Conference misery::feline_v1

    This is actually a very hot topic in the file, but I think that
    you should do what you feel most comfortable with.  We don't know
    the neighborhood that you live in and what it is like.  If your
    friend is making you uncomfortable tell her in a subtle and tactful
    way that they are your cats and you will raise them the best way
    that you can and that includes making decisions like this one.
    
    Kathy
    

    Kathy,
    
    Thank you for the support.  I have made it quite clear to this
    person that it is my cat.  Yet he still seems to thinks I am
    being cruel to the cat.
    
    Denise

    
    
    I'm not saying whether you should or should not let them out, but
    here is an idea:
    
    Open a window, and take the screen out..  When kitty comes up to
    get some fresh air, she could go all the way out or get used to
    the outside at her own pace.
    
    Of course (as you prob. know) keep in mind the conditions for her,
    busy streets, dogs, children, etc.
    
    F.

    
    
    One more thing.  Keep in mind that there are lots of cat owners
    who keep their cats inside and these cats live healthy, happy, and
    *long* lives.   My veternarian has had a few indoor cats!!
    
    Not trying to take sides..
    
    F.

    Even though I strongly believe in indoor/outdoor, I more strongly
    believe that you should do what is best for the cat.  Of my 4 cats,
    2 are indoor/outdoor cats, 1 is almost petrified to come inside, 
    and 1 will go outside for about 5 minutes a week.
    
    If your cat is afraid to go outside, then why put the cat through
    any stress by making it go out?  Also, why put yourself through
    the stress if you do not feel comfortable with letting your cat
    go outside?
    
    	-Nancy

    Amen, Nancy!
    
    I have the same situation with my cat, being his keeper for 4 months.
    His previous keepers (since he was 6 weeks to 1 yr.) kept him indoors
    He likes going outside into the screened in porch for a short while
    then he scratches the door to come back inside after a few minutes.
    If I open a screened-in window, he's content with the breeze and
    keeping a watchful eye on the squirrels.
    
    I might try bringing him outside to let him explore the back yard with
    a long leash. I just can't picture him liking it too much. Anyone
    try that with a cat that was a house cat (with claws)?
     
    

    Kitty has been a house cat since day one.  When I even try to
    bring him towards the sliding glass windown when its closed,
    he takes a fit and scratches and wriggles out of my hands.  That's
    why I thinks it's best to keep him in.  When I open the slidding
    glass door, he won't even go near it.  I will be keeping it open
    now that the nice weather is here.  So maybe he will get used to
    the breeze.  I guess I leave it up to kitty, if he wants to go
    out he can.  I won't force the issue with him anymore though.
    
    Thank you all for your imput.  You've really put me and kitty
    at ease.
    
    Denise
    
    

    It is not cruel to keep your cats indoors and not all cats want
    to be out and about.
    
    I have five cats.  Three are indoor/outdoor and two are completely
    indoor.  The indoor cats show no desire to go outside.  In fact,
    they will sit by an open door as if they know the outdoors is off
    limits to them.  Of my three indoor/outdoor, only one of them could
    be converted to completely indoors quite easily.  The other two would
    be quite unhappy if forced to stay inside and enjoy their freedom
    to come and go as they please.
    
    If your cat shows no desire to go out, don't force him.  You are
    not being cruel.  You are being humane.
    
    
    /Roberta
    

    I used to believe in indoor/outdoor, but, as cats go, outdoor cats
    tend to have the hazard of streets, dogs, kids, etc....and they
    also can disappear. After going through many cats, mine are strictly
    indoors and they are not worse for it.  They are also still alive.
    (of course, I live in residential areas--if you live in the boondocks,
    yours might be safer from cars, but then you have wild animals to
    deal with--coyotes used to get cats in my old neighborhood).
    
    Keeping your cat indoors is not cruel.  To MAKE it go outside isn't
    either, but I'd suggest listening to the cat and leaving it in doors.
    It won't get hurt that way, even by accident.  :)
                                                                
    
    Just a suggestion.
    
                                                      ---kim

    Just let the cat decide what it wants to do.  If it wants to 
    go out let it (that is if you don't mind it being an indoor/outdoor
    cat).  If it wants to remain inside let it.  After all it knows
    what it wants best.  Consider yourself lucky that your cat does
    not want to go out on its on accord.  That way you don't have to
    worry about him all the time when he is outside.  My feeling is
    that because it has been indoors for sometime if given an opportunity
    it will slowly and cautiously start exploring the outside first.
    Then keeping it inside will become a problem :-).
    
    (RUMI) �.

    As the other replies have said, it really depends on what your living
    situation is.  I live on a very busy street and wish I hadn't allowed
    my cats to be indoor/outdoor.  They drive me crazy to let them out
    and occasionally I do.
    
    Go with your gut feel....
    
    Joy