Can an inside cat become an outside cat?

[goatgirl]

Please help.  My husband and I are having a debate as to whether or not our inside cat of 10 years (who is spayed, but not declawed) can suddenly become an outside cat.  When we first got our cat we were living in the city and have since moved to the country.  We have tons of land and a few other cats that do live outside, and have always lived outside, that she could socialize with.  My husband thinks that our cat would be much happier if she had the chance to go outside rather than being cooped up in the house all the time.  I am worried that she would be more vulnerable since she has never lived outside.  Which one of us is right?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[SueDonym]

NO cats shouls be outside cats!  If you love them, you want them to live long and healthy lives, and the chances of both are much lower, living outdoors.  I agree  - pitch a tent for your hubby and ask him how he likes it!LOL

[goatgirl]

Thank you for all of the responses.  I knew I was right about this and can't wait to tell my husband!  Unless our cat wants to go outside we will be keeping her inside.  Thanks!

[live4fitness]

Kick your husband outside and see if he feels better HAHA no really keep your can inside

[LvdByGod]

yep, i agree with crystal... i bet your kittle will be frightened outside after being indoor for 9 years and especially with other cats around...  my indoor kitties that haven't been outside are extreemly scared to go outside... too many noises and such... they just bolt for the door to get in again...

cats normally do not crave company for other cats... they look at them as enemies...  but if you do want her to have company the best thing to do is get a very small kitten, so that she does not feel intimidated, and then introduce them carefully, letting the older kitty feel superior. girl kitties go nicely together, and so does a boy and a girl... but i wouldn't have more than one boy in a group... or you could get competion spraying!

"inside" kitties are safer too! i vowed to never have anymore outdoor kitties, after i found one of my sweeties dead on the road one time... that was the end of that practice... i also had one come home having been attacked by an animal... the animal had sliced open its back... so no more of that for me and my kits...too many dangers outside...

the only way i let my kitties out now is on a leash with me right there for safty... they actually like that alot... but i did start that when they were kittens... i don't know if an older kitty would like a colar and leash but you could always try it...i would get her used to it indoors first... she may end up loving the walks around the back yard like mine do...

hope something here helps...
sandi

[Jack615]

You are RIGHT - your husband is WRONG!  Your cat wouldn't stand a chance outside!!  

Jack

[Crystal_01]

Definetly keep her inside. I mean if she would like to go outside then that is fine but dont make her go outside, and dont worry she is more than likely happy being an inside only cat. I work at the Humane Society of Utah so i know that alot of cats love being inside only and in fact they do live longer when they are inside only, and sometimes cats dont like the company of other cats lol i dont know your cat but from my point of view keep her inside :)