- Joined
- Jun 23, 2016
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- 226
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Hi friends!
Let me start by saying that I'm not interested in replies that admonish me for allowing my cats to spend time outdoors. I understand the pros and cons of letting cats outside, and I understand and respect that a lot of folks are extremely set in the opinion that cats should not be allowed outside. However, this is not a place for people to tell me not to let my cats outside. I adore cats, and I respect them as autonomous beings, and I feel that it would be cruel for me to deny them access to the natural world from which they derive tremendous joy. I live in a rural area. If they want to stay in, I let them stay in. If they want out, I let them out (within reason) and try to check in with them every few hours and get them inside at bedtime. I love them as my children and I want them to be safe, but not at the expense of a lifetime of unfulfillment for them. I believe that there needs to be a balance. Soooo...
My question is for others that have indoor/outdoor kitties. I adopted a barn cat last spring who has become a wonderful friend. She had a litter of kittens shortly after her adoption, and I kept one of them (the others were adopted by my mother). Momma Ru has since been spayed. Kitten Kohl is now 3 1/2 months old and VERY tenacious. Ru was an outdoor cat when I adopted her, and now that she is spayed, I am allowing her to go out and explore as she wishes (except not overnight, when I can help it). She is a very sensible and savvy girl. Kohl has very little sense. He's basically the kitten equivalent of a 15 year old boy. I started letting him out at about 2 months old, for short, supervised play time. Now, he goes out most days for an hour or two, and I stay close by and keep tabs on what he's doing. So far, he stays close to the house. He explores the edges of the woods and stream that are near the house, but hasn't gone more than 50 feet from our cabin. He's expressed some interest in going up our dirt road, but I catch him and bring him in when he does so. He wants out alllll the time! I don't let him go unless it's daylight, and his momma is near, and I am near to keep an eye on him. I look forward to a time when I can let them out together, and know that Kohl bear will take care of himself and be safe. I know there are risks associated with letting kitties outside, but I'm wondering what age is appropriate to let them run free so that those risks won't be increased by lack of maturity. It's been so long since I've had a baby kitten. Most of the cats I've ever adopted have been full grown and already accustomed to the inside/outside routine.
Thanks in advance for any advice. Again... I'm only looking for advice from indoor/outdoor cat people. If you have the urge to scold me or warn me not to let my cats out, please just stifle the urge.
Peace and Love
Let me start by saying that I'm not interested in replies that admonish me for allowing my cats to spend time outdoors. I understand the pros and cons of letting cats outside, and I understand and respect that a lot of folks are extremely set in the opinion that cats should not be allowed outside. However, this is not a place for people to tell me not to let my cats outside. I adore cats, and I respect them as autonomous beings, and I feel that it would be cruel for me to deny them access to the natural world from which they derive tremendous joy. I live in a rural area. If they want to stay in, I let them stay in. If they want out, I let them out (within reason) and try to check in with them every few hours and get them inside at bedtime. I love them as my children and I want them to be safe, but not at the expense of a lifetime of unfulfillment for them. I believe that there needs to be a balance. Soooo...
My question is for others that have indoor/outdoor kitties. I adopted a barn cat last spring who has become a wonderful friend. She had a litter of kittens shortly after her adoption, and I kept one of them (the others were adopted by my mother). Momma Ru has since been spayed. Kitten Kohl is now 3 1/2 months old and VERY tenacious. Ru was an outdoor cat when I adopted her, and now that she is spayed, I am allowing her to go out and explore as she wishes (except not overnight, when I can help it). She is a very sensible and savvy girl. Kohl has very little sense. He's basically the kitten equivalent of a 15 year old boy. I started letting him out at about 2 months old, for short, supervised play time. Now, he goes out most days for an hour or two, and I stay close by and keep tabs on what he's doing. So far, he stays close to the house. He explores the edges of the woods and stream that are near the house, but hasn't gone more than 50 feet from our cabin. He's expressed some interest in going up our dirt road, but I catch him and bring him in when he does so. He wants out alllll the time! I don't let him go unless it's daylight, and his momma is near, and I am near to keep an eye on him. I look forward to a time when I can let them out together, and know that Kohl bear will take care of himself and be safe. I know there are risks associated with letting kitties outside, but I'm wondering what age is appropriate to let them run free so that those risks won't be increased by lack of maturity. It's been so long since I've had a baby kitten. Most of the cats I've ever adopted have been full grown and already accustomed to the inside/outside routine.
Thanks in advance for any advice. Again... I'm only looking for advice from indoor/outdoor cat people. If you have the urge to scold me or warn me not to let my cats out, please just stifle the urge.
Peace and Love
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