I keep my 2 inside as they would no doubt get stolen if they were allowed outside.. with them being Ragdolls they also have a very docile and sweet nature, which means they would walk up to any one or thing thinking they're a potential friend!

I think every cat and circumstance is different so dont like it when people say all cats should have to stay in or all cats should be allowed to roam.. My 2 have never shown any interest in going outside.. the only time they even look out the window is if it's raining (they like the rain drops )

It also bugs me when peeps say cats are natural roamers therefore should be allowed to roam.. all animals are natural roamers.. including dogs, horses, birds and rodents but they all seem happy living within boundries

I couldn't keep Gizmo inside - he comes from a feral background (found in a barn) and has not been kept in at all. My Siamese kitten on the other hand won't be allowed out except on a harness as I lost my last one to a speeding motorist who didn't even have the decency to stop. We live on a little country lane without much traffic.
I'd love to cat proof the garden but we too have about an acre.

That's exactly what some of my clients have done We have a good size garden, with a tree at the bottom by our fence, so would have to ensure that the girls could not climb the tree and jump over the fence. The tree is coming down next year however

I am so glad that I asked this question, as it looks like I am not the only one to fear allowing my cats outside.

I was speaking with a very haughty woman the other day, who stated her disgust with people who allow their cats outside. She could not understand why dogs are kept under control and yet cats were allowed to cause havoc outside and wonder at will

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Would she take her gold fish down to the lake and tip it in, or let her hamsters' free in the garden? People use this logic about cats, but when you turn it onto any other animal/pet you just get back a lot of 'cats are different, their needs are different, you can't compare'.
I don't see why not? I really think it is just because most of us have grown up with our parents/grandparents letting cats in only at night. Our grandparents ' cats got scraps or learned to thieve from bins. I just think ideas are slowly changing, we live in a different world now.

You can also buy [or make] some wonderful out door cat trees/scratchers

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I keep mine indoors, but they do have 24hr access to an outdoor run, Ive lost 2 cats to road accidents so i wouldnt take the chance again.

Nice one Leah It seems that there is a lot of anti cat feeling from certain people. I do think that a cat proof garden is the best idea.

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does everyone who 'cat proofs' their garden have acres of land and pots of cash to spend on shed like cat runs

i live in a 2 bedroomed, 2nd floor flat right in the middle of quite a busy city and i keep my cat in 24 hours 7 days a week, which she is more than happy with, i've had her since 3 months old so she doesnt know any different. I do have a bit of a 'garden' but it's more of a patio area which is probably about 6 ft by 6ft, maybe a tiny bit more.

I would love to have a small enclosure [it would have to be quite small in height as well, otherwise i risk blocking other peoples windows,] outside so my cat could laze in the sun. But i cant find any, anywhere that even come close to fitting in my space.

anyone know of any

I do agree with keeping cats indoors. When my cat goes out she never goes far and is always back within two miniutes. I keep a close eye on her though. She crys to go out and makes me feel guility if I don't let her I was thinking of getting a cat flap. I was put off the idea when my partner's dad said he had some bother with other cats comin in and fighting with his.

Only last night coming home from work I saw yet another dead cat in the middle of the road, say no more, or should I say Saynamore rolleyes:

I think it's personal choice and circumstance. I had two cats 15 years ago, both got run over. So my two girls now stay in.