Yes, all the cats I have kept in the UK have been allowed freely outside; it is no coincidence that the opening credits of one of our most popular soap operas had a cat on the roof. Mochi was a rescue cat and, like Doublethink says, the rescue centre wanted her to have access outside. Outside in the norm here.
Mochi is a shy, clingy dark tortoiseshell cat, and prefers to go out with us in the garden during the day but at night she lets herself out for an hour or so. She is currently on my knee for her morning stroke and purr session.
Yes, all the cats I have kept in the UK have been allowed freely outside; it is no coincidence that the opening credits of one of our most popular soap operas had a cat on the roof. Mochi was a rescue cat and, like Doublethink says, the rescue centre wanted her to have access outside. Outside in the norm here.
Mochi is a shy, clingy dark tortoiseshell cat, and prefers to go out with us in the garden during the day but at night she lets herself out for an hour or so. She is currently on my knee for her morning stroke and purr session.
That cat curling up on the roof was always the best part of the entire show.
The cat my family had when I was born was getting on in years and never strayed outside our (large) garden. Later we had a pair of kittens and my dad constructed a large run for them which extended into our garden from patio doors so they had safe access to the outside. One of Nenlet2's cats is very elderly and never goes outside, preferring simply to sleep on beds or laps. The other was a stray and does like to go out but never very far - fortunately, as they live near (but not on) a busy road. They don't have a cat flap and keep him in at night. I read and heard Chris Packham say that keeping cats in at night would be hugely beneficial to wildlife generally and, presumably, safer for the cat as well, judging from the cat fights we sometimes hear in the garden of the Nen Chateau, which always seem to happen at night.
On that subject, I was reminded recently on another thread of the not-so-appealing way cats tend to bring in live game, such as birds, and then release them to flap about in a panic.
Cats are an introduced species to Australia and many have become feral. The risks to our unique native wildlife is alarming. All cats are a threat to the wildlife and should be kept indoors or in a special outdoor run to contain them. Another concern is the nasty disease toxoplasmosis which is a danger to humans and animals such as lambs. My preference would be the extinction of cats, but many would oppose this, so I insist that they be desexed, vaccinated and fully contained.
Weād always let our cats out, but we had 2 cats killed - Gwenny. by a dog and. Amber probably by a cat - and so we decided that these two would be house cats.
Yes, the places around here that wonāt let people adopt unless theyāll keep the cat inside are motivated both by concern for other wildlife, birds in particular, and concerns for the catsā safety.
Of course, right now my wife is taking a walk with the cat in a carrier on her back.
Vetwise itās the reverse in the UK, they want to know youāll let them out, but then the eco system is very different. And wildcats were native to the UK.
We still have native wildcats in California, but they're large and dangerous (and only distantly related to domesticated cats). Attacks on people are rare, but they do happen - a young man was killed by a mountain lion Saturday in Northern California and his brother seriously injured. More often they attack pets. Where I live, nowhere near mountain lion territory, it's the coyotes that people worry about; a friend of mine saw her cat carried off by a coyote.
The other thing that I think factors in for vets talking about letting cats outside in the US is rabies. Where I live it's mostly reported in bats and skunks, and rabies vaccinations are required for dogs and cats, including cats kept indoors. But vets must see some shit, because they're adamant about it - one of my cats was a month overdue on his rabies vaccination (done every 3 years) when I boarded them while we were moving, and they wouldn't have let him in the door if I hadn't agreed to having him vaccinated first thing.
Yes, that makes sense - Iād forgotten about the rabies situation and you have bubonic plague too, though pet transfer is rare. Wildcats in the UK as a species were about the same size as domestic cats - no lions unless they escaped from captivity - but theyāve interbred with domestic cats so much it is no longer clear they are a separate species.
I've always enjoyed Boogie's posts about her guide dogs in training and there are dog breeds that I think are just lovely but very expensive here. We've always had rescue cats and they've all been wonderful with the kids.
I think it would be very good for my health to have to commit to walking a dog every day, but recognise that it is a commitment that perhaps I'm not disciplined enough to perform consistently and my laziness should not impact on a dog having a good life., so we've stuck with the felines!
We've had such good value from our cats, particularly when our son was unwell. The cat we had at the time, Harry, was a chunky gentle boy and he always slept with our son and was a real source of comfort for him. He was such a good boy and we remember him with great affection. The pair we have at present are good fun too, but I'm at the stage where I think perhaps I won't replace them after their demise, just to free us up a bit once the husband retires (not any time soon). But I would enjoy having fewer responsibilities
Thanks, @Nick Tamen - I've been under the mistaken impression that "wildcat" was a generic term my whole life. I.e., any wild cat. I didn't know it was another word for bobcat.
Basically in Canada the view is that staying indoors is better for both the cats and the birds. That said, I know a few cats whose owners say they really canāt keep them only indoors without guaranteed feline unpleasantness (to be clear, I know the owners tooā¦ ). Iāve also heard of cats who tried to lie down in the middle of the street to take in the view, or run up to cars as is they were a long lost friendā¦ leading to a rapid decision that they should be indoor only cats.
For what it's worth, the cougar/puma/mountain lion is rather large for a medium-sized cat. This is from Wikipedia:
They are the fourth largest cat species worldwide; adults stand about 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) tall at the shoulders. Adult males are around 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) long from nose to tail tip, and females average 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in), with overall ranges between 1.50 to 2.75 m (4 ft 11 in to 9 ft 0 in) nose to tail suggested for the species in general. Of this length, the tail typically accounts for 63 to 95 cm (25 to 37 in). Males generally weigh 53 to 72 kg (117 to 159 lb). Females typically weigh between 34 and 48 kg (75 and 106 lb).
For what it's worth, the cougar/puma/mountain lion is rather large for a medium-sized cat. This is from Wikipedia:
They are the fourth largest cat species worldwide; adults stand about 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) tall at the shoulders. Adult males are around 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) long from nose to tail tip, and females average 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in), with overall ranges between 1.50 to 2.75 m (4 ft 11 in to 9 ft 0 in) nose to tail suggested for the species in general. Of this length, the tail typically accounts for 63 to 95 cm (25 to 37 in). Males generally weigh 53 to 72 kg (117 to 159 lb). Females typically weigh between 34 and 48 kg (75 and 106 lb).
Yeah, I think the āmedium-sizedā is mainly in comparison to lions or tigers or jaguars.
Thanks, @Nick Tamen - I've been under the mistaken impression that "wildcat" was a generic term my whole life. I.e., any wild cat. I didn't know it was another word for bobcat.
Just to further complicate matters, the Scottish wildcat is not at all closely related to the bobcat.
We have neither a dog nor a cat.
We once had a dog that was an escape artist. Once we got a call from the law courts. When we collected him he had literally been tied up with red tape. He was good for our son's to not have a fear of dogs.
I do dislike how in Japan their are lots of lapdogs being pushed around in prams and otherwise mollycoddled. The most extreme case of this was at the outdoor table next to us where two women each had a pram with a dog in a coat, and used battery powered fans clipped to the side of the pram to keep them cool.
I think I see some examples of such treatment starting in Australia.
The only cat we have had is one that *adopted" us. It was a frequent visitor, but never wanted to come in the house.
Unfortunately, there are thought to be about 6 million feral cats in Australia efficiently killing native wildlife. Dogs, even ones on leads, can scare wildlife and inhibit them from finding food in their normal haunts.
When I was younger and lived on a farm we had a number of 'shed cats' who basically did their own thing and were quite shy of people - except for three notable exceptions who decided that living in our house was a much more comfortable option. We always had a dog (one at a time, Red Setters then Boxers) and the cats that chose to come inside were totally at ease with them unlike their shed dwelling relations. The situation always reminded me of the Kipling Just-So story of The Cat who Walked by Himself.
My neighbour in Norfolk used to have 5 cats, and they helped with rodents, as we live near a corn dryer, which is probably a magnet. Unfortunately, all his cats have died or disappeared, so we await a rodent plague. I remember seeing a rat washing his whiskers on top of our compost heap, quite cute.
On topic, I like both dogs and cats, and have kept both.
For what it's worth, the cougar/puma/mountain lion is rather large for a medium-sized cat. This is from Wikipedia:
They are the fourth largest cat species worldwide; adults stand about 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) tall at the shoulders. Adult males are around 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) long from nose to tail tip, and females average 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in), with overall ranges between 1.50 to 2.75 m (4 ft 11 in to 9 ft 0 in) nose to tail suggested for the species in general. Of this length, the tail typically accounts for 63 to 95 cm (25 to 37 in). Males generally weigh 53 to 72 kg (117 to 159 lb). Females typically weigh between 34 and 48 kg (75 and 106 lb).
Yeah, I think the āmedium-sizedā is mainly in comparison to lions or tigers or jaguars.
It just tickled me because we speak of such things so calmly. 7 foot long cat, no problem! Bison in the backyard, bear in a tree---you have to warn people not to pet them. Heh.
As you know, some animals only come in pairs .... Bison and get one free. Not knowing quite what they are (they are very rare in the UK) I googled 'cougar'. Well I never ....!
My father never had any problems with mice after looking after Garfield, our Siamese, for a week - there were mice in the run of the street.
A friend of my in laws bred Scottish wild cats for release into the wild .
For what it's worth, the cougar/puma/mountain lion is rather large for a medium-sized cat. This is from Wikipedia:
They are the fourth largest cat species worldwide; adults stand about 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) tall at the shoulders. Adult males are around 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) long from nose to tail tip, and females average 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in), with overall ranges between 1.50 to 2.75 m (4 ft 11 in to 9 ft 0 in) nose to tail suggested for the species in general. Of this length, the tail typically accounts for 63 to 95 cm (25 to 37 in). Males generally weigh 53 to 72 kg (117 to 159 lb). Females typically weigh between 34 and 48 kg (75 and 106 lb).
Yeah, I think the āmedium-sizedā is mainly in comparison to lions or tigers or jaguars.
It just tickled me because we speak of such things so calmly. 7 foot long cat, no problem! Bison in the backyard, bear in a tree---you have to warn people not to pet them. Heh.
For what it's worth, the cougar/puma/mountain lion is rather large for a medium-sized cat. This is from Wikipedia:
They are the fourth largest cat species worldwide; adults stand about 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) tall at the shoulders. Adult males are around 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in) long from nose to tail tip, and females average 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in), with overall ranges between 1.50 to 2.75 m (4 ft 11 in to 9 ft 0 in) nose to tail suggested for the species in general. Of this length, the tail typically accounts for 63 to 95 cm (25 to 37 in). Males generally weigh 53 to 72 kg (117 to 159 lb). Females typically weigh between 34 and 48 kg (75 and 106 lb).
Yeah, I think the āmedium-sizedā is mainly in comparison to lions or tigers or jaguars.
It just tickled me because we speak of such things so calmly. 7 foot long cat, no problem! Bison in the backyard, bear in a tree---you have to warn people not to pet them. Heh.
The most threatening wild mammals we have are sea otters. Vicious buggers who'll happily take a chicken given the opportunity but not really a risk to much else.
As you know, some animals only come in pairs .... Bison and get one free. Not knowing quite what they are (they are very rare in the UK) I googled 'cougar'. Well I never ....!
I can't warm to dogs that are not dog shaped. Dachshunds, pugs, bulldogs, staffies, jack russells, toy poodles and especially chihuahuas are not my thing. I love my late father's Black Labradors (jointly cared for by me and my sister) but I really yearn for a cat. I grew up with cats, the dogs were working dogs and not to be spoiled by kids but we could play with the farm cats as much as they would allow. I had two beautiful tortoiseshells from my uni days and they both lived well into their mid 20s, one was a shoulder sitter and the other virtually lived at my elbow. I still miss them greatly.
There is (or was?) a lovely Twitter account by the Oklahoma Wildlife people that has all the jokes. Apparently it started when they tweeted a picture of a mountain lion rolling in the snow with the advice: "You're cold. They have fur. Don't let them inside." And got a flood of responses along the lines of, "If friend-shaped, why not friend?"
On another thread, the happiness thread, I made a little dig at how cats could not be good therapy animals. @Ruth did not like what I had said. Well, I might have to eat my words. I found this on our local NPR website. Move Over Therapy Dogs, Cats Might Be Up to the Job
Although I wouldn't describe myself as a "cat person", when David and I were the temporary staff of Tabby, I used to quite enjoy what I referred to as "therapeutic cat time" when she allowed me to stroke her and talk to her.
I think Iāve recounted here before how, after I had open-heart surgery, our cat (technically our sonās, but he lived with us until son had a place of his own) began lying on my chest and purring when I was watching TV in a reclined position or sitting on the bed. He had never done that before I had surgery, but afterwards he did it at least once every day until we no longer lived under the same roof.
I recall that Rossweisse, of beloved memory, used to refer to it as āfeline ministry to the sick.ā
I'm firmly of the view that, in Australia, there should be no more domestic cats allowed after this present generation has gone to their feline paradise. And eradication measures for feral cats should be focused to neutering rather than shooting. But ... when my first wife left, it was a neighbour's tabby who found his way in whenever I was at my lowest, and told me that he loved me anyway, as cats do, and stayed all night on my chest to make sure that I wasn't going to do something silly. He did this for several weeks until he was satisfied that I was safe to be left alone. I still thank God for Murphy.
Garfield, our first Siamese, would curl up on the bed with:me if I had to take time off work due to a migraine and would only leave me when he heard our car coming. There was another car of the same model further up the street, but he could distinguish ours from the other.
Until we went to work in Kenya 13 years ago we always had dogs and cats in different combinations. I'm actually allergic to cats but if I live with one I build immunity to it. If I had to choose it would be a dog but both are lovely š
What you have written resonates with me @Foaming Draught . My sister sent one of her cats to live with our Dad when he was ailing, which sounds a bit counterintuitive as Dad didn't need any extra work.
However after a couple of weeks Max became Dad's constant companion and was company for him when Dad could no longer drive and was reliant on visitors to his home. Sister and I organized it so that one of us was there for almost the whole week, but there were occasions when it was just Dad and Max. Dad had never been a great cat lover, but I think particularly in the last 3 months Dad appreciated Max's presence as they sat together in the (very) cosy lounge watching TV together.
They really became buddies and on occasions Dad would call him Ginger, which was the family cat from our childhood. Ginger, adopted us and was a long-suffering faithful pet. I think Max filled a similar role and I think Max really grieved when Dad died. We left him at home for a couple of week, but he kept looking for Dad and sister took him back to her place where he reigned until he too died only a year or so ago.
Some people think that cats don't pick up on people's need for comfort, but in my experience, they absolutely do.
When Mrs RR and I got married we ended up with 4 1/2 cats: head cat, deputy, back up cat, emergency back-up cat and 'Free Spirit'. We are now down to two, who, being rescue cats, ought to be more grateful. Fat chance! I have read some of these lovely threads to Toby and Suzy. Though they looked suitably shamefaced, I'm not sure they have agreed to ammend their ways.
I suppose what I'm saying is they are a great comfort in our dotage.
Just chased one I've not seen before out of the garden - it was after my birds! A very optimistic moggy - and obviously it's slaves realise this - as it had a bell.
Definitely a cat person here; in fact my cat Millie has even won my partner over into being a cat person. I've had several cats in my time, all but one of them lovely (and that one was 'interesting' - inherited from my son who couldn't have pets in his new flat).
I have never had or wanted a dog, though they're nice to borrow and give back again. I used to dog-walk for the RSPCA and almost fell in love with one little Westie, but I don't like the commitment, the boisterousness or, to be totally honest, the smell.
My little cat just comes and snuggles up against me and we sit quietly together. She talks to me and loves it when I am around, but is just as content to curl up in a ball in any suitable or unsuitable spot and get on with busily doing nothing. She'll play occasionally (though she prefers to watch me playing!) but does not need taking on walks except for excursions into the garden while I potter or sit in the arbour drinking coffee.
For all cat lovers - have you seen Simonās Cat? Itās a very funny series of short episodes of animated films.
They're hilarious! Highly recommend, especially for those of us who are staff to cats.
I learned of Simon's Cat when my nephew put the Simon's Cat card game in my stocking one Christmas. It's now a tradition to play Simon's Cat at our family get-togethers. It's a suit-matching game, but the six suits don't all have the same number of cards, and there is no winner, appropriately for cat owners, just a loser who has collected the most "messes."
I was away from home for most of yesterday. When I arrived to feed Aroha my cat she flopped down on the driveway, lay on her side and did a welcome home dance. Basically she touched her front and back paws together, then straightened out about 6 times, then did the same when a friend of mine approached her.
It was really hard just to feed her and leave - but at least I'm back home again now.
I live with a dog and two cats. While they all give great pleasure, the dog shows every day that she sees the image of God in me. The cats, by contrast, have clearly heard of the Fall.
I don't see what's to argue. Both are wonderful companion animals and furry family members. Each has its peculiar habits and qualities, and people are drawn to one or the other or both (or neither) for reasons inscrutable. I love both but due to allergies can only have dogs.
Comments
Mochi is a shy, clingy dark tortoiseshell cat, and prefers to go out with us in the garden during the day but at night she lets herself out for an hour or so. She is currently on my knee for her morning stroke and purr session.
That cat curling up on the roof was always the best part of the entire show.
On that subject, I was reminded recently on another thread of the not-so-appealing way cats tend to bring in live game, such as birds, and then release them to flap about in a panic.
Of course, right now my wife is taking a walk with the cat in a carrier on her back.
We still have native wildcats in California, but they're large and dangerous (and only distantly related to domesticated cats). Attacks on people are rare, but they do happen - a young man was killed by a mountain lion Saturday in Northern California and his brother seriously injured. More often they attack pets. Where I live, nowhere near mountain lion territory, it's the coyotes that people worry about; a friend of mine saw her cat carried off by a coyote.
The other thing that I think factors in for vets talking about letting cats outside in the US is rabies. Where I live it's mostly reported in bats and skunks, and rabies vaccinations are required for dogs and cats, including cats kept indoors. But vets must see some shit, because they're adamant about it - one of my cats was a month overdue on his rabies vaccination (done every 3 years) when I boarded them while we were moving, and they wouldn't have let him in the door if I hadn't agreed to having him vaccinated first thing.
I think it would be very good for my health to have to commit to walking a dog every day, but recognise that it is a commitment that perhaps I'm not disciplined enough to perform consistently and my laziness should not impact on a dog having a good life., so we've stuck with the felines!
We've had such good value from our cats, particularly when our son was unwell. The cat we had at the time, Harry, was a chunky gentle boy and he always slept with our son and was a real source of comfort for him. He was such a good boy and we remember him with great affection. The pair we have at present are good fun too, but I'm at the stage where I think perhaps I won't replace them after their demise, just to free us up a bit once the husband retires (not any time soon). But I would enjoy having fewer responsibilities
Domestic cats that are wild are generally referred to here as āferal catsā to avoid confusion with wildcats.
Glad to be of service, @Ruth.
Just to further complicate matters, the Scottish wildcat is not at all closely related to the bobcat.
We once had a dog that was an escape artist. Once we got a call from the law courts. When we collected him he had literally been tied up with red tape. He was good for our son's to not have a fear of dogs.
I do dislike how in Japan their are lots of lapdogs being pushed around in prams and otherwise mollycoddled. The most extreme case of this was at the outdoor table next to us where two women each had a pram with a dog in a coat, and used battery powered fans clipped to the side of the pram to keep them cool.
I think I see some examples of such treatment starting in Australia.
The only cat we have had is one that *adopted" us. It was a frequent visitor, but never wanted to come in the house.
Unfortunately, there are thought to be about 6 million feral cats in Australia efficiently killing native wildlife. Dogs, even ones on leads, can scare wildlife and inhibit them from finding food in their normal haunts.
On topic, I like both dogs and cats, and have kept both.
It just tickled me because we speak of such things so calmly. 7 foot long cat, no problem! Bison in the backyard, bear in a tree---you have to warn people not to pet them. Heh.
A friend of my in laws bred Scottish wild cats for release into the wild .
The most threatening wild mammals we have are sea otters. Vicious buggers who'll happily take a chicken given the opportunity but not really a risk to much else.
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Yippee, I'm going to have German grand kittens!
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/outdoors/2022/06/06/how-oklahoma-wildlife-department-became-twitter-sensation/7503096001/
Pass the salt, please.
Passes salt shaker to @Gramps49.
I recall that Rossweisse, of beloved memory, used to refer to it as āfeline ministry to the sick.ā
Our chihuahua would wait till the person-with-a-fever lay down on the couch, and then curl up in the small of your back.
However after a couple of weeks Max became Dad's constant companion and was company for him when Dad could no longer drive and was reliant on visitors to his home. Sister and I organized it so that one of us was there for almost the whole week, but there were occasions when it was just Dad and Max. Dad had never been a great cat lover, but I think particularly in the last 3 months Dad appreciated Max's presence as they sat together in the (very) cosy lounge watching TV together.
They really became buddies and on occasions Dad would call him Ginger, which was the family cat from our childhood. Ginger, adopted us and was a long-suffering faithful pet. I think Max filled a similar role and I think Max really grieved when Dad died. We left him at home for a couple of week, but he kept looking for Dad and sister took him back to her place where he reigned until he too died only a year or so ago.
Some people think that cats don't pick up on people's need for comfort, but in my experience, they absolutely do.
I suppose what I'm saying is they are a great comfort in our dotage.
I have never had or wanted a dog, though they're nice to borrow and give back again. I used to dog-walk for the RSPCA and almost fell in love with one little Westie, but I don't like the commitment, the boisterousness or, to be totally honest, the smell.
My little cat just comes and snuggles up against me and we sit quietly together. She talks to me and loves it when I am around, but is just as content to curl up in a ball in any suitable or unsuitable spot and get on with busily doing nothing. She'll play occasionally (though she prefers to watch me playing!) but does not need taking on walks except for excursions into the garden while I potter or sit in the arbour drinking coffee.
They're hilarious! Highly recommend, especially for those of us who are staff to cats.
I learned of Simon's Cat when my nephew put the Simon's Cat card game in my stocking one Christmas. It's now a tradition to play Simon's Cat at our family get-togethers. It's a suit-matching game, but the six suits don't all have the same number of cards, and there is no winner, appropriately for cat owners, just a loser who has collected the most "messes."
Must look out for the card game - as a Christmas present idea for for the branch of the family that are staff to a couple of cats.
I was away from home for most of yesterday. When I arrived to feed Aroha my cat she flopped down on the driveway, lay on her side and did a welcome home dance. Basically she touched her front and back paws together, then straightened out about 6 times, then did the same when a friend of mine approached her.
It was really hard just to feed her and leave - but at least I'm back home again now.