buy a kitten and choose to keep it indoors, it can be happy I'm sure because its never experienced freedom. But if you have an outdoor kitty, I think it would be unfair to just bring it in after it being used to being outdoors. They want to be outside; right now I'm looking at Darcey climbing a tree, and Sasha is sitting on my garden shed hunting flies. (she never catches them! smile.gif ) I could call them in now, but they wouldn't come in. Besides, my aunt has an 18 year old male whose been an outdoor kitty all his life, and has never had a brush with danger.

If you think it's best for your kitty to keep it indoors then that's your choice. But in my humble opinion, let them live free like the beautiful wild animals they are. I know there are accidents etc, there are accidents and dangers for every living creature, but noone knows how to look after themselves as well as a cat.

Oh and Ken, just wanted to add this in extra, the cats you were describing sounded like wild cats, rather than owned cats. So surely they were begging for food from one house to the next. And therefore they were very vulnerable. My cats stay close to my house, and don't really go near other peoples' yards, or other people. They know where they are fed. And it's nothing to do with lack of effort that people keep their cats outdoors. It's to do with believing that cats belong in the freedom of the outdoors. I'd keep my cats indoors if I thought it was best for them, but I don't. I believe it's best for them to decide, and they have decided to live outdoors. I don't kick them out of the house. They have catflaps and they come and go as they please, and it's ironic because they rarely come indoors apart from the evening, preferring to be outdoors. It's their decision. Such is the nature of a cat to decide for herself what she would like to do. smile.gif I love their independance. At any rate, it's very rare for cats to be run over where I come from, and I used to work in an emergency veterinary clinic! And my cats are never in fights or wounded. They've always been fine. I know there is risk but that is the case for all of us. I'm still content with my decision.

'People on both sides of the debate need to understand that there is in fact no right or wrong answer regarding keeping a cat inside or not. The decision is influenced by environmental factors. The outside world in parts of America is massively more dangerous to cats than the outside world in Britain and Ireland (where I live). Remember cats that are allowed outside in the UK already have a very healthy life expectancy (up to early twenties!) and this is not likely to be increased by keeping them indoors with no access to the "wild" that they were born to be in.

Not many of the dangers that face outdoor cats in America are faced by those in the UK. The UK for example does not have a coyote population, or any deadly spiders or insects. Dogs are kept away from cats and besides, most cats could give a British dog a run for its money! Dogs in the UK are more domestic pets rather than trained guard or attack dogs and most owners train their dogs to be wary of and sometimes friendly with cats.

Cats can of course get into fights with each other, but most are territorial and stick to their own areas, they then generally learn to get along with each other too. I personally have not heard of many cats who have died as the result of a fight with another cat.

There is of course always a small chance in the UK that a cat may fall victim to mindless thugs who have in the past done terrible things to them However, this is very rare in the UK and one does not hear, thankfully, of many cases.

The main danger to cats in the UK in most peoples opinion is traffic. Most people however, when faced with a cat in the road will thankfully stop or in the worst case scenario, if the cat is hit, will contact a vets, rescue centre or try to locate the owner. The majority of cats are road savvy in the UK.

And with regard to illnesses and diseases, like humans, any cat can get ill regardless of whether a cat is allowed outside or not. Studies have shown that cats living inside a smoking house are more likely to develop respiratory illnesses and significantly more likely to suffer from feline leukemia. This chance is in essence increased if a cat is unable to go outside and benefit from the fresh air.'

BTW I'm not sure if that is Daddy Cat in your display pic, but that is one handsome cat. Lovely colouring, very unusual. Lovely!

My Sasha and Darcey below.

 

Posted by: LoveThem Mar 19 2008, 03:17 PM

Thanks, Ken. That's about what we are doing but it hasn't been a lot of time. Who knows what Lucky did for 2 years while abandoned? I don't expect him to listen to something new after only a couple of months but he just loves to challenge me..just like a kid.


Gillian: I believe people should do with their animals what they feel comfortable with and are willing to accept any consequences. Outside or inside...that is their choice and I would NEVER tell them not to do it. Just a note because of your reply...you might be interested in knowing when I was very young...I had a cat and we let him be outside. One day he was missing for 3 days. He came home with maggots in his head..apparently from being in a fight. My parents said we had to kill him because the maggots would eat his brain. I was the only one who could touch him and my father made me put him in a barrel that my father had attached a hose to from the car and I heard my cat frantically trying to escape while dying. I swore I would never have a cat outside again. I hate that reminder and I have never spoken of it until now but reading all your words about it is cruel to keep them inside...I decided to tell you my story.
That's why I never judge indoors or outdoors even though I see others have done so before in the forum. I also read where their cats were killed by other animals and again I don't say keep them inside. It is up to the owner. I wouldn't want anyone telling me what is best for my babies. I am comfortable with the choices I have made.

Posted by: gillian Mar 19 2008, 03:54 PM

LoveThem,

I'll just repeat what I said in my post:

"If you think it's best for your kitty to keep it indoors then that's your choice."

I wasn't telling anyone what to do, just giving my own opinion, which regardless of what happened to your cat (and I'm sorry to hear that it did) stands. Such a story will not scare me into locking my cats indoors now or ever. Nothing will. Because I still think it would be most cruel for me to just bring them indoors for the rest of their lives after their having being used to experiencing a life of freedom and independence. They would be so unhappy, especially Darcey as she is practically feral and will only come to myself and my fiancé.

With my animals, I try to imagine what I would like in their situation, and if I would hate to live indoors, so would they. You see what I mean? So I do what I feel is best, just as you do what you feel is best. We don't lock our children up because of dangers, so why our cats? Even some farmers refuse to lock their chickens up (regardless of the threat of foxes and the financial losses that would cause) because they think it is cruel ... and I believe that it is. Which is why I only buy 'free range' eggs!

Everyone I have known in my lifetime who has cats keeps them outdoors (that's about 20-30 cats) and none of them have had so much as a scratch. Any which have passed away did to natural causes.

I'm confident Sasha and Darcey will live long and healthy lives. I would be shocked if anything bad happened to them, but if it did, I wouldn't feel guilty, and my cats would continue to live outdoors. I'm as comfortable with my choice as you are with yours.

But as I said, everyone must do what they think is best for their kitty. I think it's better for them to live outdoors. You obviously don't, so lets agree to disagree. smile.gif

Posted by: LoveThem Mar 19 2008, 04:29 PM

I definitely agree with that..agreeing to disagree.

Your friends who have had 20-30 cats that never had a problem..that is a wonderful thing. Of course, I have read some sad stories here about cougars apparently getting cats and other things like one was upset her cat was hit by a car and dumped in a dumpster. Like I said it is always up to the owner because that is the person who has to live with the consequences, if there are any. And, I wish I could perform miracles and guarantee there never would be any for anyone but that's just wishful thinking.

It is unfortunate that no matter what we do..when it is time for these babies to leave us, whether by cancer, kidney disease, we cannot stop that ....and again I admire that your friends' many furbabies ALL passed away of natural causes....It is wonderful they never had to go through the pain of watching a disease attack their babies.

I've just never met people who never had any problems. I guess some do have a charmed life..I just never met them.

By the way, my story was not meant to SCARE YOU...it was very very hard to me to even tell you what to me was a very horrible experience...I was basically telling you why it was important to ME to keep my babies inside. I told you MY REASON FOR DOING SO. It had nothing to do with trying to scare you, which was never my intention because as I said I believe it is up to the owner and I would not tell them to keep them in or put them out..that would be like the "nanny" state our government does so many times telling us what is best for us. I don't believe in doing that at all.
And I definitely agree no one else should either.

I do agree with what you said about you doing what you feel is best and that I do what I feel is best. We all must do what we feel comfortable living with..so there are no regrets and we can sleep better at night knowing we did what we felt was right.

Posted by: gillian Mar 19 2008, 04:35 PM

When I said my friends had 20-30 cats, I'd meant various friends, not just one. And when I said natural causes, I meant dying to either disease or old age or whatever. I meant they didn't die due to being run over, or involved in a fight, and they would have died in the way they died whether they had been outdoor or indoor kitties. Yeah?

Well maybe it's to do with where we are from. I'm Irish! And it's usually only badgers and foxes which we see run over, very rarely a cat. I've seen more dogs run over than cats.

However, I'm glad no hard feelings! And again, I'm sorry about your cat. x

Posted by: Ken Albin Mar 19 2008, 05:09 PM

Guys,

I want to thank you for talking about this in a kind, civilized way. When I was thinking about making this post I almost scrapped the idea because so many times posts like this just degrade to the point that people are screaming at each other. I really did feel I needed to get the information out there. I greatly appreciate the differing opinions and I honestly do read and consider them. No one should ever close their minds to the thoughts of others or be afraid to listen and consider other viewpoints. Even when we "agree to disagree" I think it is good that we get exposed to alternative ideas. You all are the best! *hugs*

Ken

Posted by: libby Mar 19 2008, 06:55 PM

I live out in the country but I still worry about my three kitties. In addition to the hazard from cars there is also the hazard of wild animals, some predatory, some prey, who may have various diseases or murderous intentions that can hurt your cat.
My 3 have always roamed free and I sometimes wish I had never gotten them in that habit. It's too late now though, if I tried to keep them in they would claw through the walls to get out!
If I ever get a new kitty, I will keep them as an indoor cat. If I ever get a new dog, I will restrict thier ability to roam as well. Since my Tripper got hit by a car and died, I find myself wishing I had never instilled in him that wander lust.
Pets are animals yes, with instincts just like thier wild counterparts, however, through breeding and domestication they are ill equipped to live in the wild and need to be watched over.
Keep your buddies close!! Not everyone loves animals as we do.

Posted by: gillian Mar 20 2008, 06:19 AM

Each to their own. smile.gif

Actually I could probably use you indoor cats peoples' (if I can call you that! smile.gif) advice.

We're moving house. Oh Lord I am not looking forward to that. My pet birds, fish and dogs will be easy, but the cats! God! I have to keep them indoors for 2-3 weeks so they get used to the new environment before allowing them out. They are going to be going insane. I can hear them already, miaw miaw miaw and scratching at the back door at 3 in the morning, and then when I do let them out eventually, they will huff with me for locking them in at all!

I'm going to feel so sorry for them as they are outdoor cats, and I can't give them the run of the house either cause they'd try to eat my birds and fish, and all the midwives and doctors say cats are a danger to babies. (I have a 6-month-old) So they will be confined to the kitchen. Not to mention the fact that they have sharp claws (declawing is illegal in Ireland) and I have leather sofas which I am still paying off! So they will need to stay in the kitchen unless we are supervising them in the living room.

How do you preoccupy your cats locked in a house all the time? I have scratch posts and toys but they lose interest very quickly ... and on top of that Sasha and Darcey don't like each other at all ... I imagine they will fight locked indoors, so I don't know how on Earth I will manage. At the moment, Sasha's territory is the front area of the house, and Darcey's is the back so they manage to avoid each other outdoors, but when I bring them in to feed them and give them a cuddle, it's big arguments; a growl here, a hiss there, and Sasha often bats Darcey too ... But both of them in a kitchen for 3 weeks a lot of the time unsupervised! ... I'm sensing big fights. Thank God I have pet insurance ... sad.gif But that's not good. I don't want a fight, especially as they have full claws. Help Help. I suppose the only answer really is to keep them in seperate rooms, but that'll be awful hassle. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Posted by: gillian Mar 20 2008, 11:09 AM

Hi,

I noticed your 12 step programme ... but I have no intention on ever moving my cats indoors. I believe cats should live outdoors. But as I said, each to their own. I've just got to keep them in temporarily for 2-3 weeks when we move ... That's all. I'd never make it permanent.

Yeah I know when I do let them out, I run the risk of them never coming back. But they are loyal, and I feel they will.

With Sasha, she's only 5, and we've moved home twice already, introduced 3 new dogs, a new cat, birds, fish and a baby into the house, and she's still with us. She chooses to stay with us, even though she is a grumpy moggy. And Darcey adores me ... She'd never leave me. Would you believe she even comes along with me when I walk my dogs; she walks alongside the pram. I used to hate her doing it cause I walk along a main road, but she seems to know to stay by my side, and she never leaves our home area and garden without me smile.gif Crazy kitty. Sometimes I wonder if she loves me so much because she remembers what I did for her. When I first came across Darcey, she was about to be drowned by the farmer who owned her mother as vermin ... I understand this is procedure on a lot of farms. But I stepped in, saved her life; she was 7 weeks old, and she clung to me for weeks afterwards. Poor girl.

Yeah, it'll be a handful, but it's fine. Animals make a house a home.

Sorry you've been though such a rough time losing your Rassy Cat. I lost my dog Bono 17 months ago too, so I understand the numb grief ...

Thanks. x

Posted by: LoveThem Mar 20 2008, 11:35 AM

Gillian: You might consider locking 1 in the bathroom and if there are more than 1 bathrooms....put another in another one. I found the bathroom would get the least damage. The only thing that happened when I put a puppy in one was my whole roll of toilet paper was all over the floor when I got home from work.biggrin.gif

Also maybe you could rent or buy the kind of cage crate...very large..that sometimes I see in the vet hospital when I am in the waiting room. They have one of these with a cat inside with its foods, blanket, litter, and they usually are sleeping., and a note saying they are available for adoption. Normally I wouldn't suggest this but since you are saying temporary...maybe that's a thought. that would help keep them from fighting and also save your furniture. It probably wouldn't keep them quiet if they are used to meowing to get out but it would protect them from each other and your furniture. Oh, yes..I went back and read you can use the kitchen..add that to the thoughts of bathrooms.

By the way, in reply to your other post, I'm glad to hear it is rare for you to see a cat run over where you live. I have always lived in cities and dread driving down the street to a signal light at times when I can see a lump in the road and see it is someone's or a stray cat...dead. So I really am glad it is a rare sight for you and can understand why that picture doesn't jump into your mind as it did in mine.

You do have a dilemma on moving. Have you moved with them before? What did you do then? How many hours do they have to be alone with each other without your supervision? I know of nothing that occupies a cat when they get bored.
They always seem to choose when and what they will play with.

Maybe you can use Google and research the subject on the Internet...I find behavior questions sometimes answered in other forums or on vet sites or just about lots of cat places. There are sites devoted to cats that usually have lots of suggestions.
You might try looking at those.

Posted by: gillian Mar 20 2008, 11:45 AM

LoveThem,

We've moved with Sasha before, but that was before we had the baby, 2 of the dogs, the birds, the fish and Darcey. So Sasha was good to have a spare bedroom to herself which we won't have this time as we need a nursery now for our son. But we've never moved with Darcey ... The bathroom is a good idea! And the cage idea, although I'm not sure they'd ever forgive me. Darcey might. smile.gif That's interesting thoughts, and it's far better than risking a fight.

Oh that sounds nasty about the cats being run over a lot where you are from. Yes it does happen here too, but very rarely. I sometimes see animal carcasses on the road, and I slow the car down to take a look to see if it's a cat or dog (which I would take with me to locate the owner if there is any) but it seems to be always badgers or foxes I see, and sometimes the odd dog, but rarely a cat.

But yeah I know accidents happen everywhere. But still its been about a year since I've seen a dead cat on the road. I think the last dead cat I saw was about a half mile from our home and it was pure black like Sasha, and I pulled over feeling myself go cold with fright that it was my girl. But thank the Lord it wasn't. It was a stray ... My 2 seem to know to steer clear. I know there is a romote possibility one might get run over, but it's too romote for me to take drastic action to move them indoors. Maybe you'd see things differently if you lived where I'd do, and vice versa.

As for the house situation, thanks for the ideas!

Posted by: Ken Albin Mar 20 2008, 02:34 PM

How to keep cats occupised indoors? That is a tough thing to do but it is possible. Here are the things that have worked for our 9 cats here:

1) Adopt a couple of younger cats/kittens. They will pester the older cats and give them exercise, as well as provide active playmates for those older cats who are kittens at heart and want to play.

2) Have a large number of different types of balls available. We have tons of rubber balls around for them to chase.

3) Have a couple of "kitty condos". These are two story rug covered circular objects with two openings. They love to chase each other around and through these.

4) Use the time you are home to actively play with them. I use feathers on a stick and lasers to encourage them to run all over the place. Quality time is important.

5) They love to play in boxes and paper sacks so I always have some on hand.

6) Our indoor bunny sometimes knocks bits of hay out of the cage. The cats love to play with these pieces of hay. It reminds me of the kid who plays with the boxes instead of the Christmas presents! It is a pain to clean up but they get so much enjoyment out of battling with pieces of hay that I encourage it.

I hope you can use one or more of these suggestions. With these our guys are all very well adjusted and happy.

Take care,
Ken Albin

Posted by: goliath Mar 20 2008, 08:06 PM

Hi Ken..............LOL laugh.gif I loved your list of "things to do" to occupy your furry kids indoors. I know it brings me great happiness and joy to play with my furry kids.

What you said in your first suggestion made me laugh pretty hard. Those youngins definately have the prize for being little pests and send their over abundance of energy all around them. One of the reasons we are considering a new and young addition to our family is that since my Goliath passed away my Gidget isn't nearly as active as she was. We hope a new youngin in the house will put a little pep in her step.

Also in your 4th suggestion I loved the idea of playing with the laser. It is fun for both a furbaby as well ourselves to engage in lots of playtime. They stay healthier and happier and so do we.

When I kittysit next door for Brunis and Cherokee we play the whole time I am there. I use a flashlight that they love to chase around. When they get tired of the flashlight both of them like to get into my yarn. I don't get much knitting done when I am over there. But I sure get a lot of fun and pleasure out of the time spent with them.

Thanks Ken for your deep and true caring of others as well as the suggestions you offered. smile.gif

Posted by: gillian Mar 21 2008, 07:13 AM

JackJackBoJack,

I'm from Ireland, and so our summers are never particularly hot, and even at that, they have 24/7 access to catflaps and can come indoors whenever they choose. But they only ever seem to want to come indoors in the evenings. In the daytimes, even in warm weather, they prefer to lie under a bush in our garden.

As for the sick people around, yes there are sick people, but I've rarely heard of an incident over here where a cat has been harmed. And we live in a good area as well ... It's normally dogs who are victims to abuse over here, being hung, fought, beaten ... But rarely a cat. And even then, my cats do not go anywhere near strangers whilst they are outside the house, and even indoors, my cat Darcey will not allow someone she does not know to touch her. Shes been that way since I brought her home at 7-weeks-old. If I was to worry about any of my animals it would be my dogs. They have a yard and gardens where they run out our back, and I check on them often. I don't worry about my cats at all. I know they'll be fine.

It's also rare to see cats run over where I live. Mostly it's badgers, foxes and occasionally dogs. Sometimes there are cats, but rarely. And even then, my cats do not go near a main road. They stay close to my home. I can go outside and clap my hands and they come running to see what I want, so they're always close by.

As for animal control, both my cats are microchipped, which means animal control has access to my address and telephone number if they found my cat, and it's just a matter of phoning me or taking the cat home if they found either of them.

Yes there is risk but there is even more risk when we allow our children out to play that they might get lost, be kidnapped or run over, but we don't hesitate in doing that, so I don't see why we shouldn't allow our cats freedom as well, just because there is risk. There is risk for every living creature.

We don't have snakes, rabies or mosquitos here in Ireland. And my cats are wormed against every form of worm including heart worm every 3 months.

So it seems there may be more of a danger to your cats than mine, because of where we live. I am very comfortable with my decision to allow them to live freely, and they are very happy cats. Darcey is practically feral anyway, and she would become severely depressed if we brought her inside. She can't bear to be kept in for more than about half an hour at a time, and when she is indoors she's nervous and won't even nap. But the moment she is outside, she relaxes and begins to purr.

Glad your kitties are as happy as mine.


But each to their own. smile.gif

Posted by: nyzki Mar 25 2008, 07:57 PM

I can tell you that I highly respect the advice that is given on here in regards to cats being kept indoors, however, my cats have gone outside ever since they were little. I have never had a problem with them roaming. More than likely since they are spayed and neutered. They dont seem to go far. Believe me I keep a close eye on my cats.

I have even gone as far to put a belled collar on my cats. So I can hear where they are at all times. My cats are vaccinated against possible diseases that can be transmitted by other animals.

Since I do live in a area where there are predatory critters, but they dont seem to bother my cats. And to tell you the truth there hasnt been a do%%ented case of Rabies in my town for years.

And my animals are not allowed out at night especially Boo since he is black and, I am afraid of him not being seen by the constant flow of traffic that we have on our street. But as posted earlier. whether to keep your cats inside or out is a personal choice,

And i am a very responsible pet owner who does care about my animals and ever one elses too.

Boo, nyzki & Poppy

Posted by: Ken Albin Mar 31 2008, 08:44 PM

I don't know if you have anything like this available in Ireland but the hormone Feliway by Comfort Zone is a great calming spray. It really kept Princess from trying to kill the others while she adjusted to them. It is on the internet if you are interested. I highly recommend it and have used it with a number of rescue cats with good results.

Take care,
Ken Albin

Posted by: toonie Apr 1 2008, 05:41 AM

Must be a good day today but I sort of agree with everyone on this post biggrin.gif biggrin.gif biggrin.gif
Isn't it all simply a question of who what when where and how?
WHO :The cat must be wise to the ways of the outside world. If a cat was brought up inside without learning to fear other humans or other animals, it could be very dangerous for it to be placed in a vulnerable situation: an outdoor cat must beware of :other humans, dogs, cats , coyotes and fishercats! If the cat is wise to the ways of the world, that cat gets to live a fuller life, simple as that and good for the animal's soul.
Both my cats were free to roam for over their 12 years but illness got them instead.
WHAT: What condition is the cat in? I was told that it wasn't a good idea to let out a diabetic cat, in case it goes into a diabetic coma outside. Likewise an older, deaf or partially blind cat is sure to be hit by a car or tricked by a predator.
WHEN: There may be times where it is safe to let your cats out, for example here, when the dog is also outside we know that she will protect the house cats from danger. If we went out, the cats and the dog would be kept inside for their own safety. When we are outside too is a good time to share the fresh air, I have this lovely memory of my Yukon going a little bit beyond the backyard gardens here, headed towards a fox's den one early summer evening and the fox hissing and yelling his particular cry at Yukon, as if he was saying : Hey Buddy, you stay away from my turf, you go back to yours fellow!
WHERE: If I lived on Fifth Avenue NYC, or right by a highway, I would not let out my cat.
HOW: Using your own guidelines and common sense.


But I must agree with Ken Albin,there are many dangers out there and it is essential that we be aware of them. Unfortunately, I wonder if other people are not your pet's worst dangers. Not everyone gives them the respect and considereation that they deserve. Some will trap and drown your own pet if they find that they are annoying them (getting in their garden, spraying on their garage doors etc...). mad.gif I have known one person to kidnap her sister in law's cat and lose it out in the country. sad.gif
Some will use cats for their target practices ohmy.gif
So make sure you know your cat, your environment then decide for yourself.

Posted by: gillian Apr 1 2008, 08:11 AM

Interesting thoughts Toonie; here in Ireland it is so uncommon to keep your cat indoors that I don't know anyone who does. It's just the norm to place a catflap on your back door, and allow your cat to live a full, free life. Even our vets just assume our cats are kept outdoors. And most rescue centres here refuse to rehome cats if they are going to be kept indoors. 85% of British and Irish cats are kept outdoors, and the few that are kept indoors are mainly purebreds.

As for your 5 plan policy, very interesting! And it makes sense, but admittedly if I couldn't keep my cats outdoors, I wouldn't keep cats, as I firmly believe that they should be allowed to live free.

Similar to it being dangerous to put an indoor cat outside, then I believe it is equally cruel to bring an outdoor cat indoors for the rest of it's life.

So, with that in mind, if my cats went blind or deaf, and so couldn't live outdoors any longer, I would probably euthanise them, as they would be miserable being kept indoors, and I would feel guilty, having removed their freedom, which they had been used to.

In Bono's last weeks I was fretting over whether to euthanise him or not, as his vet had told me that I'd no longer be able to take him for walks, as his heart couldn't cope with the exercise, and that he couldn't even roam round our garden for more than 10 minutes a day, as his heart couldn't cope with either the exercise or even the excitement of new scents etc. I couldn't bear to keep my dog locked indoors for the rest of his life, but he passed away before I had to make that decision. I don't see how it would be any different for a cat which got sick or developed a disability which meant it could no longer go outdoors.

Although evidently some people do, and although I don't understand those viewpoints, I do understand that people particularly on this board always strive to do what they feel is best for their animals, and I respect that difference of opinion.

Posted by: Jon730 Apr 7 2008, 09:34 AM

Why my cats are indoors. Your local conditions may be different.

Most of our cats have been "Used Cats", either from rescue place or rescued ourselves.
As such, they were used to the Outdoors. However, as time went on, and they became loved and fed, they became less fixated about getting out. We did, years ago, have a massive Prison Break, and are still not sure how it happened. We looked out the back slider and saw ALL our indoor cats pacing back and forth along the railing, taunting us.
Another, my Bombay Cat Merlin, used to delight in waiting for rainy dark nights, and then bolt out between our feet, and hide in the edge of the woods. I would then have to stand outside looking foolish to the neighbors, sweeping a falshlight beam around till his gloating eyes lit up. THEN according to him, I would have to meow "MERRRRRRLLLE" a dozen times, before he would graciously surrender.

HOWEVER: Times have changed.

COYOTES:

I am in Southeastern Massachusetts, and to everyone's surprise, the coyotes have returned. Sad "Missing Cat" posters appear in supermarkets and stapled to telephone poles. People come around door to door looking for their cat.
What do I tell them?
I WANT to shout, "He's been EATEN you damned idiot! Can't you get someone to READ THE PAPERS to you??"
If they live that close to me, they can HEAR the coyotes howling at night!!
What does it take to get their attention, a baseball bat???

CAT FLAPS.

Racoons are geniuses. One friend discovered while he was on vacation that the local Racoon Family had been studying the Cat Door. They disovered they could take the Lazy Susan cabinet and SPIN IT like a merry-go-round, and jars of things like spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, and rasberyy jam would fly around the room, shatter, and produce a smorgasbord.
(Raccons also discovered my Koi pond, and one night declared a Seafood Festival.)

GUNS:

Massachusetts has strict firearms laws , so we do not see much of that stuff, though I know of one dog that had a BB embedded courtesy of a local Bad Kid.
Someone who shoots a domestic animal here will no longer have guns.
Someone who shoots one of mine will wish they still did.

Posted by: Jon730 Apr 7 2008, 05:26 PM

QUOTE
That's why I never judge indoors or outdoors even though I see others have done so before in the forum. I also read where their cats were killed by other animals and again I don't say keep them inside. It is up to the owner. I wouldn't want anyone telling me what is best for my babies. I am comfortable with the choices I have made.


Yes, I need to clarify my previous post. I was upset when I typed it because my neighbor's Russian Blue is gone, and I am still mourning for Miles.

Until the coyotes came, all my early cats enjoyed the outdoors. One good thing about it is that they left the indoor plants alone!

It is so terribly upsetting to me that the Animal Conrol People as well as local pet people put up all the warnings about coyotes, and everyone just does not care.

We cannot get people to listen.

Times change, and a once safe area can become very dangerous in a couple of short years.
I would LOVE to have my cats outside here because the bird feeders attract mice..Nature's Favorite Cat Toy.
But after the last few years of trying and trying to get people to listen, then seeing heartbroken children and parents going around the neighborhood looking for their cat or small dog it is just so exasperating at the sensless loss of lives of innocent friends!
There is simply no reason for it! These are people's FRIENDS who live in their HOMES. Would they let their babies sleep out in the yard what with the coyotes, or, a few years ago, the racoon rabies epidemic we had???

**SIGH**

Posted by: gillian Apr 8 2008, 04:13 AM

QUOTE (Jon730 @ Apr 7 2008, 02:34 PM)
What do I tell them?
I WANT to shout, "He's been EATEN you damned idiot! Can't you get someone to READ THE PAPERS to you??"
If they live that close to me, they can HEAR the coyotes howling at night!!
What does it take to get their attention, a baseball bat???

Jon, sorry to hear you're going through such a rough time. We don't have coyotes or racoons where I live, or rabies or the like. And as for guns, they are illegal where I am from, unless you are a licenced gun owner (a farmer perhaps)

So my cats are outdoor cats.

I think that's the point Toonie was trying to stress earlier; it's to do with location as much as it is anything else.

Of course you have a point with the coyotes, but for some people, the act of allowing their cat to live fully and freely is more important than keeping them 100% safe.

Animals in captivity (eg zoos) live longer than animals who live in the wild; this is common knowledge. But are they happier? I don't think so. Any animal would prefer to live in the wild rather than be kept in captivity; this includes cats. However, allowing them to live free is not without it's risks.

This is why keeping cats indoors or outdoors is a personal decision, and whilst we may give our own opinions on the matter, noone should be told what to do, or criticised for doing it, even people who live close to you.

Again, sorry about the loss of Miles, and I hope the Russian Blue returns.

Posted by: Jon730 Apr 8 2008, 06:40 AM

QUOTE
But even with regard to that, keeping cats indoors or outdoors is a personal decision, and whilst we may give our own opinions on the matter, noone should be told what to do, or criticised for doing it, even people who live close to you.


Yes, it should be up to the animal, really, but as "Parents"...well...
Living here for so long, and seeing so many animal friends go missing is just so frustrating. It is not that the people do not care for them-it is that they are in denial, and we (Pet People and the Town's Animal Officer)cannot get them to listen.

I think it is because so many people have moved here from the City. Almost every week, the police blotter has calls for "A big animal in the yard".
(It is usually a deer.)

We had one family buy a house. Their plumbing overflowed. They were furiously trying to call the Town Sewer Department.
We do not HAVE a sewer department!!!

QUOTE
Again, sorry about the loss of Miles, and I hope the Russian Blue returns.


That was what upset me the most. Around here, they do not usually return.
To add to it, I see a Northern Grey Fox slinking through the yard every sundown.
It is the only native canid that can climb trees.
So while a cat can scoot up a tree, if it is fast enough, it can elude the coyotes, but...
I am wondering if the people who move out of cities have a romanticized image of "Nature" and do not want to believe there is a food chain that can include Fluffy and Rover? We have lost dogs to these creatures, also.

QUOTE
This is why keeping cats indoors or outdoors is a personal decision, and whilst we may give our own opinions on the matter, noone should be told what to do, or criticised for doing it, even people who live close to you.


Yes, just like cats, I myself do not like being told what to do. I will continue to BEG them though! smile.gif

Posted by: Bue's Mommy Apr 8 2008, 05:56 PM

I'm replying to this thread because of Gillian's cat Sasha.

OMG, what a gorgeous girl, she is beautiful. You are so lucky to have her, I can tell by her eyes she is special.

All my cats are indoor critters, but in my defense, in the warm months, I go gather moths in tupperware. I bring them upstairs, and release them into the house.
Let the carnage begin, my cats kill every single one of them, within 5 mins. Its my way of keeping their killer instinct nice, and sharp.

Here is a pic of them doing their thing

 

Posted by: goliath Apr 8 2008, 06:01 PM

LOL BM laugh.gif Now that's hillarious!

Posted by: Jon730 Apr 8 2008, 08:15 PM

QUOTE
All my cats are indoor critters, but in my defense, in the warm months, I go gather moths in tupperware. I bring them upstairs, and release them into the house.


You make me feel like a Bad Father for never thinking of doing that!!!!!!
Of course! Bring the outdoors in.

Murphy was found living in a dumpster. She still savors flies.... ugh.

Posted by: Bue's Mommy Apr 9 2008, 04:52 AM

Hi Jon730, so your baby likes the flys, ewwwwwwww LOL. I should not have watched the movie, I did not know flys threw-up on their food.

Seriously though, I try to replicate as much of the outside in my indoor space for the kitties. Having lots of plants help, especially when they don't chew on them.



"You make me feel like a Bad Father for never thinking of doing that!!!!!!"

LMAO, when I read that.

Take Care

P.S. your cat is stunning!

 

Posted by: gillian Apr 9 2008, 05:16 AM

Bue's Mommy, thanks for the post on Sasha. Yeah she's pretty. We rescued her when she was 8 months. She was seemingly another casulty of those people who buy kittens and then when the kitten turns to cat, it's goodbye cat. That's how Sasha ended up with us. Hehe Love the pic of your cats and the moths. Hehe!

My younger cat Darcey has a habit of bringing me 'gifts' - 2 nights ago it was a living mouse - Poor thing. She appeared with this wringling mouse in her mouth. Dropped it, and batted it to keep it from escaping. I tried to rescue it, but Darcey quickly grabbed it and shot off into the night with it. The following morning, she didn't seem that interested in her breakfast ... so I can only imagine what happened to the mouse. Oh well!

Posted by: toonie Apr 9 2008, 07:17 AM

biggrin.gif Bue's Mommy, you are a genius! Gathering moths to release them inside for your cats to catch. You are WONDERFUL! and UNIQUE!
Gillian, you are quite the animal lover. This whole conversation just goes to show that we are all different and in different situations. I found comfort that my little Felix got to roam this great big countryside (canadian); where we are, we see a real show of stars on each clear nights I'm sure he marvelled at this and all his other discoveries of the wonders of nature and how big the world is. Like Gillian's Sacha, my Felix would bring back mice but they were always missing their head so no chance to rescue these critters!. What Jon says about city people not knowing the country is very true. My gripe is with neighbours who let their dogs run free when they move to the country. They seem to think that they have found the lazyman's solution and can leave them free when they get back from work and the dog(s) will make their own exercise. I have been frustrated to see them chase our pregnant cows from the pastures and actually bite one on the leg! Some have aborted from being chased by dogs. I like to leave my hens free during the day and at have lost about a dozen over the last ten years,all of them to dogs even though we have foxes and coyotes and fisher cats here. When I tell the neighbours that their dog is causing us trouble their immediate reaction is to deny that their 'child' could have done so! So now my approach is to always have a loaded camera ready and that is proof enough so that they get fined. Usually after a first $50 then a second $100 they keep their dogs tied. We have a great dutiful/beautiful dog but she likes to stay close to us when we are inside so sometimes she can't chase the wandering dogs away. To me these bored neighbourhood dogs let loose are the worst threat to my cats because they are so bold and do not fear humans or other dogs at all whereas
the wild animals fear both the humans and my dogs' scent, even if she is inside . Each place is different. All I know is that here in the country, most of us have always allowed our cats out and so it was when I was a little girl and would visit my grandparent's farm.

Posted by: Jon730 Apr 9 2008, 01:10 PM

QUOTE
To me these bored neighbourhood dogs let loose are the worst threat to my cats because they are so bold and do not fear humans or other dogs at all whereas
the wild animals fear both the humans and my dogs' scent, even if she is inside .


We ive in a once rural town, but it has grown rapidly, due to the construction of places like "Pretentia Shores Executive Estates".
So not only do we have an influx of people who say, "The Script says we have to have a dog. OK, we have a dog. Now what do we do?", but some of the wildlife has become so used to people they no longer have any fear.

Thus, there are pictures in the local paper of coyotes walking down the SIDEWALK like they own it. Deer graze on the School lawns. Wild turkeys hold up traffic, as they wander around the middle of the road and forget where they are.

This sounds charming. When I first saw a deer in the yard I was thrilled. Then I discovered that if one has a vegetable garden, and has planted landscaping shrubbery, a deer is a 180 pound Garden SLUG. Because of all the new houses, there is no hunting.
Coyotes are protected. Racoons have no fear of people, and are nearly tame. Possums are so nearsighted that it does not matter-They just blunder around.
One night I heard something. I went around the house and starled something..it was a big skunk. I shouted and ran away, around the house. Unfortunately, the skunk was startled too, and HE ran around the other way and we met again out front. I am not sure how many orbits we made. My wife laughed her head off.

So this is what we have around here, and why at least where we live, the cats are stuck inside..

PS: No sign of Bubba, the neighbor's Russian Blue. I knew it.

Posted by: katzen11 Apr 9 2008, 01:30 PM

my sister has a wonderful spayed black cat, aged 14 years, his name is Attila.
she is living in a village of 1037 inhabitants, in a nice little house with a nice little garden. Attila has is own "cat-door", he is free to choose to leave or to come home.
the house is next to a school, so the cars are only allowed to drive very slow.
so my sister showed Attila to learn how to be safe.
there a no coyotes, or other enemies around, maybe a longtail weasel, nobody of those sick people have been there yet to deal with rat poison and so on, and no crazy hunters, so far.
Attila is the "boss" of the village, and living a just perfect catlife.

i am living with Jimmy in the city of about 1.7 million inhabitants.
my home has two rooms and each window has a fence.
i rescued Jim in november 1996, at the age of 14 months, he was living in a so much smaller cage, you know, in a shelter. Thank God, in my country, we do not have "kill-shelters", but there is still very much to do for our pets.
so, for Jim, there are no rules, he can do anything he wants, but he cannot go outside, because he would be killed by a car in a few minutes.
i feel sorry for him, because i can watch him sitting at the window, looking for the big and fat doves he would like so very much to deal with..
please, Jim, forgive me
but i need you so much,
and i am responsible for your security
i love you forever Jim
Eva

Posted by: LoveThem Apr 9 2008, 02:21 PM

Eva,

There is never anything to forgive when you are receiving unconditional love and that is what you get from Jimmy. Sometimes to these babies the grass may look greener but they would rather be with us than anywhere else. I know what you mean about him looking out the window and I know what you mean about the dangers our cities have.
I see things happen in our streets and I can only be thankful one of mine is not lying there.

There are things in life like disease, etc that will eventually claim them one day and those are things we can not often prevent but I know I can prevent my special boy being hit by a car and other possible attacks here. We even have bobcats in the city.

So give Jimmy a hug and smile and know when your decision feels right to you, then it is the right decision for you and for Jimmy.

Hugs to you and Jimmy. I wish you many years of health and happiness together.

Judy

Posted by: Bue's Mommy Apr 9 2008, 02:29 PM

Hi Gillian, I know the kind of people you're talking about. I think people like us were put here to counteract people like them.

I love the whole bringing mom home live gifts, lol. If you say the word bug in my house, my cats immediately look up at the ceiling for moths. Its gotten to the point that if I even point without saying the word, they look, lol.

Do you have anymore pics of Sasha, and Darcey, I would love to see them.

Talk to you soon

 

Posted by: Bue's Mommy Apr 9 2008, 02:48 PM

Hugz Toonie, I just try to think like them. They are so funny when they fly through the air trying to catch them. Puddin is my best bugger, hehe. If they are to high up, she will meow really sexy at them. Of course, when this does not work, I lift them up so they can get a crack at them, lol.

I haven't really gathered any moths since Bue died, he loved getting into the act too. I will gather them since spring is here, and take pics.

Wow, you have a farm that is so cool Toonie. I went to a fair once about 10 yrs ago, i never knew goats had horizontal pupils, it sorta freaked me out, lol. I really admire you, it seems like really hard work taking care of all the critters.

As far as being armed with your camera, good for you. When owners of animals have to start going into their pockets to pay for damage, then they start complying
Was your farm passed down, you mentioned your grandparents farm.

Do you have pics? I would love to see them

 

Posted by: toonie Apr 10 2008, 07:23 AM

HUGS Bue's Mommy for that crazy cat picture, makes my morning start on a real upbeat, just from the poster cat!!!!

Katzen:

QUOTE
please, Jim, forgive me
but i need you so much,
and i am responsible for your security
i love you forever Jim
Eva


Jim must be just so so happy that you rescued him, cats somehow know what a great thing happened to them and I'M sure that Jim still remembers how much he was lucky to be rescued by you. Like people cats are different. Of my two cats I had Felix who was always a nervous hyper gotta be doing something personality, of course the outdoors meant a lot to him. But my big lovable Yukon had a choice to go outside but by the time he was 7 he didn't much care to go out, he preferred to chill inside.
Only after he lost his brother did he insist on going out to search for him, he was half blind and half lame but he would go out in case he'd catch a glimpse of Felix. This was so so so so heartbreaking for me to see, I would follow him outside to make sure nothing happened to him but I couldn't give him back Felix, not ever. But had it not been for Felix, if Yukon had been an only cat, I think he would have always preferred to stay inside where he was safe and loved and to him, the inside was interesting enough. I know your Jimmy feels completely happy and so grateful that you cared enough to change his life to a much happier and freer one where he is now at home with you , I am sure of this!!!!

Posted by: gillian Apr 10 2008, 10:14 AM

Bues Mommy, you were looking for more Pics of Sasha and Darcey. Here's a few -

Darcey playing with my dog - Nieko. She has no fear. smile.gif

 

Posted by: gillian Apr 10 2008, 10:17 AM

Sasha dressed up for Christmas!

 

Posted by: gillian Apr 10 2008, 10:23 AM

Darcey taking on my 2 dogs - Nieko and Coveu. smile.gif She is the oddest cat I've ever seen. Sasha is disgusted with her interacting with dogs. smile.gif

 

Posted by: gillian Apr 10 2008, 10:25 AM

"Right, I've seen enough. Mam, can you please let me out now??"

This picture of Sasha was actually taken on Halloween evening, and I'd decided she was staying in for the evening cause there were young lads setting off fireworks, and I didn't want my cats hiding under a bush afraid or something. Darcey settled on my lap and went to sleep. But not Sasha - she sat at my front door like that for about 2 hours. Refusing to move and miawing. So we took a pic of it. I mean, it was raining outside, there were fireworks going off, and in the family room there was a fire going, and a bowl of tuna and milk waiting for her, and cosy laps to sleep on, but nope, she'd rather be out in the rain. Strange cat!

 

Posted by: toonie Apr 10 2008, 11:44 AM

Gillian those are truly fantastic pictures,so much fun to look at, your sweet pups and Darcey are all so neat Darcey has this sweet look even while playing, you know it's not a fight but a loving tease! thanks rolleyes.gif then that Sasha looks completely p---ed off with being kept inside against his will biggrin.gif I know that look that cats can throw at you, they are so headstrong but it's all part of their charm somehow!

Posted by: gillian Apr 11 2008, 07:43 AM

Ah thank you Toonie. Yes they are my loves. smile.gif Do you have any pictures of your pets?

Posted by: Jon730 Apr 11 2008, 08:34 AM

QUOTE
in the family room there was a fire going, and a bowl of tuna and milk waiting for her, and cosy laps to sleep on, but nope, she'd rather be out in the rain. Strange cat!


Thank you for the needed chuckle this morning. Has there ever been a cat of ours that did not make us say."Strange Cat"?

I suspect the reason that funny cat pictures are so popular on the web is the range of bizarre and unpredictable things they do. One sees the pictures, and says "WHY would they do that in the first place?"
Things involving boxes and paper bags, for example-you see them examining it, and just know that something very weird will happen shortly.
Murphy examined a plastic shopping bag the other day. When she turned around to exit it, she went out the wrong hole. Suddenly, the crazed bag chased her all over the house, and the faster she ran the faster it followed her, as she howled in terror. We resued her from it.
To celebrate and to save her dignity, she carried her jingle ball into the empty bathtub and beat it to death.

Posted by: Jon730 Apr 11 2008, 08:37 AM

QUOTE
you were looking for more Pics of Sasha and Darcey. Here's a few -


SWOON.
Darcey is _Beautiful_.

Posted by: gillian Apr 11 2008, 08:47 AM

This might give you more of a chuckle.

Darcey decided that she'd much rather have Coveu's bed, so she settled in nicely ... Check on next picture ...

 

Posted by: gillian Apr 11 2008, 08:48 AM

So Coveu thought "Fine! I'll take your bed then!"

 

Posted by: Jon730 Apr 11 2008, 07:48 PM


Cats should not look at people like that.
The last time a HUMAN looked at me that way, I married it.

Umm.

If you ever find that Darcey is too much of a handful.....I have a Fedex account.

Posted by: gillian Apr 12 2008, 05:07 AM

Jon, WHAT???

Posted by: Jon730 Apr 12 2008, 06:40 AM

Oh, I am sorry. I thought it was hilarious about how some pets look at us like that!

My girlfriend looked at me like that once, and I married her.

Dogs do it too, but especially cats. It's a loving look, but to my way of thinking, a bit too cute, and intense, to the point of being embarrassing.

"Don't look at me that way! I am not a cat, really!"

Posted by: goliath Apr 12 2008, 07:08 AM

LOL Jon when I read your reply I understood right away! Darcey is a charmer. I gave my hubby a different kind of look, more like Sasha's picture by the door on Halloween. RRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Row row Row!"Come and see me sometime, Big Boy!"

Gillian your pictures are wonderful. They depict the love you have for them well. I smile each time I look at them. Only somebody very full of love for animals takes the time to capture their beauty in expression through seizing a moment in time.

Posted by: gillian Apr 12 2008, 11:20 AM

Ahh I see, I'm sorry. It was early when I read your reply, and I have a 7-month-old who had me up during the night, so a little slow on the uptake today. smile.gif

Posted by: nicola Mar 4 2012, 10:30 AM

Sophie is going to be a indoor cat.
Our Lucy was and only went in the garden when someone was there with her.
We have a big pen for Sophie so she can enjoy the fresh air and watch insects without us worrying about her getting killed by a car.

Posted by: DannysMom Apr 14 2012, 05:43 PM

QUOTE (nicola @ Mar 4 2012, 11:30 AM) *
Sophie is going to be a indoor cat.
Our Lucy was and only went in the garden when someone was there with her.
We have a big pen for Sophie so she can enjoy the fresh air and watch insects without us worrying about her getting killed by a car.


Nicola, I applaud you for being such a responsible cat parent. I am sure that Lucy enjoyed her visits in the garden, and it was safe for her with a family member being there with her. There are just too many things that can happen to cats (and dogs) when they are left to roam outside unsupervised. A lot of people in my neighborhood let their cats roam, and I am so grieved every time I see a dead cat lying in the road. It could have been easily prevented if their owners had been more caring and responsible. And it makes me angry too that these sweet little creatures have to die so needlessly.

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