Indoor cats

As OP's cats are fully grown and have always been indoor cats, they probably have no real desire to go out. Nor have they learned the skills need to keep them alive outside. I am thinking of traffic here, as cats do not seem to realise by themselves that cars will not stop for them!

A cat run sounds a good idea, as they are probably too old now to take kindly to harness and leads!

All four cats stay in at night, cat flap has a timer (it will let them in anytime but not back out again)

We have four cats and a large garden at the end of a private road. They all like being outside and the two younger ones are big hunters. The “presents” seem to come in clusters so not all the time.

Previously I had a cat whilst living in a flat, got from a rescue after her elderly owner died and the son threw her and her brother into the street to try and survive . She was terrified when she first arrived with me but adjusted and would sit and lie on the balcony and be content there. (as well as loving being inside)

So I have done both and neither way seemed to stress the cats out. Amie (balcony cat) did make the move to the big garden house but unfortunately got cancer and had to be put to sleep . The two younger ones came after her (siblings that couldn’t be separated)

My previous cat lived until she was 20.5 years and she was always a home cat. I had lost too many cats when they went outside. Two ran over and two never came back. My next cat will be a house cat as well. I hate these people who put the cat out at bedtime. Why? They have to fend for themselves. Out in all weathers and what else is out there. Cruel.

Grandnana

To those who say that it's cruel to keep cats in, I would suggest it's no different from the fact that most dogs aren't allowed to roam as they were 60 years ago. The are pack animals and their natural instincts aren't to be stuck indoors.

Yes but for dogs, we are their pack and if they are with us, they are fine (a walk is as good as a roam).
& both my grandparents had dogs 70 years ago, they weren't allowed to roam, they had a kennel and a long leash attached to a wire so they could move around, but they went out with their owners, not on their own.
With cats there are many good reasons for keeping them in but the three I have had were desperate to be out, and so they were allowed out (one was a rescue- she was the most frantic to get outdoors).

My cat is an outdoor cat. He was a rescue and made it very plain that he needed to be allowed outside. I do not live near a main road but still know that he is at risk.
He is a very happy boy. But, when he brings in live mice in the middle is the night I am very, very tempted to lock the cat flap.

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

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.