Please let your cat be a cat!

[Anonymous]

Cats are domesticated.

Watched a fascinating documentary a while back and cats are not as domesticated as dogs. Dogs have developed a natural dependency and tendency to look toward humans for help. There is an experiment with dogs and wolves that has the animal try to access food that is in a box that they can't open. The dog will stop and go to the human to help get the food. The wolf will continue to ignore the human and keep trying to get the food or give up. Cats have a similar as wolves. A domesticated cat has lost its fear of humans and is less aggressive but it never developed the consistent dependency that dogs do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This trend of not allowing cats to be normal cats and never go outside is just cruel to the cats. An indoor/outdoor cat may not live to be 28 years old but cats were not designed to live until they are this old. Its better to let it have a happy life. Indoor/outdoor cats are so much more pleasant and don't have any of the crazy problems like peeing all over the house or ripping up furniture that you see in indoor cats ALL THE TIME. An indoor/outdoor cat doesn't get bored or destructive. It enjoys being a cat and in the end is a better companion.

Free your cat.

My indoor/outdoor cat lived to be 22, and spent many of those years peeing all over my house and ripping up my furniture. But, I agree that all of my cats have been happier for being allowed to go outside.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please do not. I don't want to be at risk of toxoplasmosis from gardening in my own private yard while pregnant. Asshat.

All the "outdoor" cats used the kids sandbox in our yard as a litter box; so much for that built in sandbox / swing set. I wondered why the family didn't stay in the house. Nasty.

One neighborhood cat would go into our compost bin every single day, dig through it, and eat out of it. Yes, the cat was our neighbor's but I guess they either didn't feed it or expected the cat to fend for itself. Another neighbors cat got trapped in our garage while we were on vacation.

We have a totally indoor cat who has never peed on the floor or scratched up the furniture, has coughed up a few hairballs. If you don't let your cat outside, they will be fine. One of my friends has trained her cat to use the toilet, that is one smart cat! Some of the "let cats be cats" people don't even spay or neuter, so then there are even more unwanted outdoor cats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I was a kid, my family had a couple of cats, both were indoor/outdoor cats. They lived long lives and died in the house. The only problem I would have now with having indoor/outdoor cats is that I wouldn't like them to be pooping on the neighbors property.

Yes, I do believe that a cat that's locked up in a house 24/7 will likely live longer than an outdoor cat but it's natural instincts have been suppressed.

Cats are domesticated.

Really? I've seen "domesticated" cats when they see a bird in the street. They crouch down and slowly move towards its prey just like a lion does in the jungle when it sees dinner. It's amazing that their actions are so similar.

Yes, dogs do that as well. They, too, are domesticated.

I think the point that was being made, is that the "domesticated" cat even though it hasn't been anywhere near the jungle, shares the same instincts as a wild big cat in the jungle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I was a kid, my family had a couple of cats, both were indoor/outdoor cats. They lived long lives and died in the house. The only problem I would have now with having indoor/outdoor cats is that I wouldn't like them to be pooping on the neighbors property.

Yes, I do believe that a cat that's locked up in a house 24/7 will likely live longer than an outdoor cat but it's natural instincts have been suppressed.

Cats are domesticated.

Really? I've seen "domesticated" cats when they see a bird in the street. They crouch down and slowly move towards its prey just like a lion does in the jungle when it sees dinner. It's amazing that their actions are so similar.

Yes, dogs do that as well. They, too, are domesticated.

I think the point that was being made, is that the "domesticated" cat even though it hasn't been anywhere near the jungle, shares the same instincts as a wild big cat in the jungle.

How does that translate to it being ok for cats to roam suburban neighborhoods, killing native bird species, pooping in gardens and sandboxes, developing worm issues from eating rodents, being prey for coyotes and foxes, and being hit by cars?

It doesn't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This trend of not allowing cats to be normal cats and never go outside is just cruel to the cats. An indoor/outdoor cat may not live to be 28 years old but cats were not designed to live until they are this old. Its better to let it have a happy life. Indoor/outdoor cats are so much more pleasant and don't have any of the crazy problems like peeing all over the house or ripping up furniture that you see in indoor cats ALL THE TIME. An indoor/outdoor cat doesn't get bored or destructive. It enjoys being a cat and in the end is a better companion.

Free your cat.

Sure. Great idea. Until the cat gets sick. Or hit by a car. Or worse - just never comes home.

And then there is the defecating in other peoples' yards. Or the killing of songbirds and other species.

So, yeah, no.

I've had cats for 40 years. All indoor. All lived to be near 20 years old (save one who was a rescue from a very bad situation and was unhealthy). All were very happy, I assure you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I was a kid, my family had a couple of cats, both were indoor/outdoor cats. They lived long lives and died in the house. The only problem I would have now with having indoor/outdoor cats is that I wouldn't like them to be pooping on the neighbors property.

Yes, I do believe that a cat that's locked up in a house 24/7 will likely live longer than an outdoor cat but it's natural instincts have been suppressed.

Cats are domesticated.

Really? I've seen "domesticated" cats when they see a bird in the street. They crouch down and slowly move towards its prey just like a lion does in the jungle when it sees dinner. It's amazing that their actions are so similar.

Yes, dogs do that as well. They, too, are domesticated.

I think the point that was being made, is that the "domesticated" cat even though it hasn't been anywhere near the jungle, shares the same instincts as a wild big cat in the jungle.

How does that translate to it being ok for cats to roam suburban neighborhoods, killing native bird species, pooping in gardens and sandboxes, developing worm issues from eating rodents, being prey for coyotes and foxes, and being hit by cars?

It doesn't.

Correct. My cat also crouches and preys on pipe cleaners, feathers on a shoe string, catnip mice, his laser toy, and his own tail. He's just fine in the house, thanks.

[Anonymous]

Our two cats are inside cats. They are cleaner, safer and don’t eat disgusting things. I’m mot letting my cat out to be killed by another animal or run over by a car. No way. I love them too much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This trend of not allowing cats to be normal cats and never go outside is just cruel to the cats. An indoor/outdoor cat may not live to be 28 years old but cats were not designed to live until they are this old. Its better to let it have a happy life. Indoor/outdoor cats are so much more pleasant and don't have any of the crazy problems like peeing all over the house or ripping up furniture that you see in indoor cats ALL THE TIME. An indoor/outdoor cat doesn't get bored or destructive. It enjoys being a cat and in the end is a better companion.

Free your cat.

My indoor cats have never marked territory or ripped up furniture
They are very happy and well loved.

Let your kids roam free!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As long as you have a coyote roller on your fence that stops your cat from going out of your yard, fine.

It's beyond obnoxious to let one of your animals roam around onto others' property.

+1 If I have to keep my dogs in control and on a leash, you shouldn't be able to allow your cats to roam the neighborhood and be on other people's property.

I don't have a cat or a dog, but dogs bark and bite and poop on properties. Cats typically don't do any of that. We love when our neighbor's cat visits.

I love cats but they most certainly poop on your property. They can also fight, bite and scratch you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I was a kid, my family had a couple of cats, both were indoor/outdoor cats. They lived long lives and died in the house. The only problem I would have now with having indoor/outdoor cats is that I wouldn't like them to be pooping on the neighbors property.

Yes, I do believe that a cat that's locked up in a house 24/7 will likely live longer than an outdoor cat but it's natural instincts have been suppressed.

Cats are domesticated.

Really? I've seen "domesticated" cats when they see a bird in the street. They crouch down and slowly move towards its prey just like a lion does in the jungle when it sees dinner. It's amazing that their actions are so similar.

Yes, dogs do that as well. They, too, are domesticated.

I think the point that was being made, is that the "domesticated" cat even though it hasn't been anywhere near the jungle, shares the same instincts as a wild big cat in the jungle.

How does that translate to it being ok for cats to roam suburban neighborhoods, killing native bird species, pooping in gardens and sandboxes, developing worm issues from eating rodents, being prey for coyotes and foxes, and being hit by cars?

It doesn't.

The cats my family had when I was a child never had any of the problems that you have mentioned and they were outdoor cats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I was a kid, my family had a couple of cats, both were indoor/outdoor cats. They lived long lives and died in the house. The only problem I would have now with having indoor/outdoor cats is that I wouldn't like them to be pooping on the neighbors property.

Yes, I do believe that a cat that's locked up in a house 24/7 will likely live longer than an outdoor cat but it's natural instincts have been suppressed.

Cats are domesticated.

Really? I've seen "domesticated" cats when they see a bird in the street. They crouch down and slowly move towards its prey just like a lion does in the jungle when it sees dinner. It's amazing that their actions are so similar.

Yes, dogs do that as well. They, too, are domesticated.

I think the point that was being made, is that the "domesticated" cat even though it hasn't been anywhere near the jungle, shares the same instincts as a wild big cat in the jungle.

How does that translate to it being ok for cats to roam suburban neighborhoods, killing native bird species, pooping in gardens and sandboxes, developing worm issues from eating rodents, being prey for coyotes and foxes, and being hit by cars?

It doesn't.

The cats my family had when I was a child never had any of the problems that you have mentioned and they were outdoor cats.

Yes, I am sure you followed them around to keep them from pooping in other people’s yards and killing wildlife.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I was a kid, my family had a couple of cats, both were indoor/outdoor cats. They lived long lives and died in the house. The only problem I would have now with having indoor/outdoor cats is that I wouldn't like them to be pooping on the neighbors property.

Yes, I do believe that a cat that's locked up in a house 24/7 will likely live longer than an outdoor cat but it's natural instincts have been suppressed.

Cats are domesticated.

Really? I've seen "domesticated" cats when they see a bird in the street. They crouch down and slowly move towards its prey just like a lion does in the jungle when it sees dinner. It's amazing that their actions are so similar.

Yes, dogs do that as well. They, too, are domesticated.

I think the point that was being made, is that the "domesticated" cat even though it hasn't been anywhere near the jungle, shares the same instincts as a wild big cat in the jungle.

How does that translate to it being ok for cats to roam suburban neighborhoods, killing native bird species, pooping in gardens and sandboxes, developing worm issues from eating rodents, being prey for coyotes and foxes, and being hit by cars?

It doesn't.

The cats my family had when I was a child never had any of the problems that you have mentioned and they were outdoor cats.

Yes, I am sure you followed them around to keep them from pooping in other people’s yards and killing wildlife.

Cats are animals. When you stop them from killing wildlife, you're interfering with what they're bred to do. But if you feel that bad about fluffy eating a bird, you can put a bell on her neck. But keeping an animal indoors all day is sad and cruel, especially if you have only one cat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I was a kid, my family had a couple of cats, both were indoor/outdoor cats. They lived long lives and died in the house. The only problem I would have now with having indoor/outdoor cats is that I wouldn't like them to be pooping on the neighbors property.

Yes, I do believe that a cat that's locked up in a house 24/7 will likely live longer than an outdoor cat but it's natural instincts have been suppressed.

Cats are domesticated.

Really? I've seen "domesticated" cats when they see a bird in the street. They crouch down and slowly move towards its prey just like a lion does in the jungle when it sees dinner. It's amazing that their actions are so similar.

Yes, dogs do that as well. They, too, are domesticated.

I think the point that was being made, is that the "domesticated" cat even though it hasn't been anywhere near the jungle, shares the same instincts as a wild big cat in the jungle.

How does that translate to it being ok for cats to roam suburban neighborhoods, killing native bird species, pooping in gardens and sandboxes, developing worm issues from eating rodents, being prey for coyotes and foxes, and being hit by cars?

It doesn't.

The cats my family had when I was a child never had any of the problems that you have mentioned and they were outdoor cats.

Yes, I am sure you followed them around to keep them from pooping in other people’s yards and killing wildlife.

Cats are animals. When you stop them from killing wildlife, you're interfering with what they're bred to do. But if you feel that bad about fluffy eating a bird, you can put a bell on her neck. But keeping an animal indoors all day is sad and cruel, especially if you have only one cat.

What’s “sad and cruel” is bringing an animal artificially into an environment that they were not naturally in, and then allowing them to kill local native wildlife and terrorize neighbors by going into their property without their permission.

Cats carry bacteria that is known to cause miscarriages. Many people also have allergies to cats and don’t appreciate them sitting on outdoor firniture, etc.

If you choose to keep an animal, fine. But keep it on your own property.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I was a kid, my family had a couple of cats, both were indoor/outdoor cats. They lived long lives and died in the house. The only problem I would have now with having indoor/outdoor cats is that I wouldn't like them to be pooping on the neighbors property.

Yes, I do believe that a cat that's locked up in a house 24/7 will likely live longer than an outdoor cat but it's natural instincts have been suppressed.

Cats are domesticated.

Really? I've seen "domesticated" cats when they see a bird in the street. They crouch down and slowly move towards its prey just like a lion does in the jungle when it sees dinner. It's amazing that their actions are so similar.

Yes, dogs do that as well. They, too, are domesticated.

I think the point that was being made, is that the "domesticated" cat even though it hasn't been anywhere near the jungle, shares the same instincts as a wild big cat in the jungle.

How does that translate to it being ok for cats to roam suburban neighborhoods, killing native bird species, pooping in gardens and sandboxes, developing worm issues from eating rodents, being prey for coyotes and foxes, and being hit by cars?

It doesn't.

The cats my family had when I was a child never had any of the problems that you have mentioned and they were outdoor cats.

Yes, I am sure you followed them around to keep them from pooping in other people’s yards and killing wildlife.

Yes I did.