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

[cleo]

As the aforementioned ex, I can vouch for what twtd has said about Oberon, Titania, and Rip. Oberon and Rip now live upstairs in a 1000+ sq foot apartment. They have four bedrooms and a bathroom at their disposal. Rip loves hanging out in the coat closet and bathroom. Oberon happily prowls the entire upstairs and the downstairs landing. He is sometimes listless, but I think that's because Titania is no longer with us (she passed away a year and a half ago) and he and Rip don't play well together. I would also recommend having some upwards space for an indoor cat...shelving or ways for the cat to get on top of shelves and the like. Some cats aren't into tall spaces, but it's good to have the option.

Also, my fiancé's cats live downstairs in the living and dining rooms, enclosed porch, kitchen, and bathroom. Occasionally, they go out on the unenclosed porch. They have lived in larger and smeller apartments, but they're old and happy!

For the sake of being thorough, I will say that I grew up with indoor/outdoor cats in an area with lots of wildlife, including birds and fish. Occasionally our male cats would bring in a bird or a small squirrel. We never got gifts from our female cats. All the cats were spayed/neutered. I think because our cats were well fed and cared for and much loved, they did not regularly hunt. The local wildlife definitely thrived despite the occasional mishap.

To echo what twtd has said, all of my strictly indoor cats have been happy and healthy. We give them lots of love and attention and lots of toys. I think the key is paying attention to what the particular cat likes and catering to its needs (Oberon prefers to play on his own or with other cats but loves cuddles and tall things, for example. Rip, just wants to lie around and eat and be brushed and rub her teeth against feet, by contrast). Also, indoor cats live longer, healthier lives!

[tree_and_leaf]

Thanks! I suspect the hunting thing is also a lot to do with the cat's personality.

[cleo]

It's so true! Titania was the cuddliest cat ever but a menace to bugs. I suspect she would have been bad for the local ecosystem if we'd let her out!