
34 Times Cats Acted So Audacious That Their Owners Put Up A Sign To Warn Others About Their Ways
Odds are, if you’ve made it here, you’re a big fan of cats, giant floofs, and those of the feline persuasion. Congratulations—and welcome to the club. Here’s your complimentary badge and cat list. Cats can be incredibly adorable and they’re bound to attract the attention of passersby, whether they’re strutting their stuff outside or showing off their shiny coats through the window.
However, this constant attention (however meowgnificent) can be exhausting. So some owners write up fun notes and put up lighthearted warnings for other people to read, so they know what (not) to do with their cats. Our feline-loving team at Bored Panda has collected some of the most engaging cat notes from all over the net, so we invite you to enjoy this list and have a scroll.
Pssst—upvote the photos you liked the most. And if you’ve seen any great notes about pets out in the wild with your own two eyes, tell us all about them in the comments! In the mood for some more fluffy content? Check out Bored Panda’s recent wholesome post about a postman cat right here.
Ingrid Johnson, a certified cat behavior consultant and the founder of Fundamentally Feline, went into detail with Bored Panda about the relationship between cats and strangers, the issues this sometimes causes, how best to circumvent them, and how strangers might react to friendly notes. Read on for our full insightful interview with Johnson.
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My mother asked me to run her country garage sale for a while. A sign became necessary due to his misleadingly cuddly appearance.
Cat behaviorist Johnson said that strangers really do affect outdoor cats by interacting with them. The effect depends on the person in question and what they do. "They could be made fearful if passers-by do not treat them kindly but could be also made more friendly and outgoing if they have a lot of nice experience and are rewarded with food and affection."
One thing that a lot of folks don't think about when feeding cats in the 'wild' is that they might have very specific diets that are meant to treat medical conditions. "Well, who knows what they are eating outside on the neighbors' porch? A Good Samaritan could be putting food out for stray cats that falls short of the special characteristics of the prescription diet the cat needs," Johnson warned.
According to the cat behaviorist, how people react to friendly notes that owners leave behind about cats really depends all on the individual in question. "Quite sadly, many people still see cats as pests, so attempts to run them off of their property may persist despite being asked to be nice to the cat," Johnson highlighted that not everything is as friendly and perfect as we'd like in the real world.
My neighbor left some notes for the maintenance guy
My cat just snuck out and introduced herself to our upstairs neighbor yesterday by running in her apartment and loudly mewling for help... I'm currently making "I'm sorry my cat is psycho and it will probably happen again" baked treats as an apology
"Another factor that people do not think about is that the roaming outside cats can negatively affect the lives of indoor-only cats and really wreak havoc. Oftentimes, when cats are indoors and they see cats coming up to their home and hanging around their doors and windows, they feel very threatened," the expert said.
"This can result in urine marking in the home especially around doors and windows and fighting with other housemates called redirected aggression. Redirected aggression is one of the most common behavior problems I help my clients within my consulting practice. It is a very challenging problem to resolve because we often cannot get neighbors to keep their cats inside, so the offending trigger is always there. It can be quite a debacle and creating a war between neighbors."
that's fair warning. if earth was flat, cats would have knocked s**t off it
My local Publix has a cat that hangs out in the parking lot that has been named Moose. The store bought him his very own sign to make drivers aware of him.
"This is a good time to emphasize that cats should be housed safely indoors with loads of amazing environmental enrichment to meet their lifestyle needs. I am a big fan of cats having outdoor access, I just ask that it is supervised for safety, their safety, and for the welfare of other cats as mentioned above. Train your cat to use a leash and harness, yes, you can do this! If possible provide a 'catified' screen porch, build a catio, or take your cat for a walk in a cat stroller!" she gave examples of how you can enrich your pets' lives.
"I truly practice what I preach! Even if you live in an apartment you can open windows, place bird feeders, and bird bathes outside of windows etc. I'm also a big fan of bringing the outdoors in! Grow cat grass, bring in dried leaves, snow, branches, pine cones, allow them to experience the seasons and the sights and scents of the outdoors in a positive way." Johnson said that anyone wishing to check out fun enrichment examples can find them on the Fundamentally Feline Instagram page; meanwhile, a fun seasonal offering can be found right here.
This cat was on a fruit market today (the sign says "don't disturb the kitten, she's not here to amuse the customers, she's the boss).
While we absolutely adore cats, there are some things you should keep in mind. First of all, we’re in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, so petting strange cats (or any pets) could spread the novel coronavirus just like any surface would. Even if we really, really want to hug them and tell them how gorgeous they are, we need to take social distancing very seriously. The CDC explains that we should treat our pets like our family members: they shouldn’t interact with others from outside our household.
Our suggestion? Rescue a cat from your local animal shelter to keep you company and brighten up your life or opt for petting cattos through your screen. Like in our wholesome cat list right here. Go on, you know you can’t resist.
I was surprised to see a cat at the doctor's waiting room. Then I noticed the sign.
"I will never leave." 😂 We once fell for a cat like that. That little ass sat in our courtyard meowing like it was completely lost. It was 2:30 a.m.... He woke another neighbor too and we went to look for him. Cat started to purr like hell and immediately followed me like a dog so I tried to take him in for the night. Turned out my cats didn't like the idea a lot. So I gave the neighbor some cat stuff so she could take care of him until the next morning. She had to get up very early so I told her to let him out when she had to leave for work. I also wrote a couple of notes (at 3 a.m.) asking the other neighbors if the cat belonged to someone leaving my number to call me. When I went to look for him the next morning I got a call from lady in the shop next door who told me she found my cat. I told her it wasn't mine but I would come to pick him up for the vet to check if he was microchipped. Then got a call from my mom who was laughing hysterically. t.b.c.
The second thing that we should be aware of is how strange cats (and, by extension, all pets) feel about us. They might be gorgeous, but some of them will undoubtedly be wary of you. Or just plain cranky. So approach carefully. Stretch out your hand for the cat to sniff. Take it slow. If the cat bites you—it’s time to move on and rethink your life.
Finally, consider that you’re not the only person who wants to get the cat’s attention. So it’s vital to think about what’s in the best interests of both the pet and its owner. If you’re bringing the pet scraps to eat, you’re likely wrecking its diet. If in doubt, talk to the owner. Or heed their notes to the letter!
Feed me. I'm dying. You don't want the karma of my death in your already long enough list.
I have a very particular set of skills. skills that make me a nightmare for hoomans like you.
That face says differently, which is why they would end up fat if I was their mum.
The sign says “Attention. Cat’s sleeping. Do not disturb!”
Once long ago I saw my cat on the way to school. About 3 kilometers from home.
It's a bit hard toread but for those who struggled: "George just had his 17th Birthday! He has health issues and is on strong medication, but is doing well for his age. He meows a lot but is not hungry or lost - he just wants to greet people and have fuss (aka, be petted). Please do not feed him anything, if you are worried about him please talk to us (knock or leave a note at no 24) " Congrats to George, hope he's still doing well :)
I like the one sign that said "Please stop dropping your cigarette butts on the ground. the cat crawls out at night to smoke them and we are trying to get him to quit."
I love that one!
what number is that one
For the love of God and Bastet keep your cats indoors or build a catio
Jen, not sure why people are downvoting you. It's common sense, but we always have those that say "but they like going out in the fresh air". Open a window, build a "catio", as you said. I like eating burgers and fries, but I don't do it all the time, because it's not healthy.
People who advocate indoor only cats are usually (not always) in the US. In the UK there are more cats who come and go as they please than there are indoor only. We do not have the same predators here.
Jessica Bird - It is the responsibility of humans to care for domesticated animals. We did this to them. We turned them into pets. There is the difference between ME staying inside and a cat staying inside. What a boneheaded remark.
Minor correction: open a window with a screen in it. They're quite capable of squeezing out a slit you wouldn't think they could get through.
Karen Klinck haha
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Maybe you should stay inside all the time.
Jessica Bird what
Jessica Bird good
yep. I have had ex-ferals (adults when they "came in") who could NOT stay indoors full-time. Otherwise, indoor or leash-only cats. INdoors, or get a catio space or leash train (yes, cats can be trained to leash-walk, just not all of them). When I was a kid on a farm, and it was a mile to a road with pavement, that's one thing. Otherwise... SAFETY FIRST.
Leo Domitrix - I absolutely get feral cats. And yes, I have met some and completely understand their wildness. But I'm talking about pets. And I do understand farm kids have a different frame of mind. You're raised to think of them as working animals. But even so, they are subject to predators and disease, even if the pavement is a mile down the road. But good on you to recognize that not all cats are farm cats.
Agree. Outdoor cats have a higher chance of being run over, snatched, killed by humans on purpose or generally f****d with by other species like coyotes, racoons and the like. Keep your cat indoors! Outdoor cats are also susceptible to parasites and other blood borne diseases/pathogens. Also, cats f**k with the local ecosystems by killing other smaller mammals and birds for sport. Please keep your cat inside!
Jessica, as a Bird, you should want the cats inside.:-) (Also, we do stay inside all the time.)
Where I live, cat-rescue will not give you the cat if you cannot let it go out. With the exception of old, sick or traumatized cats, it is animal cruelty to trap them in a restricted space. As is cutting claws. If you don't want to let your cat out, do not have a cat.
Jason Doakes lol
n-mortimer3723 +
jes2011 no
pandasaurx3 ?
jes2011 love
Jason Doakes good
Cutting nails on some cats is necessary, they tend to get snagged on things. DECLAWING is a horrendous, cruel and unnecessary abuse. It's comparable to amputation down to the first knuckle in humans. With permanent sensitivity, even pain, to the point that some cannot use the litter box anymore. Then the guilty owner dumps them in a shelter for it.🙄🤬😤
TheAnimalLady -
phycohen follower
pinepig haha
For the love of God, please realise there's is a world outside of America and it is not necessary to keep cats indoors in all countries. The UK and pretty much all of Europe do not need to keep cats inside.
Jen Wold -
jim-kerry9876 what
These are hilarious XD the cat is an ass
Cats need to be indoors so that they don't get attracted, poisoned or worse, hit by a vehicle.
Oogiebogieaugiedaddy good
kniessner no
Oogiebogieaugiedaddy follower
This comment has been deleted.
Keep your cats inside!!
Margaret Brownlow good
Margaret Brownlow lol
Aww. 😻
Most cat food seems to be pretty awful, low quality stuff. I'd be begging for tuna and chicken too, if I were a cat.
some cats are just rude (still love them tho)
It's terrible when people start feeding others' cats without asking... I only gave mine dry food yet he gained a pound per year; the vet was telling me off, and I don't wish him obesity. I guess those neighbours moved as he started losing a pound a year and then stabilized at perfect BMI.
Then keep your cat inside. While all the notes are cute, do you see a pattern? They are outside roaming, and don't need to be. It's dangerous and unhealthy. Average lifespan of an outdoor cat - 2-5 years. Average lifespan of an indoor cat - 12-17 years. See the difference. Sorry to be a downer, but I had to do an entire research paper on this for a class in college. In speaking with vets, there is no reason that cats need to go outside. And every reason to keep them in.
Giovanna, to me true happiness is a cat that's alive, and not one splatted on the road, or mauled by coyotes.
Reirei. Not a load of tripe. And your anecdotal evidence does not negate actual statistics. I remain steadfast in that cats should only be indoors. We are insistent because we're right. This is not an opinion, it's facts. Do some research. Do you see dogs wandering around near you? If you do, you shouldn't. I know where I live dogs don't wander. Cats shouldn't either. I wouldn't call it cruel to not let them out. I call it smart. It doesn't take a genius to figure out the hazards outside. There is disease in addition to other dangers. And frankly, not everyone wants cats in their yards using their gardens as litter boxes. I don't know where you live, but it is actually against the law where I live to let you pet roam.
My childhood cat lived to 16 despite being an outdoor cat, she was taken by liver cancer. A great many I've known have lived late teens early twenties, so that's a load of tripe. There are sides to both stories that depend entirely on various circumstances, but the indoor only cat people are always stubbornly insistent that their way is the only way and it is cruel otherwise. And I say this as someone who currently has indoor only cats.
Reirei Good response!
babyhen what
The face of true happiness, to me, is a cat sitting on a field staring at a mouse in the grass. Not an obese cat sleeping on the sofa.
The vet told you off because your cat gained a pound in a year? lol
Now you have enough inspiration to write a well humorous note. 😊
I agree about keeping cats inside, but I realize there are people who disagree with me. A lot of cats disagree with me too, although I think my own cat likes being relieved from having to go outside and act macho.
YOU CANNOT ONLY FEED YOUR CAT DRY FOOD!!! Research the health problems that they are headed for. Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus for starters. I'M NOT KIDDING... YOU'RE KILLING HIM SLOWLY with your "love".
It does looks funny, but I still don't like people allow the cats roaming outside the street, too dangerous out there. if you really love your cat, should always stay inside.
I want a catbwheb my dog passes. My husband not so much but would have 1 just so I can experience it. My old house had a perfect place for a catio where we out the dog door. Our new house not so much but I have grand plans than may not work, from a catdoor to catio, plus a catwalk to the fence (but it would have to be high up and may be against hoa) so the catio can go along the fence near the top. Maybe around the tree we have. Exercise and view. I don't like cats being outdoors but won't tell others what to do with cats as they aren't a danger to people like unleashed dogs can be. Outdoor cats are common practice and it isn't the worst. But, for me, I don't want cat fights, bringing home stuff, someone stealing it, someone thinking it is a stray and bringing it home or to the shelter, or someone running it over.
Colin...You are mostly correct, but, cats are dangerous to people. They cause car (& motorcycle, once for me) accidents. I'm highly allergic and don't even have to touch one to react (Asthma and hives). I love animals more than anyone, but I'm sick of total strangers' cats using my organic food garden for a toilet. Putting up empty shelves and clearing the tops of bookcases, etc. to make a cat "highway" is fun for us and our cats.
They are a danger. When I was pregnant and gardening, I came into contact with cat feces because people think that it's okay to let their cats out and do their business. Pregnant women are susceptible to Toxoplasmosis, which comes from cat feces. During my pregnancy my husband took care of litter box duty, but then I had to be subjected to it in my own garden. That's the height of arrogance by irresponsible cat owners.
For people saying to keep your cats indoors. They like to explore. Meet other cats. Hunt. Smellnew smells. They can't do that natural stuff in a catio. I don't care if that's how you care for your cat but don't tell other people to do so as well. My cats are outside cats and they love to run around and bring us field mice from the field behind our house. We also have a highway in front of our house. Luckily our cats are terrified of the road and wont even go near the sidewalk. They even jump at the sound of a truck passing by when inside the house. We always call them in before we go to bed though.
You can take the advice or leave it. We've lost 4 cats. I lived in the suburbs, super chill place, yet one was poisoned, another was shot at etc.. The only cat, that lived to be 17, was "mine" and only bc i got my s**t together. There are countless stories like mine. Looking after them properly doesn't mean shutting them in 24/7. Maybe your place is safer, but that's not true for everyone. Sometimes it's a dog, a car, or an angry neighbour who's tired of the cat shitting in his garden and killing all the songbirds
F.S - yes, everything here. And how about feline leukemia? Or FIV? They can contract that simply by coming in contact with another infected animal. This just seems like common sense. I'm appalled by the number of people that say "they're happier". Really? How are dead cats happy?
F.S what
F.S haha
If you let your cats roam you lose the right to worry about what happens to them. People might feed them, take them home and keep them, they can be hurt or killed simply because they weren't kept safe by the people who signed up to take care of them. Dogs enjoy exploring and sniffing too, but they have to be confined to the property or under control. Last point "cats like to hunt", yes they do. In Australia, TWO BILLION native birds and animals are killed annually by cats. Keep them on the property.
Yes, there are things they like to do. I like to eat hamburgers and french fries. But that's not healthy, and either is being outside for cats. Maybe your cats are terrified of the road, but that is anecdotal evidence, not science. Yours are not the norm. As evidenced by the number of dead cats seen on the side of the road. And this is coyote mating season. They make a nice snack for them.
My neighbors and I look after each others cats. We feed them and welcome them into each other's homes. But their cats are theirs and ours are ours. However I have told them that my one cat that seems to prefer them can stay with them forever if he would like to do that. I want my cat to be happy. If he is happy there so be it.
It's very difficult for your cat to be happy if it's dead. Cats are not capable of understanding what is in their best interest. And as far as I'm concerned, if a cat is outside walking around, it's a stray.
Meow This is my cat typing plz send HELP! Sincerely The cat prisoner Meow
Meow This my cat typing he has taken over my computer please send Help! Sincerley cat Meow
Some people do not love cats, they love to possess cats. Cats have to go out. Would you keep your dog inside all the time? Would you stay inside all the time? How do you feel about those tiny birdcages? Are you "protecting" the animal by inprisoning it? That's ridiculous, because the Cat is the danger. That's why all the bird-lovers are trying to tell you to keep the cat inside, they are predators, and you put them in a cage. And Cat-leashes? De-clawing? WTactualF Did you read/see "Misery"? Well, the cat is the writer, you are the "Loving fan".
I AM indoors all the time. In the past 10 months I've been out a grand total of 4 times--and one of those was the ambulance to the hospital. Our 65 pound pit bull often goes days without going out; his owner sees nothing wrong with this. And we have an asshole down the street who AIMS for cats with his car. Yeah, danger to the cats is very real.
Louloubelle you seem to take this topic very seriously and that's fine. Still it seems you don't know that much about cats as you argue from a human perspective
You clearly need to change your name...and do more research 🙄
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I'm sorry but most cats should have the possibility to go outside. They are hunters by nature and are not living a full life if only kept inside the house. Cats will see themselves how much space they need, some stay around the back yard, some roam around. Like people, they have different personalities which evolve best if treated as such
People can create enriched environments for their cats indoors. In many places, it’s too dangerous to let them out. Where I live, you have to promise to keep a cat indoors in order to adopt. I respect your opinion although I disagree.
No. They shouldn't have the possibility to go outside. This is according to veterinarians. They may be hunters by nature, but that was before man domesticated them. It's not necessary anymore, and being outside is dangerous and irresponsible. Their personalities has little to do with this. It's about keeping them healthy and safe, and that doesn't happen outside. We don't let dogs roam - it's illegal in most places. And it's also illegal in most places to let cats roam.
They significantly impact the bird population, so yeah, while they're natural hunters, there's too darn many of them to let them do what they do and still have any birds. For the sake of ecological balance if not for the health of your cat, keep them indoors.
Well, you could always turn a few mice loose in your house if you think your cats need something to hunt. We have an old house with a porous basement, and I'm regularly getting dead adolescent rats deposited in my bedroom. But my cats are just as happy to chase the meeces made out of fake fur, too.
I like the one sign that said "Please stop dropping your cigarette butts on the ground. the cat crawls out at night to smoke them and we are trying to get him to quit."
I love that one!
what number is that one
For the love of God and Bastet keep your cats indoors or build a catio
Jen, not sure why people are downvoting you. It's common sense, but we always have those that say "but they like going out in the fresh air". Open a window, build a "catio", as you said. I like eating burgers and fries, but I don't do it all the time, because it's not healthy.
People who advocate indoor only cats are usually (not always) in the US. In the UK there are more cats who come and go as they please than there are indoor only. We do not have the same predators here.
Jessica Bird - It is the responsibility of humans to care for domesticated animals. We did this to them. We turned them into pets. There is the difference between ME staying inside and a cat staying inside. What a boneheaded remark.
Minor correction: open a window with a screen in it. They're quite capable of squeezing out a slit you wouldn't think they could get through.
Karen Klinck haha
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Maybe you should stay inside all the time.
Jessica Bird what
Jessica Bird good
yep. I have had ex-ferals (adults when they "came in") who could NOT stay indoors full-time. Otherwise, indoor or leash-only cats. INdoors, or get a catio space or leash train (yes, cats can be trained to leash-walk, just not all of them). When I was a kid on a farm, and it was a mile to a road with pavement, that's one thing. Otherwise... SAFETY FIRST.
Leo Domitrix - I absolutely get feral cats. And yes, I have met some and completely understand their wildness. But I'm talking about pets. And I do understand farm kids have a different frame of mind. You're raised to think of them as working animals. But even so, they are subject to predators and disease, even if the pavement is a mile down the road. But good on you to recognize that not all cats are farm cats.
Agree. Outdoor cats have a higher chance of being run over, snatched, killed by humans on purpose or generally f****d with by other species like coyotes, racoons and the like. Keep your cat indoors! Outdoor cats are also susceptible to parasites and other blood borne diseases/pathogens. Also, cats f**k with the local ecosystems by killing other smaller mammals and birds for sport. Please keep your cat inside!
Jessica, as a Bird, you should want the cats inside.:-) (Also, we do stay inside all the time.)
Where I live, cat-rescue will not give you the cat if you cannot let it go out. With the exception of old, sick or traumatized cats, it is animal cruelty to trap them in a restricted space. As is cutting claws. If you don't want to let your cat out, do not have a cat.
Jason Doakes lol
n-mortimer3723 +
jes2011 no
pandasaurx3 ?
jes2011 love
Jason Doakes good
Cutting nails on some cats is necessary, they tend to get snagged on things. DECLAWING is a horrendous, cruel and unnecessary abuse. It's comparable to amputation down to the first knuckle in humans. With permanent sensitivity, even pain, to the point that some cannot use the litter box anymore. Then the guilty owner dumps them in a shelter for it.🙄🤬😤
TheAnimalLady -
phycohen follower
pinepig haha
For the love of God, please realise there's is a world outside of America and it is not necessary to keep cats indoors in all countries. The UK and pretty much all of Europe do not need to keep cats inside.
Jen Wold -
jim-kerry9876 what
These are hilarious XD the cat is an ass
Cats need to be indoors so that they don't get attracted, poisoned or worse, hit by a vehicle.
Oogiebogieaugiedaddy good
kniessner no
Oogiebogieaugiedaddy follower
This comment has been deleted.
Keep your cats inside!!
Margaret Brownlow good
Margaret Brownlow lol
Aww. 😻
Most cat food seems to be pretty awful, low quality stuff. I'd be begging for tuna and chicken too, if I were a cat.
some cats are just rude (still love them tho)
It's terrible when people start feeding others' cats without asking... I only gave mine dry food yet he gained a pound per year; the vet was telling me off, and I don't wish him obesity. I guess those neighbours moved as he started losing a pound a year and then stabilized at perfect BMI.
Then keep your cat inside. While all the notes are cute, do you see a pattern? They are outside roaming, and don't need to be. It's dangerous and unhealthy. Average lifespan of an outdoor cat - 2-5 years. Average lifespan of an indoor cat - 12-17 years. See the difference. Sorry to be a downer, but I had to do an entire research paper on this for a class in college. In speaking with vets, there is no reason that cats need to go outside. And every reason to keep them in.
Giovanna, to me true happiness is a cat that's alive, and not one splatted on the road, or mauled by coyotes.
Reirei. Not a load of tripe. And your anecdotal evidence does not negate actual statistics. I remain steadfast in that cats should only be indoors. We are insistent because we're right. This is not an opinion, it's facts. Do some research. Do you see dogs wandering around near you? If you do, you shouldn't. I know where I live dogs don't wander. Cats shouldn't either. I wouldn't call it cruel to not let them out. I call it smart. It doesn't take a genius to figure out the hazards outside. There is disease in addition to other dangers. And frankly, not everyone wants cats in their yards using their gardens as litter boxes. I don't know where you live, but it is actually against the law where I live to let you pet roam.
My childhood cat lived to 16 despite being an outdoor cat, she was taken by liver cancer. A great many I've known have lived late teens early twenties, so that's a load of tripe. There are sides to both stories that depend entirely on various circumstances, but the indoor only cat people are always stubbornly insistent that their way is the only way and it is cruel otherwise. And I say this as someone who currently has indoor only cats.
Reirei Good response!
babyhen what
The face of true happiness, to me, is a cat sitting on a field staring at a mouse in the grass. Not an obese cat sleeping on the sofa.
The vet told you off because your cat gained a pound in a year? lol
Now you have enough inspiration to write a well humorous note. 😊
I agree about keeping cats inside, but I realize there are people who disagree with me. A lot of cats disagree with me too, although I think my own cat likes being relieved from having to go outside and act macho.
YOU CANNOT ONLY FEED YOUR CAT DRY FOOD!!! Research the health problems that they are headed for. Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus for starters. I'M NOT KIDDING... YOU'RE KILLING HIM SLOWLY with your "love".
It does looks funny, but I still don't like people allow the cats roaming outside the street, too dangerous out there. if you really love your cat, should always stay inside.
I want a catbwheb my dog passes. My husband not so much but would have 1 just so I can experience it. My old house had a perfect place for a catio where we out the dog door. Our new house not so much but I have grand plans than may not work, from a catdoor to catio, plus a catwalk to the fence (but it would have to be high up and may be against hoa) so the catio can go along the fence near the top. Maybe around the tree we have. Exercise and view. I don't like cats being outdoors but won't tell others what to do with cats as they aren't a danger to people like unleashed dogs can be. Outdoor cats are common practice and it isn't the worst. But, for me, I don't want cat fights, bringing home stuff, someone stealing it, someone thinking it is a stray and bringing it home or to the shelter, or someone running it over.
Colin...You are mostly correct, but, cats are dangerous to people. They cause car (& motorcycle, once for me) accidents. I'm highly allergic and don't even have to touch one to react (Asthma and hives). I love animals more than anyone, but I'm sick of total strangers' cats using my organic food garden for a toilet. Putting up empty shelves and clearing the tops of bookcases, etc. to make a cat "highway" is fun for us and our cats.
They are a danger. When I was pregnant and gardening, I came into contact with cat feces because people think that it's okay to let their cats out and do their business. Pregnant women are susceptible to Toxoplasmosis, which comes from cat feces. During my pregnancy my husband took care of litter box duty, but then I had to be subjected to it in my own garden. That's the height of arrogance by irresponsible cat owners.
For people saying to keep your cats indoors. They like to explore. Meet other cats. Hunt. Smellnew smells. They can't do that natural stuff in a catio. I don't care if that's how you care for your cat but don't tell other people to do so as well. My cats are outside cats and they love to run around and bring us field mice from the field behind our house. We also have a highway in front of our house. Luckily our cats are terrified of the road and wont even go near the sidewalk. They even jump at the sound of a truck passing by when inside the house. We always call them in before we go to bed though.
You can take the advice or leave it. We've lost 4 cats. I lived in the suburbs, super chill place, yet one was poisoned, another was shot at etc.. The only cat, that lived to be 17, was "mine" and only bc i got my s**t together. There are countless stories like mine. Looking after them properly doesn't mean shutting them in 24/7. Maybe your place is safer, but that's not true for everyone. Sometimes it's a dog, a car, or an angry neighbour who's tired of the cat shitting in his garden and killing all the songbirds
F.S - yes, everything here. And how about feline leukemia? Or FIV? They can contract that simply by coming in contact with another infected animal. This just seems like common sense. I'm appalled by the number of people that say "they're happier". Really? How are dead cats happy?
F.S what
F.S haha
If you let your cats roam you lose the right to worry about what happens to them. People might feed them, take them home and keep them, they can be hurt or killed simply because they weren't kept safe by the people who signed up to take care of them. Dogs enjoy exploring and sniffing too, but they have to be confined to the property or under control. Last point "cats like to hunt", yes they do. In Australia, TWO BILLION native birds and animals are killed annually by cats. Keep them on the property.
Yes, there are things they like to do. I like to eat hamburgers and french fries. But that's not healthy, and either is being outside for cats. Maybe your cats are terrified of the road, but that is anecdotal evidence, not science. Yours are not the norm. As evidenced by the number of dead cats seen on the side of the road. And this is coyote mating season. They make a nice snack for them.
My neighbors and I look after each others cats. We feed them and welcome them into each other's homes. But their cats are theirs and ours are ours. However I have told them that my one cat that seems to prefer them can stay with them forever if he would like to do that. I want my cat to be happy. If he is happy there so be it.
It's very difficult for your cat to be happy if it's dead. Cats are not capable of understanding what is in their best interest. And as far as I'm concerned, if a cat is outside walking around, it's a stray.
Meow This is my cat typing plz send HELP! Sincerely The cat prisoner Meow
Meow This my cat typing he has taken over my computer please send Help! Sincerley cat Meow
Some people do not love cats, they love to possess cats. Cats have to go out. Would you keep your dog inside all the time? Would you stay inside all the time? How do you feel about those tiny birdcages? Are you "protecting" the animal by inprisoning it? That's ridiculous, because the Cat is the danger. That's why all the bird-lovers are trying to tell you to keep the cat inside, they are predators, and you put them in a cage. And Cat-leashes? De-clawing? WTactualF Did you read/see "Misery"? Well, the cat is the writer, you are the "Loving fan".
I AM indoors all the time. In the past 10 months I've been out a grand total of 4 times--and one of those was the ambulance to the hospital. Our 65 pound pit bull often goes days without going out; his owner sees nothing wrong with this. And we have an asshole down the street who AIMS for cats with his car. Yeah, danger to the cats is very real.
Louloubelle you seem to take this topic very seriously and that's fine. Still it seems you don't know that much about cats as you argue from a human perspective
You clearly need to change your name...and do more research 🙄
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I'm sorry but most cats should have the possibility to go outside. They are hunters by nature and are not living a full life if only kept inside the house. Cats will see themselves how much space they need, some stay around the back yard, some roam around. Like people, they have different personalities which evolve best if treated as such
People can create enriched environments for their cats indoors. In many places, it’s too dangerous to let them out. Where I live, you have to promise to keep a cat indoors in order to adopt. I respect your opinion although I disagree.
No. They shouldn't have the possibility to go outside. This is according to veterinarians. They may be hunters by nature, but that was before man domesticated them. It's not necessary anymore, and being outside is dangerous and irresponsible. Their personalities has little to do with this. It's about keeping them healthy and safe, and that doesn't happen outside. We don't let dogs roam - it's illegal in most places. And it's also illegal in most places to let cats roam.
They significantly impact the bird population, so yeah, while they're natural hunters, there's too darn many of them to let them do what they do and still have any birds. For the sake of ecological balance if not for the health of your cat, keep them indoors.
Well, you could always turn a few mice loose in your house if you think your cats need something to hunt. We have an old house with a porous basement, and I'm regularly getting dead adolescent rats deposited in my bedroom. But my cats are just as happy to chase the meeces made out of fake fur, too.