[user104658]

Originally Posted by Lostie!

Nonsense. My cat was absolutely an indoor cat, she'd go out briefly every now and again and in no time she'd be back sitting on the doorstep waiting to get in. We never once stopped her from going out, she simply didn't want to for the vast majority of the time. To force her out for long periods of time when she didn't want to be would have itself been cruelty.

Perhaps try to stick to speaking from your own experiences and refrain from acting like you know what applies to everyone and everything else. You certainly don't, I can assure you that.

Where did I say anything about forcing them out? If they have access to the outdoors and prefer to be in that's one thing. Specifically KEEPING them indoors - blocking them from getting out even if they want to - is cruel. And selfish. It's getting and owning an animal for ones own enjoyment whilst disregarding what's best for that animal.

[ChristmasNeeve]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Where did I say anything about forcing them out? If they have access to the outdoors and prefer to be in that's one thing. Specifically KEEPING them indoors - blocking them from getting out even if they want to - is cruel. And selfish. It's getting and owning an animal for ones own enjoyment whilst disregarding what's best for that animal.

You could apply the same rule to dogs and people who let them in their gardens and not roam the streets free

[user104658]

Originally Posted by Niamh.

You could apply the same rule to dogs and people who let them in their gardens and not roam the streets free

Cats and dogs have completely different psychology though, dogs are pack animals and (in general) want to be in close proximity to their pack leader (in the case of domestic dogs, their owner) whereas cats are solo hunters and (in general) crave the freedom to roam / climb / explore etc.

In general.

I will add "in general" to every post similar to these in future in case someone gets upset about their emo pets that just HAVE to buck the trend.

[ChristmasNeeve]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Cats and dogs have completely different psychology though, dogs are pack animals and (in general) want to be in close proximity to their pack leader (in the case of domestic dogs, their owner) whereas cats are solo hunters and (in general) crave the freedom to roam / climb / explore etc.

In general.

I will add "in general" to every post similar to these in future in case someone gets upset about their emo pets that just HAVE to buck the trend.

If people let their dogs roam free they would form packs with other dogs regardless of whether their owner was the alpha at home or not.

Anyway like I said the breeder that I got my cat from won't sell you a kitten if you tell her that it will be an outdoor cat. I definitely do think that cats should spend some time outside which is why Gav built the enclosure for him and I let him in the garden. I know If I let him outside fulltime though he wouldn't last too long, he's too trusting and slobbish

Speaking of dogs wanting to be close to their owners though my "emo" cat follows me around the house They say Maine Coons are quite "dog like" personality wise though

[Lostie!]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Where did I say anything about forcing them out? If they have access to the outdoors and prefer to be in that's one thing. Specifically KEEPING them indoors - blocking them from getting out even if they want to - is cruel. And selfish. It's getting and owning an animal for ones own enjoyment whilst disregarding what's best for that animal.

You rather clearly suggested a belief that indoor cats simply don't exist and that all cats in general want to be outside on a regular basis. If you made it clear you were only referring to people who do keep their cats indoors against their will then that would be all fine and dandy, but that's not the suggestion you made at all.

For what it's worth, I agree with your point raised in this reply, but it's important to acknowledge that this doesn't apply to all cats.