Seeking opinions from people who have cats

[tree_and_leaf]

So we are thinking about getting a cat (we've not thought much further than this, but then we wouldn't be able to do anything about it until mid September, when we get back from the States).

I would like a cat, but I am hesitating, largely because I quite like our local wildlife population (we have a lot of small birds, including a regular visit from a willow warbler, lots of frogs, and a lot of voles/ fieldmice). And, obviously, cats will do what cats do.

Someone suggested keeping the cat inside, and I know that some people do do this, but I am not entirely sure that's kind to the cat. We have a big house (four bedrooms and a study), but of course that's not remotely the same as having freedom to wander about outside, and I worry the cat would get bored/ frustrated.

What do you, oh cat-owning/ loving flisties think? I may end up concluding that I can't cope with the prospect of the cat cutting a swathe through the local wildlife, but I would rather just not have one than keep it inside all the time, if that would be bad for the cat...

Comments

[kotturinn]

Also here via network.

It depends on the cat. Trite but true. My cats have not been great hunters; also the older the cat the less inclined to go to the effort but you trade that off against a shorter time together. Having said that my current cat was about 12 when adopted 11 years ago! The rescue centres will, as zooey_glass says, know which of their cats would be suitable for indoor living.

Cats can also adapt. My youngest niece adopted an ex-stray who was FIV positive and thus no longer allowed outside (risk to/of other cats). For the last 9 years he thinks he's been in clover. They've only ever lived in 1- and 2-bed flats and never ground floor ones. They are likely to continue to adopt cats others would rather not and if they ever did get a garden they would likely create some kind of fully enclosed area. The downside of indoor cats is the litter tray issue.

Belling the cat is another approach. However that won't completely deter the consummate hunter as friends have recently discovered; their most recent adoptee comes after a line of cats largely disinterested in providing their own food and even belled is managing quite a number of catches. To be fair, he does dispatch swiftly and then consume his catches.

[tree_and_leaf]

Thanks - that's useful perspective.