Me and my bf and Ty and Luna have recently moved frm quite a big 2 bed house to a small apartment.
I have always said Tiberius and Luna would be indoor kitties but tht was at the old house when they had a huge downstairs with living room, massive kitchen, upstairs, 2 bedrooms and big bathroom. Now we live in a teeny apartment and they have nowhere to run around as much. Ty sits at the window most of the day and jus looks like hes dying to get out. This scares the hell out me but im worried hes bored in such cramped conditions.
We live on the ground floor and have worked out if we put a wheely bin outside our window he could jump up and down to get in and out.
Luna is too tiny yet and has not been "done" so i would probably wait til shes bigger and can join Ty or theres gonna be some kitty jealousy lol.
The only thing im worried about is them not comin back!!! I dunno how to go about it, this was not my original plan to let them out and i am by no means happy but if it means my kitties are then so be it. Any advice would be great.
Daily Kitten Chat Forum » General Chat
To let out or not to let out.....
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Posted 1 year ago by Tiberiusmum #
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Hello, just to let you know that we're not meant to discuss indoor vs outdoor cats on here, as listed in the instructions from Kittenmaster. I know it is a hard choice to make and there are a lot of factors and things to consider, but the topic tends to get quite heated between people who do different things. People might chime in with some advice anyway, but most probably won't comment, so don't take it personally!
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I agree with Jeankit, make sure it's a safe neighborhood. The last apt complex hubby and I lived in was very animal friendly and across the way this guy on the floor level had about three cats he let out for a few hours during the day. One of them used to come and visit us on the weekends...very friendly cat.
Have you thought about getting a harness/leash to start off with and see how it goes? -
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I only have two things to add. Cats love looking out windows, it's like TV for them. It doesn't necessarily mean they want to go outside. Cali loves windows but really has no interest in being in the yard. Also you said it wasn't in your plan. If you don't feel comfortable then go with what you feel comfortable with. As others have point out cats are very adaptable.
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Thanks for the advice, will have to think about it. I didnt know it was a topic that was not allowed apologies!!
Posted 1 year ago by Tiberiusmum #
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Leela and Comet are my first indoor-only kitties. It has been an adjustment for me. I loved being in my backyard with Shaddo and Jiggs nearby and I do miss that, but then again, I miss the Shaddo/Jiggs era anyway! Somehow, I got them to stay relatively close. They learned that they had to "check in" when I whistled for them.
I am happy with keeping my current duo indoors. They have lots of toys, comfy places to snooze and they seem happy to look out the window. Added bonuses: I don't have to take an inventory when I hear a cat fight, fewer emergency trips to the vet, and I can invite birds to my yard to feed. Years ago, Shaddo got a male Robin and, adding insult to injury, got a baby too. Mama Robin stopped singing and screamed at him whenever she saw him. It was a long summer!
Oh, and they are both microchipped, just in case.Posted 1 year ago by JoanfromNewJersey #
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Cats love those hammocks/beds that fit on the window sill. They can watch "kitty TV" then take a little nap, then watch some more.
Posted 1 year ago by CheetahBoysmommy #
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Leela has one of those perches that you put under the windowsill & there's a tree right outside - she loves it! There's a piece of furniture in the kitchen that's right at windowsill level and our luggage is stashed behind the futon in the living room, covered with an afghan and a cat bed - perfect!
Posted 1 year ago by JoanfromNewJersey #
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Aww The Shaddo and Jiggs Era - I love that.
Posted 1 year ago by HuddysMama #
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Duchess lives in a study and bedroom and she never wants to go outside, she associates going outside with going to the VET! But it is definitely personal opinion.
I would never let Duchess out anyway because we live near a busy intersection. So like everyone said you really have to think about everything before you do something.
And the cats will adjust don't worry. Duchess used to live in a crate when she was tiny and had to be relegated back to that crate when she was spayed and she never wanted to seem to come out. So I would think carefully before you make a big decision like that.
I would let them look at the "TV" and they'll be okay. As long as they have room to eat, sleep, and play, they'll adjust to a small play space.
Posted 1 year ago by Duchess&&Gabriel #
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Have you considered a cat enclosure of some kind? For example the ones at : www.kittywalksystems.com/ Never tried as my cats have to be strictly inside, but that seems like a good alternative. I think your decision should depend on the proximity to roads, wild animals and the amount crime in the area. Also, if you are going to do that, I would get Luna fixed ASAP because with all the opening and closing of doors, it'll be easier for her to run out when she's in heat. (which can happen as early as 4 or 5 months old!).
You also may want to just build perches or cat climbers in your apt and maybe play with them a bit more, instead of letting them outside. Ditto what others said about windows being "feline TV"
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You should consider getting a cat leash. That way they are safe and with you when they are out and can still experience the outdoors, but they will be inside and safe and sound from predators and cars most of the time :)
My boys love their leashes and go out in even sand or snow or grass!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3447421505_dbfac6e531.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/3223129917_b3dc6022b4.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3444379411_9924000366.jpgThey get their outdoor happy time while being safe on a leash always within reach
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Oh, I love to see new photos of that handsome Feeny. Taco is gorgeous too, but I have a soft spot for Feeny.
Posted 1 year ago by CheetahBoysmommy #
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I love Feeny too, CBM. He reminds me of my Mavvy, and seems to have just as much spunk!!! I love all kitties, but brindles are special to me.
Posted 1 year ago by HuddysMama #
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Feeny and Taco are so brave!!! If I showed Windi the ocean she would probably degringalate on the spot! Sweet little girl is afraid of everything!
What about one of these?
Posted 1 year ago by WillowandWindismom #
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And then there is this:
http://www.petstorebyconny.com/site/785824/product/Pet-Stroller-Ultra-Light-PG-002
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They need one of those big enough for multiple kitties, Leeny. I'd take my boys for a walk in it.
Posted 1 year ago by HuddysMama #
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*sigh* Windi got scared just looking at the picture of the pet stroller.....
Posted 1 year ago by WillowandWindismom #
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So this has nothing to do with the topic at hand, but I must admit, Luna is a very beautiful kitten! And of course Ty is a handsome kitty!
Posted 1 year ago by Duchess&&Gabriel #
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For those of you who take your cats outside on walks using leashes, does it make them want outside more? I would love to try and see if I can get Jax use to going on walks with me but because he was a stray I'm afraid to get him use to going outside incase he escapes. My apt is right off a very busy main road and I'm afraid if he gets out he will be gone.
I bought a kitten sized harness when Ducky was little and I got it on him once. He is the kinda cat you can't even put a collar on because he gets it in his mouth and pulls it off.
I wonder though if I can get a big enough one for Jax as he is close to 20 lbs and needs to lose some weight haha
Posted 1 year ago by JaxDuckyChloe #
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Here you go, HM:
http://www.petstorebyconny.com/site/785824/product/Double-Pet-Stroller-KWPSDD100
I took my Katie out on leash because she used to run into the hall of the apartment building in which we were living at the time. Every day for many months I'd meet her at the door and take her for a walk. Then one day, she decided she didn't want to do it any more, and that was the end of it.
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LOL!! I've considered the 'cat' stroller, but, I, too, am worried that Grommie may want to 'get outside' once she's been outside in a stroller; she might seize an opportunity to go out on her own if/when the door was opened ... She's been an inside only kit since she was 8 weeks old.
I don't like the 'leash' idea because she might get fleas or 'who knows what' critter if she could walk around in the yard.
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Hi! - if you decide to let them have outside access, you need some wa of calling them in again when you want/need to - most car/predator related incidents happen at night so it's best to have them in then, and you may need to get hold of them for soemthing like a vet's appointment.
Ours are trained to come to a series of short, sharp whistles, knowing that they get a special food treat when they come. If you make the noise (doesn't have to be a whistle, but it carries far) when giving them a treat a few times indoors, they'll soon learn what it means - cats aren't daft when it comes to treats!
You'd also need to have them micro-chipped and preferably wearing collars to indicate ownership.
Posted 1 year ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #
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Jax, I used to take Dot out on weekends during the nice monthes. She was fine & would let me know when she wanted to go in (about 20 min of fresh air was enough.) Crockey on the other had liked to stay out longer. I've stopped airing them out because of fleas. I do treat them for fleas but found that they were more prone to them/esp Crockey upon their visits outside.(Probably because of the feral cats who sometimes hang around.) If you need to make a larger harness you can use a more pliable thinner belt. Just cross it over & use a med size round keyring fastner as center part to hook leash to. Cut belt to correct length & add your own holes for adjustment. Tee Hee...Emma!
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