Hello everyone , so this isn't exactly a question. I am more so looking for advice or support/ from cat owners that allow their cats outside..so an indoor/outdoor cat.
My cat will be 2 years old this summer and I've had him since a kitten. I personally believe that cats should be allowed outdoors and live much happier lives being able to go out and explore, get fresh air and not be stuck inside 24/7 for the rest of their lives. So last spring was when I introduced him to the outdoors and he of course loves it. He does not go very far most of the time just stays in a general area close by and I've only let him out supervised. So I would keep an eye on him .. I'v never let him just roam outside while I'm not home. I live in Michigan and he doesn't like going out in the freezing cold so he's been home majority of the winter. He would occasionally go out some days for about 15-20 minutes. So now that it's starting to get warmer, he is back at it and loves to go out. So my concern is squirrels. First of all, where I live we have a ton of squirrels! And my cat is very fast and crazy lol. He chases anything that moves (as most cats do) and he's caught couple birds in the past that I've managed to save. He loves to climb trees, has no problems getting down. So like I said, we have alot of squirrels here ..and especially alot in front of my home because I feed birds and squirrels. So they eat bird seeds and come here reguraly to eat. I am terrified of my cat chasing a squirrel and eventually getting too close and the squirrel turns around and attacks my baby! They have such sharp teeth I'v heard they can cause serious damage , even break a bone. And my cat is petite. So that is the big reason I only let him out when I go out with him . So I'm this crazy lady watching for squirrels and scaring them away when they come near! I'm thinking of not putting bird food out anymore only for winter which would make me sad b/c I really enjoy feeding birds and my cat likes watching them when he's inside. I really would like to get to a point where I can let him out and not be constantly watching his every move and be so paranoid about the squirrels so that way I can focus on doing other things before I have to go to work. But at the same time I just really worry and don't want anything to happen to him. I want him to be happy and be able to go outside but I don't know what to do.. Has your cat ever had an experience with a squirrel? I just really would like some input , am I worrying for nothing? Do you allow your cat outside and if so, do you supervise them or just let them be and let them come home on their own ? I am mostly worried about the squirrels! Before this cat, I had another cat that was indoor/outdoor and did not supervise him and was fine..but he didn't care to chase squirrels as much as this cat does. He is a fireball!
Please provide me with some advice or support. Thank you! Also, my cat is up to date with vaccines and is neutered. Please don't comment on how I should not let my cat outside at all . Thanks
My cat will be 2 years old this summer and I've had him since a kitten. I personally believe that cats should be allowed outdoors and live much happier lives being able to go out and explore, get fresh air and not be stuck inside 24/7 for the rest of their lives. So last spring was when I introduced him to the outdoors and he of course loves it. He does not go very far most of the time just stays in a general area close by and I've only let him out supervised. So I would keep an eye on him .. I'v never let him just roam outside while I'm not home. I live in Michigan and he doesn't like going out in the freezing cold so he's been home majority of the winter. He would occasionally go out some days for about 15-20 minutes. So now that it's starting to get warmer, he is back at it and loves to go out. So my concern is squirrels. First of all, where I live we have a ton of squirrels! And my cat is very fast and crazy lol. He chases anything that moves (as most cats do) and he's caught couple birds in the past that I've managed to save. He loves to climb trees, has no problems getting down. So like I said, we have alot of squirrels here ..and especially alot in front of my home because I feed birds and squirrels. So they eat bird seeds and come here reguraly to eat. I am terrified of my cat chasing a squirrel and eventually getting too close and the squirrel turns around and attacks my baby! They have such sharp teeth I'v heard they can cause serious damage , even break a bone. And my cat is petite. So that is the big reason I only let him out when I go out with him . So I'm this crazy lady watching for squirrels and scaring them away when they come near! I'm thinking of not putting bird food out anymore only for winter which would make me sad b/c I really enjoy feeding birds and my cat likes watching them when he's inside. I really would like to get to a point where I can let him out and not be constantly watching his every move and be so paranoid about the squirrels so that way I can focus on doing other things before I have to go to work. But at the same time I just really worry and don't want anything to happen to him. I want him to be happy and be able to go outside but I don't know what to do.. Has your cat ever had an experience with a squirrel? I just really would like some input , am I worrying for nothing? Do you allow your cat outside and if so, do you supervise them or just let them be and let them come home on their own ? I am mostly worried about the squirrels! Before this cat, I had another cat that was indoor/outdoor and did not supervise him and was fine..but he didn't care to chase squirrels as much as this cat does. He is a fireball!
Please provide me with some advice or support. Thank you! Also, my cat is up to date with vaccines and is neutered. Please don't comment on how I should not let my cat outside at all . Thanks
. One of her previous cats used to bring squirrel remains home, but we were never sure if he killed them or found them as roadkill. I think usually cats and squirrels coexist reasonably well.
