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We all debate the "outdoor" "indoor" cat frequently...okay, what is the definition?
Jasper is in the house all of the time. I don't let him out when I am at work or at night.
Today, I went out to the car, and Jasper wanted some fresh air, I let him "out". I went back inside, closed the door. Ten minutes later, I hear his distinctive "Meow" at the door, he is done being an "outside" cat.
That is pretty much the extent of his outdoor adventures.
Now, some people would say Jasper should be inside ALL the time. His ten minutes of being outside was irresponsible of me. He could get lost or hurt. (Note: he goes under the same bush, and just hangs there).
This has occurred in small stages. My last cat, Beau, was too stupid to ever be allowed outside. He had no clue about directions. He would wander.
Jasper has demonstrated consistently that he goes under his bush, does not leave his "stake out".
He does get annoyed though, when he goes out, and I don't chase him any more. That is the "game", he goes out, and I am "supposed" to run around the yard trying to get him.
I know you've opened this up for discussion, so I will say I voted that I think he can be an "outside cat" as little or much as you think best.
Folks have very strong personal opinions about this issue and some would seemingly make it a morality issue, which it just isn't. I have confidence that you will do whatever is best for your situation and your creature!
We all debate the "outdoor" "indoor" cat frequently...okay, what is the definition?
To me the definition is a cat that comes and goes pretty much at will. Either through a cat door or someone opens it for him. And he or she is free to wander anywhere they choose (no cat-proof fence).
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Now, some people would say Jasper should be inside ALL the time. His ten minutes of being outside was irresponsible of me. He could get lost or hurt. (Note: he goes under the same bush, and just hangs there).
What do you think?
I would say in time he will tend to wander as he gets more comfortable with the area around your house. At the moment, if he's out there alone, he's an indoor-outdoor cat.
My cats are always indoor cats, but they -like- being outside, so I let them. I go with them, and supervise. My current cat and I enjoy gardening together. She prunes the catnip plants while I weed the oregano patch. Then she rolls around in the dirt for awhile, which puts her scent on the stones, and keeps the rabbits away from my herbs. Sometimes she barks at garden snakes, which is always entertaining.
The upshot of this is - if you can go out and be WITH your cat, there's no reason why your cat shouldn't ever be allowed past the doorway.
Yes. I agree. He may get more adventurous. Which is why I monitor him.
So, for now, it will stay at ten minutes or less. And with supervision. I worry more about other cats. Jasper is declawed. He would be defenseless against any creatures. He is also very pampered.
It seems okay for now.
He is an indoor cat. I could never just let a cat wander, like all day outside if I was at work. I would worry all day.
Nimbus used to act like he wanted to go outside until the one time I took him out on his harness. I let him wear the harness (no leash) in the house until he got comfortable in it and quit spazzing out. Then I clipped on the leash and out we went. It scared the bajeezus outta him and he wanted to hide. Also it was cold. We were out less than five minutes and it was obvious we needed to go back in.
After that, when I try to come back in the sliding glass door from smoking out on the back deck/porch thing...I tap the glass and he politely backs up about a foot and sits there while I come in. He likes to watch Cat TV but doesn't really want in on the action.
I keep thinking I should expand his world by trying again with the leash when it's warmer, and/or building an enclosure for him...but honestly it's more me wanting to spoil the cat, than any real need I think he actually has. He's happy in his house.
One of the things I worried about when taking over Fiona's care was that she might bolt out the door when I opened it. Remember, she's front declawed (her previous person did that horrible thing to her. . .) and so I was anxious concerning this.
But my fears were ungrounded; she runs away from that opening door, even when it's just I who am returning. I'm so relieved about this and it's also good because I don't have to worry when guests come, or deliveries, etc. If she' curious enough, after the door is closed, she shows up.
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"Is Jasper an "outside cat"?
But my fears were ungrounded; she runs away from that opening door, even when it's just I who am returning. I'm so relieved about this and it's also good because I don't have to worry when guests come, or deliveries, etc. If she' curious enough, after the door is closed, she shows up.
