United Kingdom--do you have leash laws?

No we don't, which is something I am personally thankful for. I am not meaning this in a deratory way to you or Canada/US on the whole but I would hate to have to keep my cats indoors or worse put them on a lead!

There aren't cats running wild everywhere, just cats pondering up and down streets and sitting in their gardens. I have four cats and in total with the neighbouring cats very close to me there are around 16 or so including my own that I come into contact with very regularly which I find really nice.

There is no legal requirement for them to be fixed but the RSPCA and Cats Protection have a Trap Neuter Release system for feral or stray cats and all cats passing through these charities for rehoming will also be neutered before they are rehomed (unless they are too young).

In the UK it is seen as cruel to keep a cat indoors because generally we have ideal environments for them to live in (there are exceptions of course) and it did take me some time to get used to the idea that not all countries are like this!

I work for the Cats Protection and my particular adoption centre will not rehome a cat as indoor only unless it has health issues (blind, deaf ect) or is really old. Cats are domesticated but I don't believe in the same way dogs are. Cats can very happily look after themselves outside and do not need humans for survival. I personally know of some very successful feral colonies living very happy and long lives.

I do wish people would start to think about other people's location and reasons for keeping their cats indoors or outdoors, I hate it when people liken cats to 2 year old children or say I am irresponsible for letting my cats outdoors. These people are ignorant and shouldn't be allowed to run their mouths!

But well done for trying to get this matter sorted.

pretty much what O has already said but I would add to that if I had a pedigree cat I wouldn't let it out on it's own as far too many are stolen here in the UK these days. my cat would be miserable if we kept him indoors-he was a rescue cat and already had a taste for going out, however I think it really depends on individual circumstances. most cats don't run wild-they have their own territory which is often just a couple of gardens unless they are un-neutered and then they cause all sorts of problems!

No, no requirement for leash laws or fixing but the RSPCA keep an eye on owned and stray cats and will fix strays and try and get owners to fix their cats too.

I feel personally it is cruel to keep a cat inside, especially in the UK, but my cat is fixed, of course.

And they don't 'run wild'- most cats are indoor/outdoor cats and not left to roam. There are some indoor cats in the UK, mainly in city flats, which I feel is especially cruel.

While it is true that any and all cats can venture outside in the UK, not all do and not all should. There are a good many breeds that are too inquisitive for their own good and who also seem to have just about zero road sense. Know your cat, know your area and apply common sense!

Here my own cats have access to a purpose built run, they get fresh air and a chance to climb while in total safety at all times. I have the inquisitive, no road sense sort and live in a busy suburban area so for them and us it's the perfect solution. These are all fit, healthy, active cats with no weight issues! :)

I remember when i first went to Canada and my great aunt's cat was outside on a leash - I was only 10 and I couldn't believe it! To us in the UK it seems strange that you can't let your cat out on his/her own.

I have one cat (a tabby boy) and he loves his independence. We had him neutered which I believe is a responsible thing for cat owners to do otherwise there will be more strays, as you see in some parts of Europe. He has his annual injections at the vet to protect him from cat viruses as well as flea and worm medicines. We also have had him micro chipped.

We only let him out the back, although we live on a cul-de-sac. I do not want the risk of him going too near to roads. That is one of the very sad things about cats being let out in the UK - many do get run over.

I believe it is natural for a cat to be able to roam. My cat loves to be outside, although admittedly he never goes too far from home (he's always within calling distance). There have been instances when he's come bolting in because a 'bigger' cat chased him and he's narrowly avoided confrontation with next doors dog a few times, but generally on the whole he loves it. Two doors down from him lives his best friend Luke, another Tom cat of a similar age. They spend ages together playing in one anothers gardens and its great to know he has a friend to play with when me and my other half aren't around.

Fortunately, as of yet, he hasn't proven to be much of a hunter. He gets too excited and meows before he pounces, giving the hunted a chance to leg it! A previous cat of mine used to bring in mice and frogs, dead or alive!

So yes, there are pros and cons as well as risks to letting your cat out. In the long run though, as long as you are responsible and do not live by any main roads, I believe that it is a good thing for cats to be let out. I certainly think that my cat has a better quality life and is a much happier cat then what he would have been if we kept him inside.

I wish I could answer this, but, I added details to my question, stating the question, lol.