Why let your cat outside ....?

I've had tons of cats throughout the years and NEVER let them roam outside, although I take them out with me either in their carriers or, just holding them to get some fresh air. Mostly, they have to settle for opened windows. There's way too many people that hate cats for whatever reason and I've known friends that left theirs out only to have them poisoned with antifreeze or what have you. So, I never understood why people allow their cats to roam for all the reasons you give. I know there's no fencing that would keep mine in the yard. They'd find a way, unless it were 12 ft. high. And, I could never leash train any of mine. I love my babies too much to let them just go roam. And, by the way, NONE of my cats are overweight.

Growing up my cats were always indoor/outdoor cats. They would come in to snuggle and eat, but played out side most of the day. My parents had a large yard with trees and the cats would just wander around the neighborhood. All of my parents neighbors knew our cats and played with them as well. Since my parents house was in a suburb there wasn't quite the danger of wild animals that you find in the county, or the speeding cars of a city. It was kitty cat paradise. Now I live in a apartment off a college campus. I would never dream of letting my cat outside because of all the traffic. I think it depends on where you live and what vaccinations your cat has had. Cats prefer to be outside but some conditions, like living in a city, just aren't appropriate. It is always safer to keep your cat inside, but cats are happier when allowed a little more freedom.

Here in the UK, almost everyone allows their cats to spend time outside if they want to, and the vast majority of cats live well into their mid-teens and beyond. (My last cat was 19 when she had to be put to sleep).

I know that there are risks when my cats step outside the door, but as humans we also take risks when we leave the home. No matter how hard owners try, they can never replicate the ever-changing environment of a garden, and so cats which are allowed to spend time outside and express natural behaviours, will always be more mentally and physically stimulated than those kept strictly indoors.

Whenever I adopt a cat, my main priority is how happy can I make them, and not how long can I keep them for.

NOT AGAIN; I no longer try to justify why my cats are allowed outside. I simply open the door and let them decide for themselves what they want to do. Suffice it to say that my cats are allowed outside because it is my right to let them do what cats do - there are even times when they spend the night outside.

Explaining why only initiates a debate on here and that is against the rules. It also brings out the haters and the insulters and that is also against the rules.

If anyone disagrees with that, it is their privilege to do so. But not here - this is a question and answer format.

If anyone wishes to debate me about it - sorry; I don't do that here - this is a question and answer format.

If any one wants to insult me for it - knock yourself out - I have thick skin and I will not respond - this is a question and answer format.

The fresh air, oxygen, if were aloud outside then why not them, we see people we dont like and we want to fight them sometimes, and so do cats. Indoor cats no matter what you say do not get as much exersize.

My cats personally love to lay in the sun and sun bath, while sniffing the air when the wind hits. If its not near a highway then i believe a cat is aloud be trained to be an outdoor, and when there properly trained there good with traffic and they will come back to there owners.

Yes there have been illnesses and killings and many other things but still, its up to the person. I'd rather my cat get lots of exersize, fat cats do often have MANY health problems.

My cats were feral when I found them so it's really hard to keep them inside. My neighborhood is pretty safe with low traffic. They get into scuffles with other strays now and then, but they had their shots and are quite happy and healthy. They're going on 12 years old with no major problems. If I got a new cat, I would try to keep them in as much as possible. Our cats come in at night and enjoy sleeping with us.

Because they aint prisoners. Mine used to be an outdoor cat for 6years but now its an indoors cat as i live in a flat

My cat likes the fresh air, sunshine, and exercise he gets. However, I have a securely fenced back yard that he can't get out of and it's the only place we let him out.

He has all his shots, including rabies and they're all up to date.

I would never let him out of the yard. I don't worry about just cars, dogs, cat fights, etc. We live in a rural area and have to also worry about skunks, raccoons, and coyotes. Anyone in our area who lets their cat out to roam freely often doesn't see them again.

i don't know about all cats but my cat loves going outside, she goes outside whenever the door is open. It also helps wear down her claws so they are blunter so it doesn't hurt if she scratches you by accident. As well as this if a cats claws get to long then her claws will start to hurt them. Help this helps x

I, don't have a cat. But I think it's because they think they're cats are bored inside.