Are cats considered to be basically wild animals? And are they to be kept inside

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   Vonda Matthewsposted 8 years ago

   Are cats considered to be basically wild animals? And are they to be kept inside or outside?
   
   I have 3 cats that I feed outside in a mobile home park. They do not bother anyone but our new park manager says that I have to keep them inside or I will be breaking her new rule. I would appreciate any and all answers. Thanks
   
   

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   lisavollrathposted 8 years ago

   Cats are domesticated animals. They should be kept inside, unless they are feral.
   
   If you own the cats, you should get them vetted, and keep them indoors.
   
   If you are simply feeding feral cats that aren't yours, you should check your area for a TVNR program (trap, vet, neuter or spay, and release). Volunteers will come and trap the cats, vet them, neuter or spay them, and then release them in a safe area if the owner of your mobile home park isn't willing to let them stay. Depending on where you live, they may have educational materials for her that will list the benefits of having a healthy, neutered colony on the property (like the reduction of rodent populations).

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   Tusitala Tomposted 8 years ago

   Like dogs, cats have become domesticated by their association with humans over thousands of years.  As to whether they should be kept indoors or outdoors or allowed to roam in both is a personal decision. 
   
   Cats are, of course, born hunters.  They apparently never lose this natural attribute so if they are outside they will hunt birds, lizards, mice, rats, anything they would regard as prey if they were still living in the wild.
   
   Some people bring up cats which spend their whole lives living indoors.  Others won't allow them inside at all.  As for my wife and I, we keep our cat in at night (mainly so it won't fight with other cats that might be roaming around) and allow it to go outside in the day when we're at home.
   
   As I said, it is a personal choice.  There are no 'shoulds' or 'should nots' here.   Use your common sense.  But remember cats are very intelligent animals.  They ask only that they be treated well.

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      lisavollrathposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      When you let your cats roam outside, you make them your neighbors' problem. I don't own cats, but I have them sleeping in my front yard, mating under my bedroom windows, and pooping in my vegetable beds. Keep your cats inside!

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   Terrielynn1posted 8 years ago

   They are tame and have become pets. When I lived in town they stayed inside. Most community laws say you must keep them inside or on a leash like a dog. If you don't you are breaking the law. Mine are loose now because we live on a farm and they have a job to do. I do have one that stays inside because she is young. I love being able to give my cats the option of inside or out. Here people have to clean up after their cats just like any other pet. Some people make homes or outside areas to allow the cats to be out, but not roaming the nieghborhood and other people's yards.

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   fpherj48posted 8 years ago

   Vonda,  Cats make wonderful pets.  I have had many feline kids throughout my life & have always raised them as Indoor cats, spayed/neutered, litter trained.   You actually needn't train a cat, just let them know where the litter box is, they're so self-sufficient.  They don't even need to be bathed since cats are self-cleaning.  Depending on how old these cats are and if you wish to become their Mom and bring them into your home, it may be difficult to get them to be happy with remaining indoor.  If you find this to be the case, you can go to the option suggested by Lisa.   Further,  if you choose to keep them as your own, please take into consideration the cost involved in terms of having them spayed or neutered, annual Vet care, food and litter.   There are many ways to keep costs down and get creative, especially with toys for your cats.  Most communities have free neutering clinics.  You can find out by calling a nearby animal shelter or ASPCA.  I hope this helps in making your decision.  You might want to visit a library and take out a book on cat care.  It will answer most any questions you could have.  Good Luck..

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   Express10posted 8 years ago

   Many are domesticated but many others are feral and have led to the extinction of a variety of other creatures. Tom Ware is correct in stating they are born hunters. By keeping them inside, you will be a good neighbor, will be following the new rules and you will be assured that harm will not come to them accidentally or otherwise. Many cats that are allowed to roam by their owners or caretakers cause problems for others in the community in a variety of ways such as using other folks' property as their litterbox, causing issues for other's pets, causing allergic reactions for your neighbors, etc. Many people simply do not like cats and it is smart to be considerate of this fact. It is far better to be a good neighbor and commit to fully taking care of them by keeping them inside or stop feeding them. Feeding animals that are not your pets creates nuisances for other people in the area. Similar to seagulls in parking lots being fed by shoppers, the cats will hang around and cause problems for your neighbors unless you stop feeding them or keep them inside to yourself.

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