we've had our cat (Sid) for about 1.5 years. he is froma shelter and was 6
months old wheni got him. He got a little nutty last spring where he really
tryed aggressively to get outside whenever we opened a door but it passed
after a week or 2.
NOW - he's been at it again like crazy for 2 weeks and he keeps getting out,
sometimes multiple times a day. I just pick him up and put him back in. He
seems to want to nibble the onion grass. He doesn't run from me, but he
tries to get out again at the next chance.
This morning my husband didn;t notice the escape and I didn't notice Sid was
gone becasue he often sleeps after breakfast. It wasn't until over 2 hours
later that I found him outside, he was on the steps meowing to come in and
he seemd scared :(
Maybe he's had his adventure now? I don't know what to do - we are not going
to win this battle - or can we?
I am scared for his safety outdoors and we live near (not on) a fairly busy
road. Are some cats just not suited to be indoor cats?
thanks
Barb P - 27 Apr 2006 16:14 GMT
The matter of indoor/outdoor cats is a heavy topic of conversation.
I have had cats in the past who were outdoors (due to the fact I lived with
my parents and they didnt want cats indoors 24/7). My cats now are strictly
indoors with the exception of those times that they,too,sneak out.
Mama loves for me to bring grass in from outside. I had a planter full of
grass but it died out. So when the grass outside gets a little high, I go
out and pull some for her to nibble on.
> we've had our cat (Sid) for about 1.5 years. he is froma shelter and was 6
> months old wheni got him. He got a little nutty last spring where he
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> thanks
nanner - 27 Apr 2006 16:22 GMT
> The matter of indoor/outdoor cats is a heavy topic of conversation.
> I have had cats in the past who were outdoors (due to the fact I lived
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> grass but it died out. So when the grass outside gets a little high, I go
> out and pull some for her to nibble on.
I was considering bringing in some grass. What is the deabte? Do some think
it's more natural for cats to be outdoors while others think it's unsafe?
We signed a form at the shelter saying he'd be strictly an indoor cat and he
would never be declawed. I meant to honor those as I feel that way myself
but now I feel bad for Sid who seems to want to be out there so badly.
I also thought if i started walking him on a leash (wierd) that he may enjoy
that - or give him limited supervised outings in the yard (on a long lead
maybe??)
Dunno what to do, hope many will give thier input/experience - thanks
>> we've had our cat (Sid) for about 1.5 years. he is froma shelter and was
>> 6 months old wheni got him. He got a little nutty last spring where he
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>>
>> thanks
Barb P - 27 Apr 2006 16:28 GMT

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>
>> The matter of indoor/outdoor cats is a heavy topic of conversation.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> think it's more natural for cats to be outdoors while others think it's
> unsafe?
Yes...you got that one right...
> We signed a form at the shelter saying he'd be strictly an indoor cat and
> he would never be declawed. I meant to honor those as I feel that way
> myself but now I feel bad for Sid who seems to want to be out there so
> badly.
> I sometimes put my cat in a pet stroller...it is a mesh covering. He loves
> it!
> I also thought if i started walking him on a leash (wierd) that he may
> enjoy that - or give him limited supervised outings in the yard (on a long
> lead maybe??)
> That is another topic that is debateable...My personal opinion, if he
> likes it, go for it.
Magic Mood Jeep© - 27 Apr 2006 17:05 GMT
>> The matter of indoor/outdoor cats is a heavy topic of conversation.
>> I have had cats in the past who were outdoors (due to the fact I
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> think it's more natural for cats to be outdoors while others think
> it's unsafe?
Yup. I would *love* for my cats to be able to go outside, but we live 20
feet off a very busy road (where a school bus, of all things, was hit head
on this past tuesday), and I have seen various dead critters on the road,
the latest a cat that looked so much like one of ours, DH & I rushed home to
do a kitty-head-count to make sure!
> We signed a form at the shelter saying he'd be strictly an indoor cat
> and he would never be declawed. I meant to honor those as I feel that
> way myself but now I feel bad for Sid who seems to want to be out
> there so badly.
I think our shelter would prefer that cats stay indoors, but there's no way
that it can be enforced. I keep mine in for the reasons stated above, and
that theyre are skunks and coyotes that can be dnagerouse for cats, and the
ferals that come around that could possibly spread disease
> I also thought if i started walking him on a leash (wierd) that he
> may enjoy that - or give him limited supervised outings in the yard
> (on a long lead maybe??)
There are people that have cats that they 'walk' on a leash or lead - use a
harness though, and not a collar so he won't get strangled by it! And
always stay outdoors with your cat if you 'stake' him out on a lead - that
way he can be 'protected' from any predators.
> Dunno what to do, hope many will give thier input/experience - thanks
>
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
>>>
>>> thanks
Anna - 27 Apr 2006 17:33 GMT
>I also thought if i started walking him on a leash (wierd) that he may enjoy
>that - or give him limited supervised outings in the yard (on a long lead
>maybe??)
You can get a harness (not a collar) and a tie out at pet store and let him
out that way, but you must stay with him. Leaving him tied up unattended
leaves him vulnerable to other cats and dogs. Or you can walk around the
yard with him using the tie-out as a leash. Some people also build cat
enclosures in their yard; I'm sure there's advice on how to do it on 'net.
You can also buy grass from pet store or grow your own. Your right to be
scared for his safety outdoors, many things that can happen out there to him.
Cadman - 28 Apr 2006 05:06 GMT
> I was considering bringing in some grass. What is the deabte? Do some think
> it's more natural for cats to be outdoors while others think it's unsafe?
WTF? You're planning to sod your living room just to appease your stupid cat?
You're a total f.ck bag.
nanner - 28 Apr 2006 19:59 GMT
>> I was considering bringing in some grass. What is the deabte? Do some
>> think it's more natural for cats to be outdoors while others think it's
>> unsafe?
>
> WTF? You're planning to sod your living room just to appease your stupid
> cat?
not quite, like a handful or a small terracotta pot.
> You're a total f.ck bag.
can you define this please? or explain the difference between a *total*
fuckbag and perhaps an incomplete one?
Cadman - 29 Apr 2006 03:24 GMT
>>> I was considering bringing in some grass. What is the deabte? Do some
>>> think it's more natural for cats to be outdoors while others think it's
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> can you define this please? or explain the difference between a *total*
> fuckbag and perhaps an incomplete one?
Look in the mirror, dipshit...the *total* f.ck bag is lookin right at ya.
Normous E. Rection - 29 Apr 2006 04:33 GMT
> > > I was considering bringing in some grass. What is the deabte?
> > > Do some think it's more natural for cats to be outdoors while
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> can you define this please? or explain the difference between
> a *total* fuckbag and perhaps an incomplete one?
Can I step in here, nanner? Just for a teensy-weensy moment, I promise. I
hold my hand to my heart, take a deep, deep sigh, and swear, to the bottom
of my bottom, and going all the way up to my throat, that I won't overstay
my welcome by more than a "tad", as they say. OK? Cheers.
The "deabte", as you so succintly, if rather clumsily put it, is no deabte
at all, really. No. My considered opinion - and I would like to stress that
it *is* my opinion, to which I hold full copyright, and I'll spank anyone's
bottom who abuses it in any way, shape, or form - is that the only way to
settle this problem of whether or not you should let your cat go "outside",
is to immediately, and forthwith, have it put down.
The really clever part of this scenario is that if you bury poor Tiddles
outside, he/she/it will have all the benefits of being outdoors, but none of
the dangers, like traffic, dogs, and cruel children with sticks. An
additional benefit would be that a shrub, or tree planted over the grave
would have an excellent source of organic fertilizer for as long as it would
take the corpse to decompose, after which the local dogs would be well
served with a good bone source.
Hope this helps the deabte.
PS
I'd have helped you on the "fuckbag" definitions, but I didn't want to come
across as sarcastic, or rude.
nanner - 29 Apr 2006 12:24 GMT
>> > > I was considering bringing in some grass. What is the deabte?
>> > > Do some think it's more natural for cats to be outdoors while
[quoted text clipped - 41 lines]
> come
> across as sarcastic, or rude.
and certainly not longwinded LOL
Pheline Phine - 27 Apr 2006 17:55 GMT
> we've had our cat (Sid) for about 1.5 years. he is froma shelter and was 6
> months old wheni got him. He got a little nutty last spring where he
> really tryed aggressively to get outside whenever we opened a door but it
> passed after a week or 2.
You mean Sid passed? As in passed away? Well, it's probably for the best.
Cats like Sid, who are a little nutty, clearly have no business being alive
in the first place, and should be destroyed whenever possible.
> NOW - he's been at it again like crazy for 2 weeks and he keeps getting
> out, sometimes multiple times a day. I just pick him up and put him back
> in. He seems to want to nibble the onion grass. He doesn't run from me,
> but he tries to get out again at the next chance.
Oh - he's alive, then? sh.t. The only option I can see is for you to poison
the onion grass. Something that'll make sure he snuffs it, like strychnine.
That'll show him.
> This morning my husband didn;t notice the escape and I didn't notice Sid
> was gone becasue he often sleeps after breakfast. It wasn't until over 2
> hours later that I found him outside, he was on the steps meowing to come
> in and he seemd scared :(
Someone probably kicked his arse. Give it a quick glance - if there's
footprints on it, then yes, he's had a run-in with someone who knows how to
treat cats.
> Maybe he's had his adventure now? I don't know what to do - we are not
> going to win this battle - or can we?
Yes - you can. If you're sensible, that is. Keep him locked-up in a box in
the attic. Or let him out, and hire someone to kick his arse on sight. He'll
never want to escape again, the little prankster.
> I am scared for his safety outdoors and we live near (not on) a fairly
> busy road. Are some cats just not suited to be indoor cats?
ALL cats are unsuitable for indoor - or outdoor - use. They are a danger to
human health, and must be wiped out. Dogs are so much better.
Ajanta - 27 Apr 2006 20:33 GMT
: we've had our cat (Sid) for about 1.5 years. he is froma shelter and was 6
: months old wheni got him. He got a little nutty last spring where he really
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
: I am scared for his safety outdoors and we live near (not on) a fairly busy
: road. Are some cats just not suited to be indoor cats?
Safety first. I can't visualize your neighborhood. In most urban
situations I would not suggest letting him out in front of the house.
However, if you have a properly fenced in backyard---a detrmined animal
can climb most fences, I just mean he won't wander out of it---that
should be fine. In the beginning at least, you have to be with him all
the time.
Joan in GB-W - 27 Apr 2006 23:59 GMT
Why don't you put Sid in the backyard for a period of time everyday. Sit
out there with him. Read the paper outside. Or a magazine. Or a book.
After a half hour or so, pick up Sid and bring him back indoors. Most cats
love to be outdoors (even the ones that people have kept inside all of their
lives). In that way, Sid will get the experience of outdoors and that grass
that cats so love. (And love to throw up.)
Joan
> : we've had our cat (Sid) for about 1.5 years. he is froma shelter and was 6
> : months old wheni got him. He got a little nutty last spring where he really
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
> should be fine. In the beginning at least, you have to be with him all
> the time.
abby8226 - 27 Apr 2006 21:42 GMT
I only let me Abby outside but with her in my arms going for a small stroll.
Let her eat a little grass. Sure I got scratches when she tried to get away.
Then I bring her in and open windows whenever possible. She has a way to
look out any window she wants to. She's my baby.
> we've had our cat (Sid) for about 1.5 years. he is froma shelter and was 6
> months old wheni got him. He got a little nutty last spring where he
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> thanks
studio - 28 Apr 2006 02:30 GMT
Some of the other posters have some good suggestions.
The grass cats really like to eat is called oat grass.
Look for a small 4oz size bag at Walmart or maybe even
your grocery store in the pet section.
It's sometimes called KittyHerbs or CatGrass.
Oat grass is short lived and dies out after 1 month unattended.
It'll last another 2 weeks or so if you clip it when it gets too high,
and keep it watered regularly.
Plant it in a medium sized planter so it won't tip over when kitty
tugs at the grass.
Re-plant as becomes necessary.
1- 4oz. bag will last 2 years.
Oat grass helps kitty digest food, and gives them added moistier.
My kitty snacks on it 10 times a day....you'd think she was a cow
the way she grazes.