Evening guys
Just wondering, are you cats purely house cats or are they allowed to go outside? (not using outdoor pens etc but allowed free roam)

If they are house cats what are your reasons for keeping them inside? Do you think they mind? Do you ever feel like they would enjoy some freedom?

If they are allowed access outside what are your reasons for allowing this? Do you ever still worry? Do you regret your decision at all?

I don't want everyone to jump on me, or this get too heated (as I know what the general consensus on this website is) I just wanted a healthy debate on some differing opinions


For myself, the two boys have been allowed free roam from about 10/11 months of age (if I remember correctly). When I first had them I was adamant that they would be purely house cats and I would never let them out! But as they approached a year old and many friends and family were commenting on how they would enjoy some freedom, they guilted me into it really I tried harnesses and extendable leads to try in the garden but they completely freaked out. As summer approached I noticed them looking out from the patio doors more and meowing to be outside with us. So, I took the plunge. I was on eggshells! They were actually really great - very tentative and careful. After a couple of weeks of restricted garden access we installed out cat flap and they had the freedom to come and go as they pleased. Within the first few days Oscar got stuck in next doors garden (must've forgotten how to jump back over!) and on another neighbours roof!! I did regret it a little bit then, but seeing how happy they were trotting around made me realise I'd made the right decision. It's been lovely sitting out there in the sun and having the boys hear and jump over to sit with us. They never stray too far, have safety collars with name, tel, address, and are microchipped. Oscar tends to be out more than Dexter but they're both locked in over night and don't stay out for too long at a time.
Lola (6months) can use the cat flap (we've scanned her under already - Petporte) and she goes out with us or the boys but rarely on her own and she's not able to get over the fence for complete free roam yet. She seems content with that and when she does eventually jump over I'll feel better after going through it with the other two.

So, share your stories and views on the matter

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My two are completely indoor cats. An easy decision when you live in a flat with no garden

I personally will never have them as outdoor cats, there may be a time when we move into a house with a garden, and I would be very tempted to get Oscars mams husband to build us a lovely cat enclosure

I just wouldn't feel comfortable with them having free roam, just a personal choice ... and certainly with Manny, I signed a contract with his breeder to say he would always be an indoor cat.

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My two will be house cats (they're too young to go out at the moment). I feel that their safety is 100% my responsibility and I can only keep them safe at home. I wouldn't let my dog free roam (also descendant from wild animals) so I don't see how it's different for cats, and I would never forgive myself if something happened to them. We have a lot of things to keep them entertained indoors and we will be getting a cat run installed which they can access any time they like through the cat flap in the back door. There are too many things outside that can harm them (cars, mean people and kids, anti-freeze, cat fights, FIV etc). That's just me though, I know that everyone's situation is different and they have to make the best decision for them and their kitties.

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Basil & Sybil

Three of mine were free roaming with no real disasters, although in the past Ive had one cat killed on the road, one cat attacked by a dog (not fatal) and one cat who just went missing with no trace. Then about a year ago two cats across the road were poisoned, then two more local cats were also poisoned, eventually it came out that they werent iscolated cases, there were several locally who had died the same way. Ever since then they have all been indoor cats, they were aged 10, 9 and 2 at the time, we also had another cat who had never been out, she was only about 6 months old. All have accepted being indoor cats, they interact with each other and play so they dont miss cat interaction. They are extremely happy and if anything are more relaxed nowadays, I think they often encountered stressful situations when they went out. I personally feel so much happier about them being indoor cats, I know when I come home they will be there and safe and I wont suddenly wake up to find a body on the road or be walking the streets calling for a cat who doesnt turn up again.

It is a matter of personal choice and I wouldnt judge anyone for letting their cats out, but I can speak from both sides of the argument and I will never willingly go back to having outdoor cats again. Lilly who has never been outside doesnt ever try to go out and shes one of the happiest cats Ive known.

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gsds (Henrick and Bella), the cats (Syd, Lilly, Elvis and Dizzy), the gerbils (Honey, Lisa, crusty, Millhouse, Flanders, Bart and Homer), the rats (Valentine, Flower, Petal, Blossom, Koda, Cava, George), the mice (Minnie, Pop, Seudag, Caraid, Silver, Trouble, Athena, Pandora, Aphrodite, Meep, and Springtime)

I would LOVE my cat to have the freedom that my past cats have had, but I cannot. After having outdoor cats for my whole life and all reaching at least double figures (my old boy is 18 and has roamed his entire life - now only potters about) I accepted one of my daughters kittens nearly 3 years ago, (I didnt really want him as my old cat was a bully) My old cat was ok with him and I adored him. 2 years ago he was killed on the road - broke my heart. We live in a quiet cul de sac, I thought he was just unlucky - the street lights were out.
A few months later I bought 2 beautiful brothers, last October I had to have one PTS after a road accident . That was it, we cat proofed the garden and Billy is now a house/garden cat. I hate watching him sat gazing out at the roads that for 18 months were his. I also know how much worse it would be if I lost him also. Whatever happens any cat I have will be restricted to the house and garden. The roads are too busy, people drive too fast, and there are some horrible people about. I hope your cats stay safe.

I have 2 Raggies but they will always be indoor cats. They'd quite happily flop in the middle of the road I think and not move if a car was coming. They would probably get savaged by any stray dogs because they are quite happy to go up to my two and start grooming them.

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Anyone who lets their cat free roam needs to be prepared to lose that cat to the road, or for it never to return home for another reason, e.g. lost ,dog attack, poisoned, stolen, killed by fox etc.

years ago it used to be common to let dogs free roam, most people would be horrified nowadays if you suggested keeping it on a lead was 'depriving' it of living a full life, but this arguement was used 40 years ago for people 'wierd' enough not to let their dog out on its own.

Yes Imust admit most cats would 'enjoy' free access to the outside, toddlers would probable enjoy being allowed to play in the streets outside unsupervised aswell, doesn't mean its safe for them to do so, cats and young children have the same appreciation of traffic and other dangers.

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Emma Yeoman
Purindoors Birmans
www.Purindoors.co.uk

I agonised over this decision when i got my two.I have fields at the back and live in a quiet cul-de sac so I felt mean keeping them in when they could enjoy the fields-but I know that keeping them in is the only way to keep them 100% safe.So,after alot of soul searching I decided to try to give them the best of both worlds.They are mainly indoor cats who go out for a bit when I am home (never when I'm not and never when it's dark).This time of year that basically means they go out for an hour or so at the weekends.They seem happy enough with the routine and very contented.I basically reached my decision by thinking that if I wanted them to have some freedom,I would do everything in in my power to minimise the risks-knowing of course that going out can't ever be risk free.It's a very personal decision but i think as long as people weigh it up and are aiming to do what is best for their own cat or cats that's all we can ask.

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Some people have cats and go on to lead normal lives

Mine are indoor cats. They always have been and always will be. The world outside is too dangerous for them.

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Proud Mummy to:

Sam (born June 1999, found August 1999)
Milly (born May 1999, adopted September 1999)
Eva (born 2010, adopted us August 2011)

My cat is 100% indoors. Being in a maisonette three and four floors up, the decision is pretty much made for us the other reasons are that the estate isn't particularly friendly with unruly kids (and adults up to no good sometimes too), and there are a few people with badly trained dogs around.

Locke is kept entertained with lots of toys and human interaction, and can sit at a window for ages, chattering at the birds. He's never been outside, save for when he was rescued off the streets at 8 weeks, and he seems perfectly happy staying indoors.

Even if I had a choice, I don't think I would be comfortable letting him outside anyway. I'd worry too much, and like others have said, his safety is my responsibility; there are just too many dangers outside from people, dogs, cars, other cats, etc. Just my opinion though

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