A cat who has experienced living outdoors beyond the owner's property boundary may become distressed if suddenly kept totally indoors. In these cases cats may begin to display behavioural problems due to the stress of confinement and their health and welfare may be compromised.
Cats can become frustrated and bored with indoor-only lifestyles. Make plenty of time to interact - as your cat won't have the freedom to interact with people/other animals outside, you'll be their main companion. Don't leave them alone too much - you shouldn't leave cats alone for long periods during the day.
Bottom line: AHS veterinarians recommend keeping your cat indoors. But the decision is yours. If you choose to allow your cats outside, take the proper precautions to keep your kitty healthy and safe.
Animal abuse, or animal cruelty is the crime of inflicting physical pain, suffering or death on an animal, usually a tame one, beyond necessity for normal discipline. It can include neglect that is so monstrous (withholding food and water) that the animal has suffered, died or been put in imminent danger of death.
So are cats bad for your mental health? Probably, not. We found that children who were born and raised in households that included cats at any time period – that is, pregnancy, early and late childhood – were not at a higher risk of having psychotic symptoms when they were 13 or 18 years old.
“Cats don't forgive, and once they realize a person is causing them anxiety or hurt, they keep away.” So says John Bradshaw, an anthrozoologist at Bristol University and author of “Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet.”
Keeping the cat safe and well is always most important. Indoor cats live much longer, safer, healthier, and in most ways happier lives than outdoor cats. No, you are not being selfish keeping him indoors. You are acting in his best interest.
Are 'Outdoor Cats' Happier? Cats are happier and healthier when they're safe, which means living indoors. If they're eager to explore outdoors, you can give them opportunities to do so under supervision.
Your cat may get trapped in someone's garage or shed. Outside your cat is more exposed to common parasites such as ticks and worms.
Cons of Indoor Cats
Because cats enjoy roaming and exploring, keeping them inside can lead to boredom. Some indoor cats also experience depression and separation anxiety. To prevent these issues, you must take steps to meet your cat's needs.
Keep him entertained indoors
If your cat keeps wanting to go outside, he may simply be bored. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, scratching posts, and climbing towers can keep your fur baby entertained so he's not constantly meowing at the door. Regular playtime can also help.
Millions of cats spend their entire lives indoors without complaint. They've never been outside and have no desire to venture out. In fact, many become frightened if they accidentally wander out the door.
From October 1, domestic cats will be subject to a “24-hour cat curfew”. This means they won't be allowed to wander freely, even outside their own homes.
When your cat is meowing to go out, ignore him. Don't respond in any way. If your cat knows how to walk on a leash, never take him out when he's meowing to go. Instead, use it as another reward for good behavior and take him when he's being quiet or engaging in some type of positive indoor play.
Yes, cats do get lonely. Even though they are extremely independent creatures, they can feel sad and lonely while their owners are away and they are left home alone during the day or over a vacation. They may not show it much, but they do, and just because they don't seem to be lonely, it doesn't mean they aren't.
The BC SPCA recommends that cats live indoors.
Indoor cats have a longer life span than those that go outside. Whether you choose to let your cat out or keep them in, know how to provide them with the best environment to keep them happy and safe.
As mentioned before, a stray cat may come to your house because it needs shelter, food or water. To keep yourself, and your pets safe, there are a few things you should do when a stray arrives at your front door.
Popular indoor cat breeds include the Persian, the Russian Blue and the Ragdoll due to their low activity level and relaxed temperament.
They include, Approaching you (it's a little gesture, but it means they feel safe) Head butting and rubbing. Purring.
Unprovoked aggression, whining, or whimpering. Overly submissive (rolling onto back, tail tucked, urinating) Suddenly avoiding any physical contact. Attempts to bite or scratch when petted.
Inappropriately applied punishment can cause fear, anxiety and owner avoidance, making punishment the least desirable tool for changing behavior. Keep in mind that you are punishing the behavior, not the cat. Punishment should never be considered unless the pet has the means to satisfy its nature and its needs.
Laws requiring cats to be contained to the home or property are increasingly being introduced by local councils around Australia. These laws can take the form of a cat curfew, meaning your cat must be brought inside before dark or a blanket rule that all cats must be kept indoors full time.
An overnight curfew protects your cat from danger. Cats have accidents involving cars, dogs and unkind people primarily at night. They are also more likely to hunt at night, putting themselves and wildlife at risk of injury or death.
Strict cat curfews have been introduced across Australia in a bid to stop them driving other animals to extinction. The drastic move has seen owners face restrictions such as a limit on the number of cats per household and rules that owners must keep the pets on a lead to leave the property.
Stress. Stress is another common reason why cats run away. Cats are creatures of habit – they don't like changes in the household or to their routine.