|
|
|
Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/19/2008 11:02:01 AM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 2
|
|
| about a week ago we had a kitten show up at our house I tried to give it to the Humane society and another place called Angels for animals neither place could take it. and so we took it home and she has just kind of stayed around. Today we were finally able to get close to it and actually hold it so I told our kids we could keep it as long as it stayed outside. becasue my husband refuses to let one in the house. SHe was so sweet. Unforunaltley she liked to get up under our cars, I tried to make sure she was not there when we laft tononight but I think she was and now she is no longer with us. she was killed after falling out on the road and getting run over, Just makes me sick. My question is My husband asked how much a kitten lilke taht costs and how could we be sure that it wouldn't run away if we left it outside, is there anything we can do to keep it from running away? Thanks Pam
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/18/2008 10:16:15 PM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 4
|
|
Well, you already tried to keep a cat outside and that didn't work out so well. The only way to ensure a cat will not run away is to keep it inside. Since that doesn't sound like an option for you, please do not get a cat. There are many dangers outside for cats, as you have, unfortunately, found out. If the cost of a cat is a concern for you, please do not get a cat. Having pets cost money. They need food, vet care, toys, comfortable surroundings. I'm sorry, but I don't think you are ready for a cat.
Laura
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 5:29:17 PM
Posts: 342,
Visits: 220
|
|
Why doesn't your husband want the cat inside? IMO if you cannot have it inside (at least part time) then don't have one. The only way to stop them from roaming, getting killed or under the car is to build/buy a very large cat enclosure where the cat is protected.
And if you do get another cat, be sure the cat is neutered/spayed so its not reproducing. Sounds like a cat is not what you want for a pet. Maybe you can get a dog that can be trained.
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/7/2008 10:28:39 PM
Posts: 311,
Visits: 306
|
|
| A very good, high fence, but a truly motivated cat can get over any fence. If they are neutered the are less motivated. But an outside cat cost the same as an inside cat. The only different cost is the sand. You don't need sand in the garden, but you need everything else. Well perhaps you also don't need a scratching post, but you have to feed him, take him to the vet...
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 5:29:17 PM
Posts: 342,
Visits: 220
|
|
| IMO an outside cat could cost more in the long run - for more vet visits for fight wounds, poisoning, FELV/FIP contact, fleas, ticks, other accidents.
|
|
|
|
|
Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 5:56:08 AM
Posts: 629,
Visits: 720
|
|
| There are several posts about the pros and cons of an outside only cat, please read them. The most important question I can think of to ask you is: why wouldn't he let the cat be inside? Is it just cats or would he demand a dog be outside as well? Fleas can be brought in on your shoes, and clothes as easily as in a dog or cat's coat. So you can have fleas in your home without having pets. Kids ruin furniture faster than a pet. A pet may mark it with urine, or scratching it, throwing up on it. But kids will vomit, jump on, flop on, spill things, and (possibly) set fire to it. If he's concerned about the smell of a pet, he's forgotten the smell of a dirty diaper pail. Or how bad he smells after working in the yard, or on a car, after working out. while he can rid himself of his own odors with a shower and a change of clothes with the same basic efforts a pet will not make your house smell. Pets and children (If you want either) make a house a home. Children with pets grow up physically mentally and emotionally well-adjusted. They learn about love responsibility, life (if you have an unaltered pet giving birth), and death. Children who grow up with pets have fewer allergies (most kids who are alleric to pets are not allergic to their own after a period of adjustment), handle life situations better, and are less susceptible to depression. http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/pets_and_children or http://www.petloveshack.com/kids.html
My cats own my house they just permit me to live there. Only cat lovers know the luxury of fur-coated, musical hot water bottles that never go cold."
- Susanne Millen 
|
|
|
|
|
Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/30/2008 10:34:54 AM
Posts: 50,
Visits: 158
|
|
| Kids need animals. They learn respect for all life forms. Not to mention the old saying that farm kids are the healthiest kids in the world, because they are exposed to things that increase their immunity. It's time to tell hubby that he's not the boss of the house and if Mamma ain't happy ain't nobody gonna be happy. If my husband had ever told me we could not have an animal in the house he would no longer be here. Fortunately he knows better than to tell me what not to do. Wise man.
|
|
|
|
|
Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 7:38:34 PM
Posts: 534,
Visits: 884
|
|
Your experience is exactly what happens to most outdoor kittens. No matter how many kittens you got (and they're easy to get, unfortunately), the same thing would happen. time after time. Kittens just aren't mature enough to be outside. If you really want an outdoor cat, the best way to do this is to put a pan of cat food outside. Eventually, an adult stray cat will show up. You take her/him to the vet for spaying/neutering and vaccinations, and voila! you have an outdoor cat. Trying to make a kitten or an indoor cat into an outdoor cat never works out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------Educate, don't amputate! Don't de-claw your cat! http://www.declawing.com/ http://www.pawsneedclaws.com/
|
|
|
| | |