Dr Bruce Fogle, the well-known veterinarian and author, says:
“Judging by what people tell me when they bring their cat to the clinic, it’s pretty much normal for owners to feel guilty about not letting their felines outdoors….”
He then goes on to write that cat owners should not feel guilty about this because “many cats” are perfectly comfortable leading an indoor life.
I am interested in his observation that the majority of cat owners feel guilty about keeping their cats inside the home, full-time. Dr. Bruce Fogle lives in England, UK as far as I am aware, so he is probably referring to English people and there is a different attitude to cat caretaking in England compared to America.
English people by-and-large believe cats should be allowed to go out and therefore if for some reason they feel they have to keep their cat in full-time, they feel guilty.
Conversely, it seems, but I am not sure, that the fairly high percentage of Americans who keep their cats inside permanently do not feel guilty about it. Quite the contrary I suspect. They almost certainly believe they are doing what they have to do to keep their cat safe and that is the first duty of a cat owner.
Perhaps, as well, American cat owners are more likely to believe that cats are perfectly content indoors, full-time. This is another reason why they are unlikely to feel guilty about it.
In fact most Americans would probably scoff at the thought of being guilty for keeping their cat inside all the time. It seems like common sense to keep their cats inside.
I am one of those people who would feel guilty. This is because I believe a cat should experience nature because it is their right and it must be stimulating for the cat to hear, smell and see what is going on in the natural environment.
The interesting thing for me is that when I stayed in America the family I was with kept their cats inside full-time but they had a large unused garden part of which they could have turned into a large outside enclosure. That would have allowed their cats to enjoy the outside safely.
On that basis I conclude they didn’t believe their cats would benefit in anyway in being allowed to go outside, which is where we diverge in opinion because for me common sense dictates that it is beneficial for a cat to experience the outside provided it is safe to do so. Mental stimulation and physical activity must be beneficial.
That said I fully respect the views of others even if we disagree. There is a cultural difference too, which plays a role in attitudes.
If by some stroke of luck an American reads this, I’d like them to tell me if they feel guilty keeping their cat inside.
Yes New Zealand is alot Like UK as thats where our AnExactly Well The cats are Family members and one thing I learnt Off Cassy. When we Moved here, she was really Happy That made me realised If Cats are Happy it makes us Happy. Yes Im starting to Plan the Type of Place I want and Not Rush to the First Available Place. I want them to be happy and not in a too Busy area. I also want the area to be on the Flat so I can Get out more for myself. As I hearld that Outside cats dont live as long. I been abit Concerned about Tiger as he been snuffling and Sneezing more. Will Prob have take him to Vet if he Doesnt improve.
I know you better. I’ll pray for you and your family including the cats.
Dee you really belong here in England with us xx
NZ is very like England Kylee. Some people in the USA say cats should never ever be allowed out, but why should we deprive them if we live in cat friendly places!
Like you are planning to when you move, we always consider our cats first and foremost too. We moved here after researching it well because we got cat hating neighbours at our old home, we would move from here if it became unsafe for our cats.
The point is that it’s a cats instinct to roam and to breed and they have as much right to live as any other being has but some people don’t think that way. They think human beings have the right to use, abuse and kill animals and they do all that just because they can.
This s such a cruel world and it would be hopeless in some countries if it wasn’t for kind people like you Ahsan.
We are so lucky here that we have vets to neuter our cats for their own sake and to care for their health and we have Cats Protection and laws to punish people who hurt or kill cats.
It seems to be a struggle alone for you there and we can only admire you from afar and be with you in Spirit. You need practical help but there is none for you apart from your lovely daughter and your street boys.
xx
He is. There are many kind souls who live their lives away from the public eye, who are unsung, unpraised. They are the true celebrities.