i hate people "saving" dogs graphic warning
- Thread starter Pops2
- Start date
We don't have a leash law where I live, but we do have a nuisance law. And if you look closely, taking care of the problem onesself is an ok action to put an end to a nuisance dog/cat/whatever. AC will only come out if the animal has bitten someone or if you harrass them enough and the animal is currently on your property.
However, it was that long ago that we had an old fashioned giddyup party when some cattle got loose and decided to go roaming. Nothing like seeing men on horseback galloping away with lassos a'flyin................
However, it was that long ago that we had an old fashioned giddyup party when some cattle got loose and decided to go roaming. Nothing like seeing men on horseback galloping away with lassos a'flyin................
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2009
- Messages
- 25
- Likes
- 0
- Points
- 0
But the question is why has it always been like this. What is the mentality, the unstated assumptions, that allowed this status quo to develop and continue? Could it possibly be because cats were/are at a subconscious level deemed by society to be inferior to dogs, somehow warranting less protection? Just food for thought.
Also, Dizzy and some of the others who have no problem letting their cats roam because, for example,they come back home at night, etc.
I am going to break down this argument and if you could please tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following, that would be good:
1. We cannot guarantee that our cats will come home at night. Agree or disagree?
2. There is always a chance that if they are out there unsupervised, that harm will befall them. Agree or disagree? (Forget about the property damage issues right now, not that they are not important but for now I want to ascertain your position on risks to THEIR well being).
3. if you have agreed with number 2 above, and you still allow your cats outdoors unsupervised, then presumably you are prepared to take the chance. Please tell me WHY you are prepared to take that chance:
a) Because the risk of your cat getting poisoned by an asshole is minimal
b) Because the risk of your cat getting seriously injured by wild animals is minimal
c) Because the risk of your cat getting hit by a car or killed or injured for any other reason is minimal
d) Because the risk of your cat getting injured (which you acknowledge) is outweighed by the fact that if he lives indoors, he has no quality of life and it is cruel. He will be bored, etc etc.
e) All of the above.
f) How do your respond to the following statement: Even if their is a slight risk, it is too much of a risk because our cats our precious members of our family, and we should keep them stimulated happy and healthy in a manner that does not ential said risk. Isnt any risk of losing your beloved family member and friend to a brutal violent death TOO much of a risk? May I hear some responses to this specific question please.
If you agree with the statement in D above, please consider these questions:
1. There are many ways to keep your cat stimulated and happy, active and busy INDOORS.
2. You can always take a bit of time to spend with your cat outdoors, supervised. We spend time walking our dog, so why not spend some time giving our cats their outdoor time SUPERVISED?
3. Finally, please answer this question. Why do you choose to let your cat out UNSUPERVISED as opposed to SUPERVISED outdoor time? Is it a lack of time? Too busy? Cannot be bothered? Other? Please explain if you care to.
Thanks.
Also, Dizzy and some of the others who have no problem letting their cats roam because, for example,they come back home at night, etc.
I am going to break down this argument and if you could please tell me whether you agree or disagree with the following, that would be good:
1. We cannot guarantee that our cats will come home at night. Agree or disagree?
2. There is always a chance that if they are out there unsupervised, that harm will befall them. Agree or disagree? (Forget about the property damage issues right now, not that they are not important but for now I want to ascertain your position on risks to THEIR well being).
3. if you have agreed with number 2 above, and you still allow your cats outdoors unsupervised, then presumably you are prepared to take the chance. Please tell me WHY you are prepared to take that chance:
a) Because the risk of your cat getting poisoned by an asshole is minimal
b) Because the risk of your cat getting seriously injured by wild animals is minimal
c) Because the risk of your cat getting hit by a car or killed or injured for any other reason is minimal
d) Because the risk of your cat getting injured (which you acknowledge) is outweighed by the fact that if he lives indoors, he has no quality of life and it is cruel. He will be bored, etc etc.
e) All of the above.
f) How do your respond to the following statement: Even if their is a slight risk, it is too much of a risk because our cats our precious members of our family, and we should keep them stimulated happy and healthy in a manner that does not ential said risk. Isnt any risk of losing your beloved family member and friend to a brutal violent death TOO much of a risk? May I hear some responses to this specific question please.
If you agree with the statement in D above, please consider these questions:
1. There are many ways to keep your cat stimulated and happy, active and busy INDOORS.
2. You can always take a bit of time to spend with your cat outdoors, supervised. We spend time walking our dog, so why not spend some time giving our cats their outdoor time SUPERVISED?
3. Finally, please answer this question. Why do you choose to let your cat out UNSUPERVISED as opposed to SUPERVISED outdoor time? Is it a lack of time? Too busy? Cannot be bothered? Other? Please explain if you care to.
Thanks.
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2009
- Messages
- 25
- Likes
- 0
- Points
- 0
Also, I would like to alter the "Fluffy conundrum" if you will and would like to hear Dizzy', Punky's or another person's response who thinks that unsupervised kitty travels are perfectlty acceptable.
In addition to Fluffy posing no threat whatsoever to even an ant (you know what I mean), assume further that Fluffy is as independent as the most independant of cats, and that he could scavenge for food, etc if need be.WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO LET YOUR FLUFFY ROAM OUTSIDE UNSUPERVISED?
In addition to Fluffy posing no threat whatsoever to even an ant (you know what I mean), assume further that Fluffy is as independent as the most independant of cats, and that he could scavenge for food, etc if need be.WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO LET YOUR FLUFFY ROAM OUTSIDE UNSUPERVISED?
punky
cats wander a hell of a lot farther than you think. my greyX has killed them in the wilderness area, more than 4 miles from the nearest inhabited homes. i barely saved one that had a flea collar & ran to me for protection. (i gave it the benefit of the doubt that it had been intentionally abandoned and took it to the local HS. it sat in my lap purring during the ride. & i'm allergic to the nasty little beasts.)
punky & compassionategirl
TNR is NOT cool it only fosters the irresponsiblity and allows the continued ecological damage. even after denying cats do any damage, Dizzy posted the Wisconsin study that estimated 200-220 million birds are killed by free roaming cats in WI ALONE. the study only counted birds killed, so there is no estimate on mammals, reptiles & amphibians. the same study (conducted in a National forest) gave OBSERVED successful stalk rates of 75% for cats identified as living in nearby neighborhoods, 66% for ferals and 60% for bobs. due to differences in hunting technique fox, raccoon & other mammalian predators were found marginally effective at hunting healthy adult birds but were more significant nest predators. only raptors achieved similar success rates. success rates were based on kills made versus stalks attempted so 75% means they killed 3 of every 4 birds they stalked. the study then extrapolated the annual take for the area and used population estimates, & densities and overlap between the cats & birds in WI to acheive the 200-220 million estimate. assuming the same margin of error as the global warming computer models, 400%, that would still mean 50-55 MILLION birds in WI alone. however i doubt the margin is that high since the study has stood up against peer revue. although unsuccessful the study was used in an attempt to reinstate a bounty program on feral cats that existed in the state prior to WWII.
Dizzy
i spend a bit of time on a couple of forums dedicated to country pursuits in Britain & Ireland. your countrymen are not as widely supportive of your stance as you believe. quite a few take the same route that many do in the USA of quietly disposing of the free roaming cats that cause the same problems we face of property damage and disturbance of peace. so when one goes missing or dies from mysterious circumstances, you'll know that it wasn't as close ranging and harmless as the others.
cats wander a hell of a lot farther than you think. my greyX has killed them in the wilderness area, more than 4 miles from the nearest inhabited homes. i barely saved one that had a flea collar & ran to me for protection. (i gave it the benefit of the doubt that it had been intentionally abandoned and took it to the local HS. it sat in my lap purring during the ride. & i'm allergic to the nasty little beasts.)
punky & compassionategirl
TNR is NOT cool it only fosters the irresponsiblity and allows the continued ecological damage. even after denying cats do any damage, Dizzy posted the Wisconsin study that estimated 200-220 million birds are killed by free roaming cats in WI ALONE. the study only counted birds killed, so there is no estimate on mammals, reptiles & amphibians. the same study (conducted in a National forest) gave OBSERVED successful stalk rates of 75% for cats identified as living in nearby neighborhoods, 66% for ferals and 60% for bobs. due to differences in hunting technique fox, raccoon & other mammalian predators were found marginally effective at hunting healthy adult birds but were more significant nest predators. only raptors achieved similar success rates. success rates were based on kills made versus stalks attempted so 75% means they killed 3 of every 4 birds they stalked. the study then extrapolated the annual take for the area and used population estimates, & densities and overlap between the cats & birds in WI to acheive the 200-220 million estimate. assuming the same margin of error as the global warming computer models, 400%, that would still mean 50-55 MILLION birds in WI alone. however i doubt the margin is that high since the study has stood up against peer revue. although unsuccessful the study was used in an attempt to reinstate a bounty program on feral cats that existed in the state prior to WWII.
Dizzy
i spend a bit of time on a couple of forums dedicated to country pursuits in Britain & Ireland. your countrymen are not as widely supportive of your stance as you believe. quite a few take the same route that many do in the USA of quietly disposing of the free roaming cats that cause the same problems we face of property damage and disturbance of peace. so when one goes missing or dies from mysterious circumstances, you'll know that it wasn't as close ranging and harmless as the others.
My mom and grandma both had cats that had constant access to food (free fed) and still were/are hella mousers, even being declawed all around....
Sadly, you see tons of squished kitties around here. I hit one a few years ago out in the country. It was horrible. I cried all the way home. It died instantly and I moved it off the side of the road--it had no tags so I couldn't even notify the owners...
Sadly, you see tons of squished kitties around here. I hit one a few years ago out in the country. It was horrible. I cried all the way home. It died instantly and I moved it off the side of the road--it had no tags so I couldn't even notify the owners...
1. We cannot guarantee that our cats will come home at night. Agree or disagree?
I can't speak for anyone, but ours are in EVERY night. Without fail. It is 10.45pm and they are snuggled on the sofa downstairs as I type
2. There is always a chance that if they are out there unsupervised, that harm will befall them. Agree or disagree? (Forget about the property damage issues right now, not that they are not important but for now I want to ascertain your position on risks to THEIR well being).
Agree, a risk I am prepared to take. Not much different to the risks I take walking my dog off lead and letting her swim in the local river, or every time she encounters rough terrain or a dog she doesn't know.
3. if you have agreed with number 2 above, and you still allow your cats outdoors unsupervised, then presumably you are prepared to take the chance. Please tell me WHY you are prepared to take that chance:
a) Because the risk of your cat getting poisoned by an asshole is minimal
Very minimal.
b) Because the risk of your cat getting seriously injured by wild animals is minimal
Extremely minimal.
c) Because the risk of your cat getting hit by a car or killed or injured for any other reason is minimal
Minimal. We have cars, but I live in a dead end next to a school and pasture land.
d) Because the risk of your cat getting injured (which you acknowledge) is outweighed by the fact that if he lives indoors, he has no quality of life and it is cruel. He will be bored, etc etc.
Indeed. The risk of injury to my cat is minute.
e) All of the above.
I answered each seperately.
f) How do your respond to the following statement: Even if their is a slight risk, it is too much of a risk because our cats our precious members of our family, and we should keep them stimulated happy and healthy in a manner that does not ential said risk. Isnt any risk of losing your beloved family member and friend to a brutal violent death TOO much of a risk? May I hear some responses to this specific question please.
I allow my dog to take risks by walking her offlead, throwing her ball into bushes and allowing her to swim in rivers and lakes. Every time I let her off lead, you could presume I am risking her safety, as there is NEVER a guarentee that something WON'T happen. However, it is a risk I am willing to take, and to me, owning a dog (or cat) is not wrapping them in cotton wool.
If you agree with the statement in D above, please consider these questions:
1. There are many ways to keep your cat stimulated and happy, active and busy INDOORS.
Maybe, there are also lots of ways to exercise my dog on lead, but it does NOT satisfy me or my dog.
2. You can always take a bit of time to spend with your cat outdoors, supervised. We spend time walking our dog, so why not spend some time giving our cats their outdoor time SUPERVISED?
Sometimes I do. However, I am more than happy to let my cat use the cat flap.
3. Finally, please answer this question. Why do you choose to let your cat out UNSUPERVISED as opposed to SUPERVISED outdoor time? Is it a lack of time? Too busy? Cannot be bothered? Other? Please explain if you care to.
Not at all. It is because to me, cat ownership = outdoor time. It is not a case of cat MUST go outdoors. If circumstances dictate I couldn't do it then I wouldn't. There are periods I have kept my cat indoors. There have been periods we have kept other cats indoors. It was miserable, it didn't work for us, we're HAPPY with the risk we take, we love our cats and it's the way it is. If we own a cat with different needs, then so be it. The bengal is NOT a cat you can confine indoors. If you have ever seen a cat PINE you will know what it is like. He is NOT an indoor cat.
I can't speak for anyone, but ours are in EVERY night. Without fail. It is 10.45pm and they are snuggled on the sofa downstairs as I type
2. There is always a chance that if they are out there unsupervised, that harm will befall them. Agree or disagree? (Forget about the property damage issues right now, not that they are not important but for now I want to ascertain your position on risks to THEIR well being).
Agree, a risk I am prepared to take. Not much different to the risks I take walking my dog off lead and letting her swim in the local river, or every time she encounters rough terrain or a dog she doesn't know.
3. if you have agreed with number 2 above, and you still allow your cats outdoors unsupervised, then presumably you are prepared to take the chance. Please tell me WHY you are prepared to take that chance:
a) Because the risk of your cat getting poisoned by an asshole is minimal
Very minimal.
b) Because the risk of your cat getting seriously injured by wild animals is minimal
Extremely minimal.
c) Because the risk of your cat getting hit by a car or killed or injured for any other reason is minimal
Minimal. We have cars, but I live in a dead end next to a school and pasture land.
d) Because the risk of your cat getting injured (which you acknowledge) is outweighed by the fact that if he lives indoors, he has no quality of life and it is cruel. He will be bored, etc etc.
Indeed. The risk of injury to my cat is minute.
e) All of the above.
I answered each seperately.
f) How do your respond to the following statement: Even if their is a slight risk, it is too much of a risk because our cats our precious members of our family, and we should keep them stimulated happy and healthy in a manner that does not ential said risk. Isnt any risk of losing your beloved family member and friend to a brutal violent death TOO much of a risk? May I hear some responses to this specific question please.
I allow my dog to take risks by walking her offlead, throwing her ball into bushes and allowing her to swim in rivers and lakes. Every time I let her off lead, you could presume I am risking her safety, as there is NEVER a guarentee that something WON'T happen. However, it is a risk I am willing to take, and to me, owning a dog (or cat) is not wrapping them in cotton wool.
If you agree with the statement in D above, please consider these questions:
1. There are many ways to keep your cat stimulated and happy, active and busy INDOORS.
Maybe, there are also lots of ways to exercise my dog on lead, but it does NOT satisfy me or my dog.
2. You can always take a bit of time to spend with your cat outdoors, supervised. We spend time walking our dog, so why not spend some time giving our cats their outdoor time SUPERVISED?
Sometimes I do. However, I am more than happy to let my cat use the cat flap.
3. Finally, please answer this question. Why do you choose to let your cat out UNSUPERVISED as opposed to SUPERVISED outdoor time? Is it a lack of time? Too busy? Cannot be bothered? Other? Please explain if you care to.
Not at all. It is because to me, cat ownership = outdoor time. It is not a case of cat MUST go outdoors. If circumstances dictate I couldn't do it then I wouldn't. There are periods I have kept my cat indoors. There have been periods we have kept other cats indoors. It was miserable, it didn't work for us, we're HAPPY with the risk we take, we love our cats and it's the way it is. If we own a cat with different needs, then so be it. The bengal is NOT a cat you can confine indoors. If you have ever seen a cat PINE you will know what it is like. He is NOT an indoor cat.
I know exactly what the country folk think. They also believe working dogs are kept outdoors (full stop - chained to their kennel) and foxes are to be hunted. I do not live in the sticks though. I live in a small market town on the edge of rural land.
If I lived in the city, chances are my cat would be kept indoors (although, she was a city cat and spent the 1st 2 years prowling the mean streets of inner city liverpool), and if I lived near trigger happy farmers, the same.
I can't repeat CONTEXT enough times.
You have asked me the SAME question about 7 times now.
To me (you may have a different opinion) a cat is NOTHING like a dog.
They don't look the same, they don't eat the same, they don't work the same, they don't behave the same, they don't have the same needs.
No matter how wonderfully behaved Fluffy is, or how magically independent he is, he will NEVER be a cat.
Based on that alone, MY BELIEFS - NO I will NEVER let my dog roam.
They are different animals and require different things.
YOU may find that hard to believe. But for me it is the way it is. Cats are not the same as dogs, thus are not treated as one and the same.
And, as for the "pretend you live near me" thing - HOW MANY TIMES do I have to say - USE YOUR OWN HEAD.
I do NOT live near you... So I abide by my own cultural beliefs and my own laws.
Maybe if I DID live near you, I'd have been pumped full of some OTHER crap and be sat here smacking punkys wrists for letting her cats out.
To me (you may have a different opinion) a cat is NOTHING like a dog.
They don't look the same, they don't eat the same, they don't work the same, they don't behave the same, they don't have the same needs.
No matter how wonderfully behaved Fluffy is, or how magically independent he is, he will NEVER be a cat.
Based on that alone, MY BELIEFS - NO I will NEVER let my dog roam.
They are different animals and require different things.
YOU may find that hard to believe. But for me it is the way it is. Cats are not the same as dogs, thus are not treated as one and the same.
And, as for the "pretend you live near me" thing - HOW MANY TIMES do I have to say - USE YOUR OWN HEAD.
I do NOT live near you... So I abide by my own cultural beliefs and my own laws.
Maybe if I DID live near you, I'd have been pumped full of some OTHER crap and be sat here smacking punkys wrists for letting her cats out.
I want to take a sec to pop in and post along the lines of Dekka's question.
When we lived in Arizona, we lived WAY out in the boonies. 18 miles from town, and over a mile from any paved road. Even the dirt roads were all private property and clearly marked no trespassing.
Our dogs (3 good sized dogs.....2 shepherd mixes and a doberman) roamed freely outdoors. No tie outs, no fences. They were their own little "gang" or "pack" They kept coyotes back along with various other animals. They could come in for the evening with the rest of the family and enjoy the house/people.
We also had cats. Same deal as the dogs. They could come and go as they pleased.
All perfectly legal where we lived.
I was a kid/teen and never thought a thing about any of this. We (as kids) ran all over the desert and never thought of all the potential dangers.........so I guess we never thought of them for our pets either.
Then one day one of our dogs were shot at by a distant neighbor.........her tail was "docked" right off by the bullet. We had no idea that she went that far from home, but he (the shooter) came down and told us what happened and he was sorry........he thought she was a coyote getting into his trash barrel.
Long story short........that was the end of the roaming days for the cats and dogs alike.
We didn't want them hurt, and we didn't want them causing anyone else aggravation or damage either.
So I have been on both sides of the coin, and no, I wouldn't let my cat or dog roam anymore.
When we lived in Arizona, we lived WAY out in the boonies. 18 miles from town, and over a mile from any paved road. Even the dirt roads were all private property and clearly marked no trespassing.
Our dogs (3 good sized dogs.....2 shepherd mixes and a doberman) roamed freely outdoors. No tie outs, no fences. They were their own little "gang" or "pack" They kept coyotes back along with various other animals. They could come in for the evening with the rest of the family and enjoy the house/people.
We also had cats. Same deal as the dogs. They could come and go as they pleased.
All perfectly legal where we lived.
I was a kid/teen and never thought a thing about any of this. We (as kids) ran all over the desert and never thought of all the potential dangers.........so I guess we never thought of them for our pets either.
Then one day one of our dogs were shot at by a distant neighbor.........her tail was "docked" right off by the bullet. We had no idea that she went that far from home, but he (the shooter) came down and told us what happened and he was sorry........he thought she was a coyote getting into his trash barrel.
Long story short........that was the end of the roaming days for the cats and dogs alike.
We didn't want them hurt, and we didn't want them causing anyone else aggravation or damage either.
So I have been on both sides of the coin, and no, I wouldn't let my cat or dog roam anymore.
My post wasn't directed at you Dizzy..........I was just answering Dekka's question as to what I would do and why, LOL
I don't presume to tell you what is right for your pets just like I don't want anyone telling me what's right for mine.
Oh, and for what it's worth.........we never dreamed our pets would be shot at either! Never heard of it happening around there before! LOL
I don't presume to tell you what is right for your pets just like I don't want anyone telling me what's right for mine.
Oh, and for what it's worth.........we never dreamed our pets would be shot at either! Never heard of it happening around there before! LOL
So why isn't it right for fluffy to roam loose? Just cause he's not a cat? I know what you have said. I am asking for clarification. My dogs have always stuck much closer to home than any of my cats.
Oh coop that must really have sucked. I lived in on a farm that had a group of 15 to 20 houses on 1/2 acre of so lots. Everyone was wonderful. Mitchel wandered at will. The neighbourhood dogs (who roamed too.. but stayed closer to home that the neighbouring cats) were all cat friendly. All was great till Mitch came home with a hole in the cute little white spot between his eyes. He had been shot with a pellet gun. I kept that little bullet for years. We never found how it happened. The police were even involved.
I was using common sense. But things can still happen. Common sense isn't like a force field.
Oh coop that must really have sucked. I lived in on a farm that had a group of 15 to 20 houses on 1/2 acre of so lots. Everyone was wonderful. Mitchel wandered at will. The neighbourhood dogs (who roamed too.. but stayed closer to home that the neighbouring cats) were all cat friendly. All was great till Mitch came home with a hole in the cute little white spot between his eyes. He had been shot with a pellet gun. I kept that little bullet for years. We never found how it happened. The police were even involved.
I was using common sense. But things can still happen. Common sense isn't like a force field.
What area might that be
I never thought 3 of my cats would just disappear and they did. I suspect a coyote. It could have been a bird of prey too. I learned finally to not be so blase`.
I don't think my neighbors ever thought they'd see a coyote kill their cat and it did.
I don't think the people whose cat it was that I rescued out of the woods at 11:00 at night off the middle of a curvy, country road ever thought either. There they were...in the dark 4 little kittens that I watched a car coming toward me straddle (luckily) as it drove right over them. I jumped from my car and got these kittens and then hunted through pitch dark forest with thick underbrush and blackberry stickers, following the sound of meows coming from the mother. Finally got her and one more baby out of the woods. She was moving them there from who knows where. No one I asked anywhere near owned this cat. I put pictures and adds in the paper. She wasn't feral...she was very tame. Nope....they didn't think their cat would wander.
I don't believe that some other neighbors I had thought that their cat would climb over a 6 foot solid wood fence and be within inches of being torn apart to shreds by my GSD who was death on cats that weren't in our family. That dog had the cat almost between his front paws as he grabbed. The cat ran up the fence and fell back down again and Ajax again pounced with his front legs. Just in the last split of a second, I called him, "Ajax! Come!" He gave up the cat and came. (another dog like my Dobe with a rock solid recall) The cat leapt up on the fence and over the other side. Yup....his owners never thought.
I never thought 3 of my cats would just disappear and they did. I suspect a coyote. It could have been a bird of prey too. I learned finally to not be so blase`.
I don't think my neighbors ever thought they'd see a coyote kill their cat and it did.
I don't think the people whose cat it was that I rescued out of the woods at 11:00 at night off the middle of a curvy, country road ever thought either. There they were...in the dark 4 little kittens that I watched a car coming toward me straddle (luckily) as it drove right over them. I jumped from my car and got these kittens and then hunted through pitch dark forest with thick underbrush and blackberry stickers, following the sound of meows coming from the mother. Finally got her and one more baby out of the woods. She was moving them there from who knows where. No one I asked anywhere near owned this cat. I put pictures and adds in the paper. She wasn't feral...she was very tame. Nope....they didn't think their cat would wander.
I don't believe that some other neighbors I had thought that their cat would climb over a 6 foot solid wood fence and be within inches of being torn apart to shreds by my GSD who was death on cats that weren't in our family. That dog had the cat almost between his front paws as he grabbed. The cat ran up the fence and fell back down again and Ajax again pounced with his front legs. Just in the last split of a second, I called him, "Ajax! Come!" He gave up the cat and came. (another dog like my Dobe with a rock solid recall) The cat leapt up on the fence and over the other side. Yup....his owners never thought.
The point I am trying to make (And I think another person is too), that IF we lived in an area where our cats were at high risk of death, we wouldn't let our cats outside.
IT ALL DEPENDS on WHERE you LIVE. Not everyone lives in the same location, and could be a JUDGE
I agree with Dizzy...A Cat is NOT a dog, therefore repeating over and over again about roaming dogs is pointless.
That would be YOUR dogs. If it were my dogs, they would wander off far away from me (Atleast most of them). As for my cats, they are so used to going outside and its the same old thing, that they don't have a need to go out and wander. There is nothing special. They spend most of their time INSIDE THE HOUSE (As I have stated numerous times), BUT they go outside to **** and ****. As I like it. Dogs don't use litterboxes (Atleast most lol).
I REALLY want a Litter genie (or two or three). If I had a couple of those, my cats would spend even more of their time inside.
IT ALL DEPENDS on WHERE you LIVE. Not everyone lives in the same location, and could be a JUDGE
I agree with Dizzy...A Cat is NOT a dog, therefore repeating over and over again about roaming dogs is pointless.
That would be YOUR dogs. If it were my dogs, they would wander off far away from me (Atleast most of them). As for my cats, they are so used to going outside and its the same old thing, that they don't have a need to go out and wander. There is nothing special. They spend most of their time INSIDE THE HOUSE (As I have stated numerous times), BUT they go outside to **** and ****. As I like it. Dogs don't use litterboxes (Atleast most lol).
I REALLY want a Litter genie (or two or three). If I had a couple of those, my cats would spend even more of their time inside.
It does depend where you live. And on the individual cat. My parents' cat literally will not leave her yard and the only thing she catches is mice. They had a cat years ago (died of liver problems ) who came to them as a stray when she was six months old. And she wouldn't leave the yard either--would get very upset if you tried to move her from the yard, in fact, as I once did as a kid to try to show her off to the neighbors. (She scratched me and ran back to our yard--I never tried it again.)
As far as preying on other animals, this also depends on your location. If you're in Hawaii, for the love of God keep your cat in, those poor native animals have enough problems! But around here, the bird you're most likely to see is the evil English sparrow. I really don't see any other birds in that size range around here at all, because the English sparrows have taken over all their habitat. (They also kill native songbirds and smash their eggs.) In the next category up you get robins, which are native, and starlings, which are horrible interlopers. Then up from that you get native crows, but I don't think most cats would tangle with them, especially since they hang out in groups. The more English sparrows and starlings a cat eats, the better. In any case, my mom's current cat doesn't care about birds in the least and has never caught any.
My kitty trio is indoors-only because I live on a busy street, none of them have any street-smarts (being indoor-only all their lives), and my stupid downstairs neighbor lets her Feline Leukemia positive cat wander loose outside. I do take them for little walks on a harness once in a while. I think it's important for their well-being to be outside sometimes. If I someday get a house, I'd like to put up a catproof fence so I could let them wander around outside, but I just don't trust the world enough to let my cats outdoors without something like that to keep them in.
) who came to them as a stray when she was six months old. And she wouldn't leave the yard either--would get very upset if you tried to move her from the yard, in fact, as I once did as a kid to try to show her off to the neighbors. (She scratched me and ran back to our yard--I never tried it again.) As far as preying on other animals, this also depends on your location. If you're in Hawaii, for the love of God keep your cat in, those poor native animals have enough problems! But around here, the bird you're most likely to see is the evil English sparrow. I really don't see any other birds in that size range around here at all, because the English sparrows have taken over all their habitat. (They also kill native songbirds and smash their eggs.) In the next category up you get robins, which are native, and starlings, which are horrible interlopers. Then up from that you get native crows, but I don't think most cats would tangle with them, especially since they hang out in groups. The more English sparrows and starlings a cat eats, the better. In any case, my mom's current cat doesn't care about birds in the least and has never caught any.
My kitty trio is indoors-only because I live on a busy street, none of them have any street-smarts (being indoor-only all their lives), and my stupid downstairs neighbor lets her Feline Leukemia positive cat wander loose outside. I do take them for little walks on a harness once in a while. I think it's important for their well-being to be outside sometimes. If I someday get a house, I'd like to put up a catproof fence so I could let them wander around outside, but I just don't trust the world enough to let my cats outdoors without something like that to keep them in.
Hmm yes then there is Disease...
A stray cat showed up at my barn and gave most of my barn kittehs Feline HIV. 4 out of the 5 got it and had to be PTS. Seeing Velcro make disturbing screaming noises when he tried to eat and going down hill from 'healthy' to dead in a week was heart breaking.
(though with barn cats you know they are far far more at risk!)
A stray cat showed up at my barn and gave most of my barn kittehs Feline HIV. 4 out of the 5 got it and had to be PTS. Seeing Velcro make disturbing screaming noises when he tried to eat and going down hill from 'healthy' to dead in a week was heart breaking.
(though with barn cats you know they are far far more at risk!)