Conference misery::feline_v1

Sure, I'll offer the obvious advice:  don't let her roam!  Just
because pregnancy isn't a risk doesn't mean it is safe for her to
be outside -- there are still problems with cars, dogs, wild
animals, disease, etc.  

This has been discussed many times in this conference, and although    
I personally believe in keeping my cuddlies indoors, this is really
an individual decision.  If you believe they need the freedom of
roaming then you have to be prepared to accept the risks, and that
the day will probably come that you'll let her out and she won't
come home.  Your choice, on her behalf.


Jan   whose_cats_are_indoors_only

    Another vote for keeping them indoors.  Cats are so much safer indoors.
    
    -	stp

    Just leave her alone, and she'll come home wagging her tail behind
    her.                         
    
    Marion  ;-)
    

    Cats never forget where they live.  She knows who loves her and
    who feeds her and will come home when she is finished having fun.
    
    On the other hand it depends if you live in an apt where she can't
    wait on your door step for you to let her back in.  In that case
    I'd say keep her in where it is save from other people (kids like
    to chase them and if they catch her, well...who know what condition
    she might come back in).  
    
    I love all animals an believe they should be free.
    
    lb
    

    As has been said before, it depends alot on your neighborhood. 
    If you live on a busy street or there are alot of nasty children
    around, your cat may be better left inside.
    
    Assuming that the neighborhood is safe, have you considered putting
    in a cat door.  These are holes cut in your door that is cat-sized
    and closes with a flap.  We have had cat-doors for 3-4 years now
    and, contrary to what other people say, have never had a strange
    animal or cat come in our door.  Our cats protect that door.  
    
    Our cats often wonder off of our yard, to a favorite sleeping spot
    in the woods behind us or on a neighbor's picnic table.  They chase
    each other around the yard for exercise and sharpen their claws
    on the trees (they NEVER claw our furniture).  When they are hungry,
    (usually around dinner time) cold or lonely, they come in their
    own door and I don't have to worry about them if it suddenly turns
    cold or rainy when I left them outside during the day.  In the winter,
    they actually hardly ever go outside, but in the summer, they often
    spend most of the day outside.
    
    I feel that this is the best compromise as it gives them freedom
    but allows them shelter when they need it.  Sometimes they do not
    come in (to my knowledge) for several days, but they always come
    back to where they know food and love are always available.
    
    Jan
    

    After having read all, or at least most, of the notes on whether or not
    your kitties should be let outdoors I just had to mention something.
    Some of the noters who say you should keep your kitties indoors give
    the impression that if you let them outdoors they will only live for a
    couple of years and most likely die some horrible death that could have
    been prevented by keeping them in.  This is not necessarily the case.
    I have had my current kitties for about ten years now and they have
    always been let outdoors whenever they wanted.  They are in fine health
    and I expect them to live for years more.  I am NOT saying that I
    disagree with the people who say to keep them in.  If I were to get a
    new kitty I would probably have her be an indoor only kitty after
    having read all of the notes in this conference.  All I am saying is
    that having yoour kitty be an outdoor kitty is not an instant death
    sentence.

    Jessica

    

    Re: .-1, I won't make this a long indoor/outdoor debate as it has
    been done before i this conference but I'll offer an opinion.  Like
    .-1, I have a 9 year old that spends most of the time outdoors (by
    choice).  When I bought my house, my primary concern was that it
    be a place where the cats would be safe outdoors.  I found a great
    house that fit the bill.  I give my cats the choice of indoors or
    out.  The generic cat prefers to be in most of the time and Tigger
    and Einstein both come in to eat and hug a few times then spend
    the rest of the time outside (or mooching off the neighbors).  I
    vote to let the cat make the choice.
    
    Re .0
    
    You probably don't have to worry.  The generic cat prefers indoors
    but will occasionally go out.  On the rare times she does go out,
    she disappears for 24 hours.  I really can't tell you I don't worry,
    but she always seems to come back smiling and purring.  I think
    she just likes to get away once in awhile.