Indoor cats

Hey mate, totally get it—losing cats to roads is heartbreaking, and your catio plan is spot-on for keeping those rescues safe while giving them fresh air. My indoor pair (ex-ferals) thrive with one; they've got perches, tunnels, and weather protection—huge stress-busters.

My ex g/f had an indoor cat because her flat was next to a busy road and it was too much of a risk to let the cat out. She lived in another house before that which was near a six lane dual carriageway and had to do the same. Both cats were bought at six weeks old and never knew any life except being indoors, and seemed to cope quite well.

BlueBelle

I will annoy you all now because I think the idea of indoor cats is a cruel notion it’s changing a cats normal personality to be a human appendage, a playmate, our captive and I feel in my heart it’s wrong
A cat however domesticated should be able to keep its own natural instincts to explore, hunt, and wander it’s territory To keep them inside or even in an enclosure is going against this, it’s changing it to fit our human needs

Most of you would be anti zoo or circus but really no difference however loving you make its home it’s still for you not the cat although you will believe it’s for their safety

Anyway I ve got my hard hat on and expecting an avalanche of crossness but that’s my feelings

To me - I like cats...but don't want the responsibility basically.

But I had neighbours move in right by me just long enough to do up the house cheaply/for a profit and move on. They were there for about 2 years in the end. They have two cats and they'd decided the cats were "indoor cats". The cats hadn't though and would spend a lot of time looking out from a windowcill and escaping any chance they had. Their owners had to give up retrieving those cats in the end - as they were so determined to go outside for a portion of the day and they (ie those cats) knew they were okay to visit my garden and spend a fair bit of time here - so they did. So both the cats got on with me and one of them in particular and I could see they were doing their best to move in with me - and so could their "owners".

Basically neither of them went very far...by and large they just wanted to go walkabouts in a few adjacent houses and mine seemed to be their favourite. So their owners knew they were unlikely to come to any harm - they just wanted to sit sunning themselves in my garden/having a pet at intervals and one of them would ask me to comb her fur for her (as they were long-haired and I very much doubt they were getting combed by their owners). So the owners knew where the most likely place to find them was and that they didnt stray far - they just wanted their freedom to sniff the air, lie in the sun when we had any (not that often - this is Wales...), try unsuccessfully to catch birds and that one of them to have her fur combed for her.

So I don't agree with the concept of indoor cats. They're curious creatures and they like their little walkabouts and sits in the sun.

It's often a case of being worried for the cat's safety outside that people keep cats indoors. I can remember my ex having two indoot cats over the years as she lived very close to a six lane road and then next to a road used by lorries.

It sounds like you’ve already made the biggest and most important decision — prioritising safety over tradition. Many people in the UK still let cats roam, but attitudes are slowly shifting, especially among those who’ve experienced accidents or illnesses from outdoor life.

Here are some practical tips and considerations for keeping indoor cats happy and healthy — especially since yours are older rescues:

1. Mental stimulation

Interactive play: Wand toys, feather teasers, and battery-operated toys mimic prey and help burn energy.

Food puzzles: Slow feeders and puzzle toys give them a hunting “challenge.”

Rotation of toys: Swap them out weekly so the novelty doesn’t wear off.

2. Territory & vertical space

Cat trees and shelving: Cats love height and vantage points.

Window perches: Give them safe spots to watch birds and people.

Hideaways: Boxes, tents, or igloo beds help them feel secure.

3. Catio benefits

A catio (or “cat run”) is an excellent compromise — they’ll get sunshine, fresh air, and stimulation without the risk of cars, fights, or diseases.

Make sure it’s weather-proofed and has shade as well as sheltered spots for rain.

Include climbing areas, scratching posts, and plants safe for cats (e.g., cat grass, catnip).

4. Enrichment through scent & sound

Cat-safe herbs and plants can keep things interesting.

Play bird sounds or nature videos occasionally for visual and auditory enrichment.

5. Health & routine

Indoor cats can live longer, but they still need yearly vet checkups and vaccinations — some diseases can spread through windows or on shoes.

Keep their weight in check — indoor cats can be prone to overeating out of boredom.

6. Transition tips

Since yours have never been outside, you’re not fighting a habit, which makes things easier.

Start with the catio door open during supervised sessions so they associate it with safety, not escape attempts.

One unexpected bonus people often find is that indoor cats tend to be more relaxed and less territorial toward other cats in the neighbourhood — because they never have those stressful “garden stand-offs.”

If you want, I can give you a few low-cost enrichment ideas so the catio feels like a mini adventure park for them. That way, they’ll get maximum enjoyment from it.

cats and roads do not mix. Our old moggy we inherited from my mil is now 21 and goes out but that was decided before we adopted her after mil died. Luckily we have woods behind and a big garden so she seems to be happy with all that.
I have lost cats to roads and everyday the social media is full of found cats who have fallen foul to traffic.
I used to think indoor cats were not fair but as long as they have lots of toys and interaction that is fine. i must admit those catios seem a really good compromise; fresh air, exercise and yet still safe

Just as an aside, yesterday we were eating supper outdoors and our little rescue came prancing past us and trotted indoors with a mouse in her mouth 😮.

She spends many hours “hunting” and spends time just sat watching in the garden.

DH disposed of the poor little body later.

Innate behaviour by cats that is satisfied by being able to hunt.

Thinks not things

Well I don’t give a monkeys what anyone things my cats are indoors only we live in a large home they have the run of the house . Six climbing trees loads toys. Very affectionate boys of 7 years.

We have a rescue Maine Coon and had to guarantee that he would not be going outside. That's no hardship to him. He's a sleepy old boy and shows absolutely no interest in going outside.

A very controversial subject. But I just would not have a cat if it could not have access to outdoor.

My lovely neighbour breeds amazing Main Coons- but they all have access to properly fenced in outside with grass and trees to climb, and will not sell the to anyone who does not have the same.

This is an old thread which I started when I adopted two indoor cats.
I couldn’t have let them out, they wouldn’t have lasted an hour, and I now think all cats should be kept indoors. Huge numbers of young cats are killed by traffic.
Years ago dogs were left to roam freely. Nobody in the west would do that now, it’s socially unacceptable. One day it will be the same for cats.

Oh I could never keep such a free spirit imprisoned in the house.

My new little rescue cat has gradually been acclimatised to her garden, and after being kept in whilst I was on holiday is now luxuriating in the cool shade and pottering in to eat and drink and then out she goes again, stretching and lying flat out, just watching the world go by.

The garden is her territory, as she chases away all incomers. It is her little world and she is a very happy cat😊

I had a rescue cat who was happy to be on the large balcony of my flat. She never climbed higher than the garden chair and seemed to know she was up high (3rd floor) I had to gradually allow her to do that as it was far too hot in the summer to keep all the doors shut. I had her 4 years, then she was put to sleep because of cancer. She did transition to a large garden when I moved to a house but seemed happy with either home . I do think it is nice for them to have outdoor space unless they refuse to use it, choice is all.

My daughters and I now all live together in said house. They already had two cats who had gone outside since kittens and I got two sibling rescues after Amie died they had been in a large cage enclosure at the rescue and were adoring of our huge garden and go in and out all day. On balance I think being able to go out benefits cats.

I have a Ragdoll cat, this breed are bred as indoor cats as they are too trusting and have no road sense . She has the full run of my home and she's happy playing with her toys and she loves being brushed and combed . She would be stolen the minute she stepped out of the door. I don't feel guilty about keeping her indoors, moggies are a different thing .

I think itvdoes depend on the cat. We've had various rescues over the years , one of which never went out even though he was given the choice. Our current cat does go out but I make sure he's always in at night. Less risk to birds and safer for him.

BlueBelle

I will annoy you all now because I think the idea of indoor cats is a cruel notion it’s changing a cats normal personality to be a human appendage, a playmate, our captive and I feel in my heart it’s wrong
A cat however domesticated should be able to keep its own natural instincts to explore, hunt, and wander it’s territory To keep them inside or even in an enclosure is going against this, it’s changing it to fit our human needs

Most of you would be anti zoo or circus but really no difference however loving you make its home it’s still for you not the cat although you will believe it’s for their safety

Anyway I ve got my hard hat on and expecting an avalanche of crossness but that’s my feelings

I agree Bluebelle, Ii feel that it is only half a life for a cat to be kept inside. They are naturally hunters and explorers, i think it is different in countries where there are predators and a catio is a good alternative.

Our two kittens come in when I call them, they are very good. They are never allowed out after dark because I have had bad experiences with other pets bringing home rats, possums and various other wildlife and I got sick of taking injured creatures to the vet! The saddest thing was a baby possum who tried to suckle my old cat- he survived with the help of a wildlife sanctuary but he was very,very lucky.

No problem with cats being free. The problem with cats being free though is that cars and roads and cats just don’t go together. And it’s horrible finding your cat by the side of the road or, even worse, never knowing why it didn’t come home.

Ooh. I have written the A to Z of cat breeds, owned a boarding cattery and can only say they all have different needs. As for being let outdoors, I want to keep them safe indoors, but my heart says let them free.

I do wish they would all be kept indoors, then people wouldn't have to constantly clean cat poo up in their gardens, or pay to have plants replaced that cats dig up.

I dont know how you all feel but I always feel that you own a dog but a cat owns you! They do as they want and are self sufficient in the main. If you have not already read it , there is a lovely book by Paul Gallico - who wrote the Snow Goose, and it is called the Silent Miaow . Those of us who have been owned by a cat will recognise much that happens!

If an animal wants to live its life indoors then I have no issue, but if it is forced to because its owner is afraid of letting it out then I am not in favour of it no matter how good an environment you provide. A cage is still a cage even if it is made of gold. Many years ago we found a kitten who had been dumped and terrorised by dogs, she chose to remain indoors for her first year then chose to go outdoors . She then chose to live on our roof, hence her name “ roof cat” . After many many years she again chose to be a predominately indoor cat. All her choice.
We now live in town and have no animals because the thought of having to restrict their movements bothers me so much.

Sorry. Couldn't resist now I've found the cat emojis. I'm just shocked at the wilful cruelty of some people.

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