Putting cats out at night?

[B00]

Just saw a reply from another question asked which prompted me pondering this..... Does anyone else think the idea of putting cats out at night is horrible? Especially now the cold nights are drawing in, I hate the thought of cats being turfed out from in front of the fire to brave the night elements- or am I being soft as per usual??

[B00]

Rofl!!!
sorry, I knew you'd know it was your reply I was referring to! Sorry about that!!!

Don't get me wrong- most cats probably couldn't care less themselves about being turfed out, indeed I imagine it's when they do most of their 'killing sprees'!

Like I said, it's me being a softy, I personally couldn't do it, that's all.

[annavc]

I'd never put my monster out at night but then he prefers being inside anyway. If I do shut him outside he sits at the patio doors with the most pathetic look on his face and mioaws plaintively until someone takes pity on him - the soft lump!

[wolf63]

on a slightly different subject.

I read on AB a week or so ago about cats going home to go to the toilet and then going out to play again. This is so weird.

I live in the centre of a city in a second floor flat. There is quite a busy road in front of the property and it isn't ideal for a cat. The cats protection would only house a cat with me if it was an indoor cat.

Our cat used to go out at night, when I was much younger, but we living in a housing estate which was right next to a wood and an ideal cat play ground.

Many experts advise you to keep your cats in at night. I don't think it is because they will get cold but due to road safety.

Boo - maybe you could find a little coat here http://www.puccipetwear.com/

A couple of years ago BHS did little leather jackets for cats at Christmas. Wonder how many owners were killed trying to get it on their cat!

[annavc]

wolf63 that was my silly monster that come home to use the loo then goes back out to play again. He is a bit of a nutter! Actually I think he thinks he's too important to go to the loo outdoors - prefers the comforts of an indoor loo! Mad mog!

[B00]

Urgh wolf they're disgusting! Talk about excessive. but funny nonetheless.

Heh!

[wolf63]

annavc - your monster may have started it, but everybody I mention it to knows a cat that does it. It's like going out to play, home for toilet and food and then away out to play again.

They do know that they are wild animals don't they?

[catlavender]

I don't let my cats out at night either as it's not advised. Last time I did leave them out because they wouldn't come in I woke up in the middle of the night to a commotion in the kitchen - they were both chasing a mouse around! Freaked me out and always make sure they're safely locked in now. My Mum has 5 cats and they all go home to use the litter tray! Mine use the gravel in my back yard - I'd rather they used the tray it'd be easier to clean!

[cloudcity]

Cats are nocturnal creatures so no not really a cruel thing to do. Your cat will have to learn to deal with whatever routine you wish to use, they are very intelligent but can be very stubborn.

My opinion would be to ask yourself why you are putting the cat out at night, is it for the cat's benefit or yours. I feel I couldn't have a cat without having a cat flap, and the Blue Cross stated we had to have one fitted before we could adopt.

But if I lived anywhere near a main road or close to other animals I could not do this.

This is just my feelings/opinions, you do not have to listen to them or have a go at me for them. Thank you.

[B00]

lol cloudcity,wouldn't dream of having a go at you :-)

Like I've said, it's because I'm so soft that I wouldn't like any cat of mine out a night, I'd spend all night fretting he/she was cold/lonely etc.

[cloudcity]

Hey BOO, thanks.

You must be a bit like me then, I can't sleep if little curtain shredder isn't in. If I wake up in the night and she doesn't come to me I know something's wrong.

Cats, can't live with 'em. can't live without 'em.

[Becca34450]

By putting a cat outside you are allowing it to be susceptible to all the diseases there are for cats. If a cat is walking and steps into the urine of another cat who has a disease and then licks it's paw it has now transmitted the disease to itself. Also you are having neighbors mad at you for allowing your cat to do it's business in their yard. I am a big believer of cats being kept indoors at all times. Make a screened in room for them if you feel they need to be out.

[loveclaire]

I believe that cats should be let outside. They love to explore and hunt and I think its unfair to keep them inside all the time. Thats not to say that those who do have housecats are wrong. Its just my opinion. I have 1 cat and 2 kittens. My cat is an 'outdoor' cat. She will come and go through the day if I'm at home but is always home at night. My male kitten loves to go outside and will play out there for ages whereas my little girl kitten will go out for a little while but is perfectly content sitting at the front door.

As for neighbours having to put up with your cat doing its business in their yard, well there are a lot of cats in my street and I find they use hidden areas. So much so that in 7 years I've never come across cat poo in my garden. There are just as many people who allow their dogs to foul on the pavement or grass and don't clean it.

[mandimoo]

you should only put a cat out if its on fire ... they dont like water.

[mw]

well i am different i have 4 cats and i put them all out at night. A cat hunts at night for food. They come and go all day and even stay in all day but out at night. They will find somewhere to sleep if the weather is bad. Mine sleep under the shed or in alittle box hubby made.
I don't think it is cruel as they are always warm and clean when they come in the house in the morning.