Outdoor cat to become indoor cat??

xxSaffronxx · #1 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 03:55 PM

Hi All

I would like some views and advice.................

I am about to become a breeder and because of this, my new pedigree kitties cannot go outside and will be house cats.

BUT

I have 2 other "moggies" whom go outside freely and use the cat flap. It has been drilled into me that cats should be allowed their freedom to go outside, even though deep down I would rather keep them in because of the numerous "dangers". I have lost many kitties over the years from them straying or getting hit by cars or ending up in fights with neighbourhood cats.

Should I let my "Moggies" continue to go outside when I have my pedigrees? Or should I keep them all inside?
Would it be cruel to now keep my "moggies" inside when they are used to going outside?

Also, when I used to keep the cats in at my old house (road was too busy) my partner was sometimes a bit careless and they managed to get out by accident. If it were to keep the cats in - how do I open the windows and stuff in summer when it gets hot?
I dont really want to spend loads of money on converting my garden and nor do I want to sepnd money on those mesh things that you can put over your windows.
The only other thing I can think of is a play pen for them all to go in - but then they could be in that for hours and i dont know if i agree with that either?

Sorry for the long post!

Siamese Kelly · #2 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 04:20 PM

Saffron-is their anyone you know and trust to build a couple of catruns in the garden-safe environment and gives them freedom or if not it would be well worth spending a little on one/two-great investment and priceless for the peace of mind you as a slave will get

Know it's a pain and can be costly but catflaps imo not good to have around pedigree's-Siamese/Ori's(not sure on Burmese

) are very cunning and clever and will sus any means of escape especially when in call,very nosy too

Also though your moggies are healthy-they may bring diseases/virus's back in with them putting your new cats/kittens at risk

Your moggies will quickly adapt and be just as happy-i promise

xxSaffronxx · #3 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 04:26 PM

Thanks for that Kelly.

Burmese are indeed very clever and you are right - they will probably find a way out! lol

Not sure about the cat run in my garden though. My partner has been very supportive of my breeding but I dunno if he would approve of having the runs in the garden???
Maybe he will?? We are spending £1000 on the garden next month as the dog has ruined it (by running around and pooping. Killing all the grass and digging it up!!) and we are building him a dog run down the side of the house. But down the side of the house is out the way and the space is not used anyway.

Not too sure how the cat run would look. Cant picture it really?? All I can think of is a cattery shed thing??

SavannahKitten · #4 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

I dont really want to spend loads of money on converting my garden and nor do I want to sepnd money on those mesh things that you can put over your windows.

You're in for a shock if you want to breed cats, but don't want to spend money.
If you don't want to spend the money on cat runs, or covering windows then you'll just have to keep your cats in with the windows closed.

Siamese Kelly · #5 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 04:47 PM

Saffron they really look quite nice and they can be more than adequate and cozy without taking over your garden-i assure you your partner will be glad of them if you intend on having a multi-cat house unless your house is huge-with plenty of rooms

Have a look on different websites and see for yourself,honestly i would live in our runs and you really could eat your dinner off the floor they're so clean and comfortable with everything they need and could want and they love em-sooner or later you will i'm sure have to seriously consider catruns/stud runs or your home will be totally taken over-it will anyway-but more so with cleaning/playtime etc and with studs and queens-well it can get stressful also they may want/need their own space away from each other in order to be the happiest they can be

Though your just embarking into the breeding world,you will surprise yourself how quickly your cattery grows-without you realising or intending it too

xxSaffronxx · #6 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SavannahKitten

You're in for a shock if you want to breed cats, but don't want to spend money.
If you don't want to spend the money on cat runs, or covering windows then you'll just have to keep your cats in with the windows closed.

I have the money to spend (i am forking out £2k just for the queens). I just didnt know if it was necessary for cat runs thats all.
I would not be doing breeding if I could not afford to do it properly

xxSaffronxx · #7 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siamese Kelly

Saffron they really look quite nice and they can be more than adequate and cozy without taking over your garden-i assure you your partner will be glad of them if you intend on having a multi-cat house unless your house is huge-with plenty of rooms

Have a look on different websites and see for yourself,honestly i would live in our runs and you really could eat your dinner off the floor they're so clean and comfortable with everything they need and could want and they love em-sooner or later you will i'm sure have to seriously consider catruns/stud runs or your home will be totally taken over-it will anyway-but more so with cleaning/playtime etc and with studs and queens-well it can get stressful also they may want/need their own space away from each other in order to be the happiest they can be

Though your just embarking into the breeding world,you will surprise yourself how quickly your cattery grows-without you realising or intending it too

Hmmmm ok - I will have a look at the weekend on various websites. If you know of any though it would be appreciated.

Thanks x

clare7577 · #8 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxSaffronxx

Hi All

I would like some views and advice.................

I am about to become a breeder and because of this, my new pedigree kitties cannot go outside and will be house cats.

BUT

I have 2 other "moggies" whom go outside freely and use the cat flap. It has been drilled into me that cats should be allowed their freedom to go outside, even though deep down I would rather keep them in because of the numerous "dangers". I have lost many kitties over the years from them straying or getting hit by cars or ending up in fights with neighbourhood cats.

Should I let my "Moggies" continue to go outside when I have my pedigrees? Or should I keep them all inside?
Would it be cruel to now keep my "moggies" inside when they are used to going outside?

Also, when I used to keep the cats in at my old house (road was too busy) my partner was sometimes a bit careless and they managed to get out by accident. If it were to keep the cats in - how do I open the windows and stuff in summer when it gets hot?
I dont really want to spend loads of money on converting my garden and nor do I want to sepnd money on those mesh things that you can put over your windows.
The only other thing I can think of is a play pen for them all to go in - but then they could be in that for hours and i dont know if i agree with that either?

Sorry for the long post!

Maybe if you dont want to be spending your money you shouldnt breed cats!!! You will have to make sure they are safe and dont get out,you will need to secure windows,it can be very uncomfortable during the summer to have your doors and windows closed,ideally you need to get window guards.Also a out side pen is very important(i think)its nice for the cats,a change of scenery,and fresh air and birdwatching.What about when kittens are born and they need money spent on worming flea treatment etc(and adults)All you will be doing from the start is spending a considerable amount of money.Also you risk sreading diseases from having outside cats mixing with indoors,and you cant have catflaps.I wouldnt care what my garden looks like as long as my cats are happy.

Kay73 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 06:51 PM

Hi, Clare7577's hubby made my cat run so i can open the kitchen window, and get fresh air, and the cats can have a safe outdoor space. its powder coated in racing green with a poly carbonate roof for maximum light. he also made two shelves for the cats to sit on!
best part is no wood to catch woodworm off the neighbours rotten fence lol

Saynamore · #10 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxSaffronxx

Hi All

I would like some views and advice.................

I am about to become a breeder and because of this, my new pedigree kitties cannot go outside and will be house cats.

BUT

I have 2 other "moggies" whom go outside freely and use the cat flap. It has been drilled into me that cats should be allowed their freedom to go outside, even though deep down I would rather keep them in because of the numerous "dangers". I have lost many kitties over the years from them straying or getting hit by cars or ending up in fights with neighbourhood cats.

Should I let my "Moggies" continue to go outside when I have my pedigrees? Or should I keep them all inside?

Would it be cruel to now keep my "moggies" inside when they are used to going outside?

Also, when I used to keep the cats in at my old house (road was too busy) my partner was sometimes a bit careless and they managed to get out by accident. If it were to keep the cats in - how do I open the windows and stuff in summer when it gets hot?
I dont really want to spend loads of money on converting my garden and nor do I want to sepnd money on those mesh things that you can put over your windows.
The only other thing I can think of is a play pen for them all to go in - but then they could be in that for hours and i dont know if i agree with that either?

Sorry for the long post!

I think I can reply to this one. Until my old moggie died earlier this year, she was the only cat (out of 16 that went outside). She used to cry at the door to go out and the Persians did not. I wouldnt have the cat flap (seal it up) and just let your moggies out as usual in the old-fashioned way by opening the door for them.

That way you are in control, the moggies will probably be streetwise anyway whereas pedigrees usually arnt. Dont know how old the mogs are but they may not re-adapt to indoor life anyway but it would it would be brillo if they did.

As for ventilation I have one of them there ceiling fan lights in the lounge which are excellent in summer, or you could get window stoppers that only allow your windows to open so far.

Hope this helps

C.x.

ps forgot to add, you can have your garden catproofed, but can be pricey

)))))

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