If you think it’s wrong to keep a cat inside then you shouldn’t have a cat. They’re an invasive species in most of the world and it’s unethical to put them outside regardless of what justifications you come up with
How many animals live longer in a zoo compared to the wilderness? Is that a valid reason for keeping them enclosed?
I’m not pro letting cats outside (in urban areas, anyway), but your argument is a bit lacking. Maybe mention that the hazards are things like cars and people actively trying to kill cats, because otherwise it’ll seem like you’re just against animals being animals (I.e dying because other predators)
I get that they can harm the environment (especially when there is an overpopulation); that’s not what I’m asking. The question was how is it bad for the cat?
Their natural habitat is outside in the near-east and egypt, not anywhere else. That’s not to mention, most people live in urbanized areas with a lot of hazards that aren’t natural.
also, you let your children play outside? how terrible!!! they might be hit by a car! be a responsible parent and lock your child up so they are not exposed to any danger ever
If the child is not old enough to understand what a car is and that it’s dangerous and moves fast and what roads are and to keep off them then yes, don’t let the kid outside unless supervised.
Cats are smarter than you think. Sure, they won’t be looking both ways before crossing the street. But they will know which streets are too dangerous to cross and they can usually hear incoming vehicles using those pointy things on top of their heads called ‘ears’.
Now if you live close to a very busy street I can understand you want to keep your cat inside. However, I live in a more rural area where people drive more cautiously and it’s really fine to let cats roam freely.
Mostly cars, but it’s also how they end up getting lost or grabbed by people thinking they are lost, and also wildlife like coyotes or owls and raccoons often can kill them because they don’t have a natural sense of fear for predators anymore. As well as transfer of disease from mingling with other outdoors cats. Or getting pregnant by meeting up with other outdoor cats while not being fixed themselves.
Woah, is lemmy pro letting cats outside? It’s so terrible for the cats and local wildlife why would you be in favor of it?
America-centrist I see
The hell does America-centrism have to do with this?
Because cats do not disturb ecosystems in most parts of the world, most notably not in the Americas
How is it terrible for the cat? Their natural habitat is outside!
No, it isn’t. Domestic cats do not belong outside. The exposure to numerous hazards literally cuts their average life expectancy by half.
Lots of animals live longer in captivity. That doesn’t mean it’s right to restrict their freedom.
If you think it’s wrong to keep a cat inside then you shouldn’t have a cat. They’re an invasive species in most of the world and it’s unethical to put them outside regardless of what justifications you come up with
I agree. I don’t you should have a pet cat in places where they aren’t native.
Sounds perfectly reasonable to me
How many animals live longer in a zoo compared to the wilderness? Is that a valid reason for keeping them enclosed?
I’m not pro letting cats outside (in urban areas, anyway), but your argument is a bit lacking. Maybe mention that the hazards are things like cars and people actively trying to kill cats, because otherwise it’ll seem like you’re just against animals being animals (I.e dying because other predators)
A cat’s natural habitat is not North America. They are very destructive to our local ecology.
I get that they can harm the environment (especially when there is an overpopulation); that’s not what I’m asking. The question was how is it bad for the cat?
cats can easily get FIV and other viruses, and outdoor cats live shorter lifespans
Their natural habitat is outside in the near-east and egypt, not anywhere else. That’s not to mention, most people live in urbanized areas with a lot of hazards that aren’t natural.
This is why I think that people shouldn’t get pet cats.
This is why vegans think that people shouldn’t get pets.
I disagree with that. As long as they aren’t harming the environment they aren’t an issue. Keep them indoors and they’re fine.
Cats do not have cars in their natural habitat.
How do you know?
cat, in line at the drive thru to grab a whopper
time to get rid of cars then
also, you let your children play outside? how terrible!!! they might be hit by a car! be a responsible parent and lock your child up so they are not exposed to any danger ever
If the child is not old enough to understand what a car is and that it’s dangerous and moves fast and what roads are and to keep off them then yes, don’t let the kid outside unless supervised.
Cats don’t and can’t understand any of that.
Cats are smarter than you think. Sure, they won’t be looking both ways before crossing the street. But they will know which streets are too dangerous to cross and they can usually hear incoming vehicles using those pointy things on top of their heads called ‘ears’.
Now if you live close to a very busy street I can understand you want to keep your cat inside. However, I live in a more rural area where people drive more cautiously and it’s really fine to let cats roam freely.
Do you let your 3-year-old toddler outside on supervised for hours at a time???
a cat is way smarter than a toddler
I’ve seen a lot more cats flattened on the roads than I have toddlers. In either case, I keep mine inside.
I’ve seen neither, again it depends where you live. Rural areas are pretty safe for cats
Mostly cars, but it’s also how they end up getting lost or grabbed by people thinking they are lost, and also wildlife like coyotes or owls and raccoons often can kill them because they don’t have a natural sense of fear for predators anymore. As well as transfer of disease from mingling with other outdoors cats. Or getting pregnant by meeting up with other outdoor cats while not being fixed themselves.
“fixing” is such a weird way to describe breaking something
It’s fixing a problem.