001. Indoor and Outdoor Cats
Description
This article is from the Cats and the Outside World FAQ, posted to rec.pets.cats newsgroup. Maintained by Cindy Tittle Moore with numerous contributions by others.
001. Indoor and Outdoor Cats
Pros and cons
There are a good many arguments for keeping them inside. They will live longer since the chances of being hit by a car, hurt by other people or animals, or infected with contagious diseases from feral cats will be minimized. On the other hand, cats derive much pleasure from exploring around outside.
Compromises
Often, a satisfactory compromise is to allow the cat out under supervision. This can be done by either letting them out into a fenced yard (although if you leave them out there, they will probably eventually climb the fence), or using a harness and leash. To use the latter, accustom them to the harness first, in the same way as a collar. Then accustom them to the leash by leaving it on for short periods of time. Then take them outside, and follow them where they go (do not try to take them "on a walk").
Sometimes you can proof your backyard against escape (or quick escape) with either an "invisible fence" arrangement (these are usually for dogs, but some models have been adapted for cats) or with reinforcing material on the fence to prevent escape. Corrugated fiberglass on the fence makes it difficultor impossible to get a purchase for climbing over. An inward tilted addition to the top of the fence also helps contain cats. Or an entirely enclosed structure outside can be made.
Pet doors
Pet doors are a good solution for people tired of letting cats in and out. There are many kinds of doors, including those that fit into patio doors without requiring a hole cut through the wall or door.
You may have trouble with other animals coming in the door, or want to let your dog but not your cat use the pet door. The solution is an electronic pet door. The door has a lock that is deactivated by a magnet that selected pets wear on their collar. Look under Pet Supplies in the yellow pages. If you can't get one locally, call "America's Pet Door Store" toll free at 1-800-826-2871 for a catalog.
Electronic pet doors are installed much like a regular pet door, but you plug them in. The door itself needs a firmer push to open than most. A great feature is the 4-way lock. The lock can be set so the cat can 1) go both in and out 2) go in only - great if you want to catch them 3) out only 4) totally locked. Doors cost about US$80-US$90.
Invisible Fences
Used most often with dogs, there are some invisible fence systems made for cats. These systems use a special collar, a buried wire, and a beep tone to warn the cats they are approaching the boundary (indicated by the wire). A mild shock, adjustable in intensity, is administered if the cat continues to approach after the warning beep. According to people who have used it, it works fairly well -- the cats learn quickly to avoid it. It is NOT recommended that the cats be left unsupervised on this system for long periods of time. The people who use this system generally are outside with the cats as well; they simply don't have to worry about chasing after the cat. Note that this system will not prevent your neighbor's cat from coming into the yard unless it has a collar too!
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