Beware of Facebook Cat Groups

moggiegirl

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I know I shouldn’t be upset but I have been shamed by some cat people who strongly believe that cats should be allowed outside. Not only do I keep my cats indoors but I live in a small 2 bedroom condominium and I have 2 cats. I cannot afford a house so they live in my condominium “prison” which I am lucky to have because San Diego is a very expensive city. I love my cats very much but in some dumb Facebook cat group I was told that I should not have cats because I cannot provide a life for them which includes a large house and a garden and access to the outdoors. Gosh what a terrible cat owner I must be locking my cats up in my home which is basically an owned apartment. Why am I telling you this? I just needed to vent. I left that group. I’m never speaking to any of those people again.
 

vince

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A life indoors is preferable to a life cut short by an unfortunate interaction with an auto. I've had a few meet their end that way in my youth. My current cats are indoor-only and seem to be fine with that. They don't seem to want to go out any more.

There are advocates in both camps here, but we respect others' opinions.

Do you have some cat shelves or trees? That gives more vertical space for the cats and effectively makes the available space work like greater square footage.
 

Elphaba09

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How many square feet is your condo? Our house is under 1,000 sq ft, and we have 12 cats. For a long while, we had 13.

My husband has FB, and I sometimes use his account to look on the Marketplace. I know he belongs to a couple of cat groups. Thankfully, from what he has said, they seem like pretty decent people. At least he has not mentioned arguing with any of them about anything, especially considering how vocal he is about cats being indoors only. Obviously, he is not in the same groups.
 
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moggiegirl

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A life indoors is preferable to a life cut short by an unfortunate interaction with an auto. I've had a few meet their end that way in my youth. My current cats are indoor-only and seem to be fine with that. They don't seem to want to go out any more.

There are advocates in both camps here, but we respect others' opinions.

Do you have some cat shelves or trees? That gives more vertical space for the cats and effectively makes the available space work like greater square footage.
I have 4 cat trees….2 in the living room, one in my bedroom and one in my office. The largest one in the living room is next to the bookshelf which my cats love to go on top of. I have a variety of wand style cat toys. Bella is easy to play with but Mickey gets tired of his toys quickly and is hard to impress. He does respond to the laser toy even though he can’t catch the red dot and he likes catnip. I have not had the best experience in Facebook groups. People don’t seem to respect each other. And I get really defensive when I feel disrespected. But I have never had that problem here. My cats have to be indoors. I signed an agreement with The Rescue House promising to keep them indoors. In fact I was almost denied adoption because I told them my previous cats who lived to be 15 and 16 years old were allowed on my balcony. That’s how strict they are. But here I am doing the right thing for my cats and respecting the Rescue House’s adoption requirements and then I join some Facebook group for cat lovers and I’m told that what I am doing is “cruel” and that I am putting my own feelings before my cats and that I must feel guilty for not letting them out and blah blah blah. I told them I don’t feel guilty. I would feel guilty if I let them out and they got killed by a car or some other danger. But I couldn’t reason with them. They think they’re right.
 
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moggiegirl

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How many square feet is your condo? Our house is under 1,000 sq ft, and we have 12 cats. For a long while, we had 13.

My husband has FB, and I sometimes use his account to look on the Marketplace. I know he belongs to a couple of cat groups. Thankfully, from what he has said, they seem like pretty decent people. At least he has not mentioned arguing with any of them about anything, especially considering how vocal he is about cats being indoors only. Obviously, he is not in the same groups.
Unfortunately I am not skilled at figuring out or measuring how many square feet my condo is. I have a kitchen, a living room 1 and a quarter bathrooms, a little hallway and 2 bedrooms…the second bedroom is used as an office and doesn’t have a bed in it. That’s about it. I have seen YouTube videos of people living in even smaller city apartments in Korea and Japan and they have kitties. I do wish I could do more to make my cats happier but I have noticed they find joy in hiding in my closets and crawling under my bed. I do think Mickey sometimes gets bored as he isn’t as impressed with the cat toys as Bella is. But I lavish attention on him and he does have his other kitty companion…his Mom Bella. Also Mickey likes to crawl under the blankets when they are on the floor when I put new sheets on my bed. It’s the little things.
 

Tik cat's mum

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I feel you. When I was looking for a cat after my Tik passed, I decided to go to the local RSPCA shelter. So because of covid I had read on thier website that they were doing social distanced adoption. My first thing was to call and ask if they had any kitten's for adoption. I was told that they did. Then I was asked what I was looking for. So I told the lady I was looking for a young cat preferably under 1 years old. Didn't matter male or female, not bothered about colour, and was a fan of black cat's. To live with my nearly 3 year old. I explained my cat was indoors and the new cat would be. Because on their website it kept saying must be able to go outside. Then was told unfortunately we have nothing in that would match what your looking for, you'll just have to keep checking and hopefully a indoor cat will come in. Considering I had just been told by the same person they had young kittens I was surprised that I would be told that with no home check even. In the UK indoor/outdoor is the norm. Year's ago I had outdoor cat's and have nothing against it if you are willing to accept the dangers of letting them roam. I am not willing after losing 2 to car's. So I ended up not adopting from them. You would think a animal charity has seen what can happen and at least give people who want indoor only cat's a chance. I do not think my cat's miss out and if they would of done a house check just maybe they would of been surprised at the entertainment my boy's have.
 
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moggiegirl

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I feel you. When I was looking for a cat after my Tik passed, I decided to go to the local RSPCA shelter. So because of covid I had read on thier website that they were doing social distanced adoption. My first thing was to call and ask if they had any kitten's for adoption. I was told that they did. Then I was asked what I was looking for. So I told the lady I was looking for a young cat preferably under 1 years old. Didn't matter male or female, not bothered about colour, and was a fan of black cat's. To live with my nearly 3 year old. I explained my cat was indoors and the new cat would be. Because on their website it kept saying must be able to go outside. Then was told unfortunately we have nothing in that would match what your looking for, you'll just have to keep checking and hopefully a indoor cat will come in. Considering I had just been told by the same person they had young kittens I was surprised that I would be told that with no home check even. In the UK indoor/outdoor is the norm. Year's ago I had outdoor cat's and have nothing against it if you are willing to accept the dangers of letting them roam. I am not willing after losing 2 to car's. So I ended up not adopting from them. You would think a animal charity has seen what can happen and at least give people who want indoor only cat's a chance. I do not think my cat's miss out and if they would of done a house check just maybe they would of been surprised at the entertainment my boy's have.
I live in the U.S. where shelters and adoption agencies strongly encourage or even require keeping cats indoors. The Facebook group I was participating in, I think they are based in the UK and that’s probably why they were against how I keep my cats. It’s a different philosophy in the UK compared to the U.S. Did you end up finding a cat who you can keep indoors?
 

Tik cat's mum

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I live in the U.S. where shelters and adoption agencies strongly encourage or even require keeping cats indoors. The Facebook group I was participating in, I think they are based in the UK and that’s probably why they were against how I keep my cats. It’s a different philosophy in the UK compared to the U.S. Did you end up finding a cat who you can keep indoors?
I ended up finding a 12 week old kitten that a neighbour had. Unfortunately he was over run with kittens. After having 2 females get pregnant at the same time. Yes they were outdoor cat's. The boy I got was allowed outside as soon as he could get out of the cat flap. He now lives happily as a indoor only cat. And doesn't even like going into the back yard on a harness. So my little house panther definitely agreed with me, indoor life is better than the cold. He's about 15 months now and like his brother enjoys being a pampered house cat.
IMG_20210605_170754.jpg
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moggiegirl

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I ended up finding a 12 week old kitten that a neighbour had. Unfortunately he was over run with kittens. After having 2 females get pregnant at the same time. Yes they were outdoor cat's. The boy I got was allowed outside as soon as he could get out of the cat flap. He now lives happily as a indoor only cat. And doesn't even like going into the back yard on a harness. So my little house panther definitely agreed with me, indoor life is better than the cold. He's about 15 months now and like his brother enjoys being a pampered house cat. View attachment 393528View attachment 393529
Bonded kitties are the the most adorable to see.This is Bella and Mickey.
09773BFF-C907-4E08-8410-FB21E48CC4E0.jpeg
 

Jcatbird

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I have only one question. Are your cats happy, content and loved? Nuff said. I work with cat rescues and I am constantly looking for loving homes for cats that have been “lost” ,dumped, injured and not cared for, socialized ferals that I had to nurse back to health and kittens born outside that would have lived short and difficult ( at best) lives. Strictly outdoor cats live much shorter lives and are at high risk. Indoor, outdoor cats live longer but are still high risk for injury, abuse by humans, exposure to the elements snd disease. While some places can offer safe outdoor spaces, that is the exception. I know of a person who managed to cover a huge expanse of outdoor space where no predators exist but that is far, far from the US. If you and your cats are happy, ignore what others say. Unless they want to provide the perfect environment for all cats in the world, if they care about cats, they should be grateful for every good home out there. I certainly am. Thank you for giving those cats a safe and loving home. Far too many “pet.cats” that were indoor outdoor cats have turned up here with life threatening injuries. Well meaning “ owners” thought they should be free to roam. We have cars, bad people and predators here. While I had to return the cats to the owners after getting them back to good health, I was not feeling good about it. For good reason as not all survived after being returned. In many places, such as here, it is illegal these days to allow cats to free roam. Leash laws for cats are becoming more common. That may be the case there too. If you check your county ordinances you can find out. You don’t need to justify keeping your cats safe but if you wish to educate others, the leash law is a starting point along with all the things I mentioned. Of course many object to that law for cats too. Personally, I think you will find that TCS may be a place you will feel welcome. Glad you came!
 

Neko-chan's mama

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Neko-chan had never been outside, except in her carrier. She doesn't seem to suffer from it. She has toys, a bed, a tunnel, and three different sized climbers. She has a spot on our bed, 2 nice sized windows to look out of, and play time every day. She goes to the vet every year, her humans know where the closest emergency vet is, and there's always a willing lap for her to sleep on. In two years, she has hissed only once. I don't have to worry about her getting hit by a car or getting beat up by a strange cat, getting lost or sick. I'd like to provide a screened porch or catio for her, but apartment living doesn't give me the ability to do that. We can't afford a house yet. Ignore those people.When your cats are 20, you'll be happy you got so many years with them.
 
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moggiegirl

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Neko-chan had never been outside, except in her carrier. She doesn't seem to suffer from it. She has toys, a bed, a tunnel, and three different sized climbers. She has a spot on our bed, 2 nice sized windows to look out of, and play time every day. She goes to the vet every year, her humans know where the closest emergency vet is, and there's always a willing lap for her to sleep on. In two years, she has hissed only once. I don't have to worry about her getting hit by a car or getting beat up by a strange cat, getting lost or sick. I'd like to provide a screened porch or catio for her, but apartment living doesn't give me the ability to do that. We can't afford a house yet. Ignore those people.When your cats are 20, you'll be happy you got so many years with them.
I’m not able to provide a catio either. 20 years if I am lucky. My previous cats lived to be 15 and 16. Same lifestyle…in my 2 bedroom condo. Oh …and I tried leash training my previous cat Spotty. He was terrified because some of my neighbors have dogs. Once a dog barked and he ran and the leash slipped from my hand and I almost lost him. So I gave up that idea too and haven’t bothered to try it with my current kitties.
 
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moggiegirl

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I have only one question. Are your cats happy, content and loved? Nuff said. I work with cat rescues and I am constantly looking for loving homes for cats that have been “lost” ,dumped, injured and not cared for, socialized ferals that I had to nurse back to health and kittens born outside that would have lived short and difficult ( at best) lives. Strictly outdoor cats live much shorter lives and are at high risk. Indoor, outdoor cats live longer but are still high risk for injury, abuse by humans, exposure to the elements snd disease. While some places can offer safe outdoor spaces, that is the exception. I know of a person who managed to cover a huge expanse of outdoor space where no predators exist but that is far, far from the US. If you and your cats are happy, ignore what others say. Unless they want to provide the perfect environment for all cats in the world, if they care about cats, they should be grateful for every good home out there. I certainly am. Thank you for giving those cats a safe and loving home. Far too many “pet.cats” that were indoor outdoor cats have turned up here with life threatening injuries. Well meaning “ owners” thought they should be free to roam. We have cars, bad people and predators here. While I had to return the cats to the owners after getting them back to good health, I was not feeling good about it. For good reason as not all survived after being returned. In many places, such as here, it is illegal these days to allow cats to free roam. Leash laws for cats are becoming more common. That may be the case there too. If you check your county ordinances you can find out. You don’t need to justify keeping your cats safe but if you wish to educate others, the leash law is a starting point along with all the things I mentioned. Of course many object to that law for cats too. Personally, I think you will find that TCS may be a place you will feel welcome. Glad you came!
I know Bella is content, she sits on my lap a lot and likes to play. I don’t think Mickey is miserable but he does seem to experience some boredom. He’s not a lap cat but he does like attention and I give him lots of it. He is also not as interested in all the toys I have including a variety of wand toys and that frustrates me because I really do want to make him happy. But he never gets tired of paper bags and sometimes he likes to pop catnip bubbles and he likes catnip. These cats are bonded so Mickey is lucky enough to live with his Mom Bella. But they don’t cuddle as much as they used to ever since I took them to the vet for dental cleanings this year.
 

Tik cat's mum

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Your Micky sounds just like my boy Patches, he has a carrot toy that he loves. I buy them in bulk for him. But he has always preferred bit's of paper, cardboard boxes. I just make sure there is something he likes lying around. He isn't a lap cat either but I've found if he wants to play he let's us know. Normally by hoping around like a rabbit in front of Bandit. :lol: I don't have a catio either, my boy's are happy enough sitting on the cat tree at the window. I'm sure he would let you know if he wasn't happy. Bored cat's tend to play up. And your two look purrfectly contented and absolutely adorable. :hearthrob::redheartpump:
 

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How many square feet is your condo? Our house is under 1,000 sq ft, and we have 12 cats. For a long while, we had 13.

My husband has FB, and I sometimes use his account to look on the Marketplace. I know he belongs to a couple of cat groups. Thankfully, from what he has said, they seem like pretty decent people. At least he has not mentioned arguing with any of them about anything, especially considering how vocal he is about cats being indoors only. Obviously, he is not in the same groups.
Lol. I thought I was the only person who had 12 indoor cats, I, too, had 13 until a few months ago when my 11 month old kitty got sick and passed away. Miss him everyday…but I was able to bring in his brother and sister and even his feral mom. It took months for her to let me pet her but she’s been inside now since last October.. She’s very loving, Im in the process of introducing her to all my other cats (which wasn’t until she got all her shots and was spayed). All of them have been indoor cats only, never will be allowed outdoors. Don’t let those people on FB bother you, they don’t know what they’re talking about, indoors cats live longer and are much safer. They have a warm, dry home in bad weather, plenty of food and don’t have to search for food all day and end of eating some diseased animal or have an animal eat them…be happy with your kitties…..
 

vince

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It is possible to give them some outside time if you build a catio. Perhaps that could be done on your balcony to contain the cats while they're outdoors? Do you think you could do that without compromising your agreements with your condo's owner association?

There should be a number of threads on TCS dealing with building catios.

Sounds like you've done everything right about making your condo inside space cat-friendly.


Sorry, I just read in one of your posts that a catio isn't possible at your place.
 
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moggiegirl

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It is possible to give them some outside time if you build a catio. Perhaps that could be done on your balcony to contain the cats while they're outdoors? Do you think you could do that without compromising your agreements with your condo's owner association?

There should be a number of threads on TCS dealing with building catios.

Sounds like you've done everything right about making your condo inside space cat-friendly.


Sorry, I just read in one of your posts that a catio isn't possible at your place.
I let the sun in through the windows as much as possible so they can sunbathe. I was wondering if I should buy them some cat grass. The only reason I don’t is because my previous cats threw up like crazy every time they ate it. If it doesn’t make them throw up that could be a way to bring the outdoors inside.
 

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I know I shouldn’t be upset but I have been shamed by some cat people who strongly believe that cats should be allowed outside. Not only do I keep my cats indoors but I live in a small 2 bedroom condominium and I have 2 cats. I cannot afford a house so they live in my condominium “prison” which I am lucky to have because San Diego is a very expensive city.
Baloney on them!
In a post you said they are bonded, and have 4 cat towers...that's living the life! The safe life. Plus they have you.
I'm in a few Facebook groups of varying subjects and really people can be mean and harsh. The crappy side of social media.
Ignore ignore ignore. You have a great setup.
My daughter had 2 cats in a 1 bedroom condo for a few years, and they were perfectly happy and lacked for nothing. (She's now in a townhouse, 2 bedrooms.)
I have family in San Diego and yes so expensive!
You are a caring, loving cat owner who is doing just fine.
I tried cat grass, and one of mine ate the whole thing down to nubs and dug in the dirt he loves it so much. So I have to keep it hidden from him and bring it out on occasion. (The others have no interest.) So he does enjoy it.
Plus I do let some moths in during Miller Moth season for a bit of wildness. (Poor moths.)
Just do what you are doing and let the naysayers slide.
 
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