Do you allow your cats to roam outdoors?

I talked to a neighbor on Welby Terrace who said that he tried to come in her house to get at her cat. This was Friday afternoon (8/8).

You are the "parent" here, it's your responsibility to do what's in the best interest of your cat and your community. Wandering cats are a menace to themselves and wildlife. While I do not wish your cat any harm, I do believe you are being an irresponsible pet owner. You've already "lost" one cat, and now possibly another. I have to say I don't get how you can be so calloused about your pets' welfare.

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/10/AR2008081001943.html?g=1

How timely- cats will be next! lol

 

He tried to come into her house? How did he do that? Did she leave the door open, or does she have a pet door?

I hear from a lot of people about how I must not care about my cats if I let them outside; in lieu of explaining my entire outlook on life to you, suffice it to say I let them outside because I care about them. Cats live better lives when they can go outside and do cat stuff, instead of being stuck in a house their whole lives.

Feral cats might be a menace to wildlife, but domesticated cats are not -- I know my cat catches rabbits on occasion, but only two or three that I've seen (and I have seen them, because he brings them in to show off) and that's not really an issue anyway since there are already foxes and owls and hawks that eat far more rabbits than my cat ever will. He is simply too well-fed to have any interest in catching a rabbit or two every single day, unlike a wild animal.

There's also the issue that rabbits need to be preyed upon, and all you need to do to see why is go into one of the neighborhoods where all of their predators have been trapped or killed. When we first moved into our house here, I actually saw at least one rabbit a week get run over on my street, to say nothing of one of the highways, because there were so bloody many of them.

In any event, it's not like my cat is singlehandedly dismantling the Broadlands ecosystem. I still see plenty of rabbits in my neighborhood, every single night.

Lastly, I don't know where you get the idea that cats are somehow a menace to themselves, but to continue the parent/child analogy that you brought up, do you keep your kids inside all the time? I mean, they don't know what's good for them, either, do they? Have you ever even had actual children, for that matter, or are you quoting what you read in a Human Society brochure?

 

I tell you what: I'll ignore your dogs and you ignore my cat. Beyond that, if you don't actually have a specific grievance with my cat, as opposed to a general dislike of all cats, then let the issue drop.

If you do have a specific grievance, though, I'd like to hear about it. I don't want to cause trouble for people.

 

Ha ha, now you sound exactly like a defensive parent?! My child did what? Oh, no, little Johnny would never do that I suspect people aren't just making up stories about your cat.

I feel the same way about my two dogs. You mind if I let them run around your yard, crap all over and bark at your door? The pup sometimes nips a bit at hands when he's excited, but I'm sure you won't mind. And if you have little kids, please accept my apologies if they playfully jump and knock your child down. Your kids will just have to learn how best to approach my dogs. They are really cute and sweet![/quote]

That's not the point. My dogs aren't inside all the time. I take them for hour long walks, sometimes longer on nice days like today. We take them to the dog park so they can run around. But here's where your analogy loses some steam: people don't lose track of their kids for days at a time, as it seems you do with your cat. Furthermore, when kids are out of our sight, we don't take a cavalier attitude toward what they may be doing at other people's houses. That's probably what bugs people the most.

 

deus, I am surprised but relieved to learn Mojave has an owner. Surprised because he is wanders day and night. I can be out watering my daylilies at 430am and there he is; locking up for the night and there he is. It's partially my fault as I feed a TNR cat and Mojave always manages to find the food first. Yes, he is skinny - hence my confusion. Obviously you are feeding him at home too, are you not? Maybe it's round worms.

Secondly, I called my Vet to ask about vascetomies for cats. He said they are rarely done because it leaves everything, hormones, testes, wandering temperament, in tact. It just renders the animal sterile - they think because they do not send samples out to be tested. This is the second reason I thought he was a stray. He sprays practically every vertical and horizonal object he comes in contact with including my patio sliders and I couldn't imagine someone would want to keep a unneutered male cat that does that, in the house.

Add to this his territorial nature. I called him a bully because he picks fights with the strays (I think most are strays maybe not).

You have obviously done more for your cat (microchipped, vaccines) then some people do for their feline companions but IMHO I think you do him and your neighbors a disservice by not neutering him. But that is your choice. Fortunately, he is microchipped and you were able to reclaim him.

MYSTERY SOLVED!

 

I never said anyone was making up anything. I was asking a question to get information. I want to know how my cat "tried to get in".

You can't compare cats to dogs, so don't try to. Cats ignore almost everything except tasty critters and other cats, whereas dogs almost always seek out people whether they want the attention or not. (reminds me of almost every single time I go for a walk on the paths around here, actually.) Dogs also don't look for out-of-the-way places to relieve themselves, and they don't cover it up either. I will not accept the idea that all animals should be treated the same, regardless of their instincts and behavior, and history bears me out on that point.

Your point very well illustrates why it's not adequate to call me a "pet parent". My cat can defend itself against wild animals; children can't. My cat knows his way home in the dark; children don't. Correlating pets with children isn't good analogy, which hopefully we all recognize now, so let's let that one go.

BTW, do you know of any cat parks in the area?

 

Actually I can if I want, so I shall! No one said they acted the same, but you seem not to care that your cat HAS attacked or provoked other people's cats. Your cat apparently has sprayed other people's private property. So the point is valid--I don't let my dogs disappear for days because I don't want them to bug other people's dogs, cats, kids or property. It's just called basic consideration.

Um, maybe we won't let it go because you completely miss the point of the analogy. I honestly don't care about your cat's ability to defend itself or find its way home. That's immaterial. What you have failed to address is your cat's affect on other people's pets and property. I know you aren't its parent, but you are responsible for preventing your cat from bugging other people on their property.

I don't know of anyone who actually want to be around a bunch of cats, so I guess there aren't any The fact is you chose to have a cat in a neighborhood with homes in close proximity. We chose to have dogs here. If we lived in the country, we could let our dogs roam our property. We don't, so we walk them and make sure they get exercise without bugging other people.

Do you understand that people aren't really concerned with your cat's ability to defend itself? They just don't want it left unattended for days while it apparently attacks other people's own pets (under their control) and messes with their property. That's all.

 

Siamese cats are small and thin by nature; trust me, he gets all the food he wants -- Fancy Feast cans, Royal Canin crunchies, parmesan cheese (don't ask, I don't get it either), table scraps, etc. He burns it all off. He'll fatten up when it gets colder, just like he did last winter.

He has only ever once sprayed anything inside, when he first came of age. He got yelled at and tossed outside, and he hasn't done it since.

I know it's kinda going out on a limb to ask you to discipline him for me, but have you tried just spraying him with the hose when you're watering your daylilies? The ladies down the street from me did it twice, and he's scared to death of them now. (cats hate getting wet, you know.)

For the record, he has a cat door that he can use to come inside whenever he pleases. He usually sleeps on my bed all day, which might be an issue but for the Revolution he gets on the 1st of every month, and the fact that he grooms himself religiously.

I assure you I have given plenty of thought to getting him fully neutered, since I started hearing about the trouble he's been causing. I'd like to let him grow up a bit more first, though, so that he can build the muscle mass necessary to keep himself safe.

I'm not surprised at the idea that he'd get into fights with strays, since their livelihoods depend on their territory, but let's not forget that if they didn't want to fight, they'd just run away. I've seen cats run from fights my whole life; if they stand and fight, it's because they want to fight.

 

Yeah, KTdid, he got tossed outside so he can come and spray your stuff. How thoughtful! Deus, as long as he doesn't spray inside your house, that's all that's important.

No, no trouble at all. I'll start carrying a water gun with me and try to help ya out with that. It takes a village, ya know.

Wow. Can you believe that some people think people in Ashburn are self-absorbed? Where oh where did they get that idea from? Hilarious.

 

Yes, Silence, I understand that. As I said before, I would like anyone who has a specific grievance with my cat to speak up and tell me.

If you don't have one (and it sounds like you're minding other people's business for the hell of it), please make room for people who do. Regarding this nice philosophical discussion we're having, I'm no more interested in your personal code of ethics than you are in mine.

 

Deus?
Sounds to me like you are not really a good candidate to have a pet. The fact that your can can wander at will and that you ALREADY lost another one to the roads, AND your attitude was "Oh well, at least I know know ... next!!!" is callous. That plus Mojave likely faces the same fate. THEN you go and tell us, "just spray 'em, he'll go away" is just plain ... well I have the words but do not want to violate the TOS here.

Then you say you "yelled and tossed him outside" ...
Why on earth do you even have a pet? Seriously.

And I can't ignore your cat, he pisses off my dogs and my cats on a regular basis.

 

Yes, I turned the hose on him just once and he ran away but returned the next day. I found that cruel so I won't repeat it. It's in his nature and even if you get him neutered, by now he will probably continue that pattern of marking but maybe less.

The fighting is territorial and related to his hormones - it all ties in together. Neutered cats have less an urge to roam and fight (and mark) in most cases. Hence fewer fights.

BTW - I took him as an adult cat. How old is Mojave?

 

I guess you're right. No one has a specific grievance. As long as he's not bothering you, carry on!

 

Ya' know, I wasn't going to get involved, but the more I read, the madder I got!

Shawn, it's pretty obvious your cat has been causing problems around the neighborhood. The obvious and responsible solution is to keep the cat inside the house...period. Don't tell me cats "need to be outside" to do their business. I love cats. We have had a cat for 13 years, and he is just fine being indoors. He doesn't bother other neighbors' cats and doesn't spray other neighbors' property. In other words, he is our PET, and we enjoy his company and playfulness in OUR home. Just because there isn't a leash law for cats doesn't make it right by your neighbors.

Now, your cat has been used to roaming outside virtually all its life. He won't be happy being cooped up inside from now on. Guess what...deal with it. Or get rid of him. It's your choice if you can't handle the responsibility of owning a pet.

 

deus, my outdoor male cat (when we lived in Tucson) once he was neutered, enjoyed staying indoors. What they don't know, they won't miss. Unfortunately, Mojave is having a grand time all over the neighborhood. I think (personally) if you start with neutering, Mojave will calm down and not be such a source of contention as relayed here. Then you can eventually keep him in during the day or night until he calms down some more and appreciates the safety of home. Give him a lot of toys to play with and maybe a tall scratching post to climb.

The perception that you are an irresponsible pet owner is well earned here but I believe you believe that a happy cat is an outdoor cat and many people think the same way. Mojave doesn't understand or care one iota that he's upsetting the community - he's just being a cat. So it's up to you to address it and for heavens sake don't get rid of him. Talk to your Veterinarian to get some ideas about behavior modification. BTW - I took in a feral kitten that resembles it's brown/grey stripped, spotted tabby mom but it has the face, ears, body type and vocal disposition of Mohave. Hmmmm.

 

I have to admit the 2:30am wake-up call (aka window cat fight) was my least desirable experience with Mojave. That is the reason we now keep the downstairs windows covered.

 

(sigh) I'll see what I can do. I can't just go have him neutered, because I'm not his only owner, if you will. I'll discuss these complaints with my father. In any event, neither of us have a "f*** you, I do what I want" attitude towards living here, but sometimes it is hard to tell just how much of a problem something really is -- whether it really is a complaint or just idle chatter. Suffice it to say you've gotten the message across.

KTdid, can you show me the kitten you found sometime? I'm willing to accept that the vasectomy didn't do what it was intended to do (i.e. that there are kittens we need to take responsibility for), but I really need to see for myself. The biggest indicator, besides the patterns of the markings, would be darkening of the fur as the kitten gets older; Siamese fur is heat-sensitive.

Mojave is a year old, for the record.

 

My cat is 17 years old. He has been an indoor-outdoor cat his whole life. He is fixed. He still, to this day, sprays everything outside. Just because a cat gets fixed, doesnt mean that behavior goes away. Its instinct.
He has a whole garage all to himself. A plush and cushy bed, a tricked out feeding station, and everything he needs. If he comes inside, he is crying 2 minutes later to be outside. He isnt destructive, never was. He grew up with dogs, and goes on our evening walks with me and the dogs. The other neighborhood dogs are fascinated with him, and he has lots of dog friends.
I am responsible when it comes to his well being. He never roams far without me, and prefers life outside, than in.
I have tried to keep him inside, with his age and all - but the first opportunity he gets, he makes a break for it. I dont fight it any longer.
However, in my section of the hood, there are very few outdoor cats. And Ive had 3 strays in 5 years, and my cat has chased them all off, except a gray one. Thats his bud.
My point is, depending on the cat, the environment, and the owner, there isnt any reason why a cat cant live outdoors and be healthy and not a pain in everyone's back side.

 

Her cat was minding its own business on her deck. Your cat came over via the neighbors deck which has stairs to the ground below. When she came out to get her cat your cat tried to follow inside.

And, you forgot about the bloody birds, which I happen to enjoy inviting to my yard with bird feeders. I don't appreciate the roaming cats who come into my yard to prey on those birds. It only takes a half dozen or so people with your mindset to do serious damage to an ecosystem.

Lastly, thank you for asking, I do have a child. And since he's 4 years old, I don't let him roam the streets. Not only would he be a potential nuisance to my neighbors, but I'm certain he does not have the maturity to safeguard his own well-being (therefore being a menace to himself). I'm pretty sure CPS would be at my house if I did let him "roam". Perhaps that's why PETA was in your neighborhood?