Cat owners: I'd like your non judging feedback as to what you think I should do

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

First I will say that I've had 2 other cats... first one, then two, then just one as the other passed from old age.
They both went out and until both reached an older age I was not concered about them being outside and neither passed from a complication due to the outdoors.

Now... My current cat will be 2 in a couple of weeks.
I have had her since she was 8 weeks old.
I did not want her to go out but after she went into heat for the first time (yes she is fixed) that is all she has wanted to do.
Last year I did let start letting her out mid August. In late December she got out at night and was injured when she came in.
After the abscess she had was healed and antibiotics were done we let her back out.
She got hurt again in mid March. After that we decided not to let her out.
After 6 whole months of her not going out other than the 3 times she got out for 20 minutes each because she would be at the door every time someone walk in the house I decided in mid September to let her out again.
In the broiling 90 degree days she was a very good kitty outside. Now that it has started getting colder she is much more active outside and I swear she looks for trouble.
So now I'd like to try to keep her in. I realize its unfair to keep changing my mind but her being out makes me nervous and her being in makes me want to let her out because all she does is give really loud long meows at the door all day making it hard to listen and hard to get in and out of the house. Eventually she will leave the door to come annoy me by meowing at me and when I try to play she just runs for the door again.
She has plenty of toys and 3 different windows she can easily sit and look out of.
When I play with her and she doesn't run to the door she will play for a couple minutes and then just sit there while I attempt to play but then I get tired of tossing cat toys, wiggling stings toys on the floor, making wand toys peak a boo through her cat tunnel.... and go to do something else.
She does not have a cat tree play house thing and I wonder if that would help but it would go in the basement because there's just not room anywhere else.
I also am leaning more and more towards getting another cat hoping they will entertain each other and forget about the great outdoors.
Every cat person I know judges me for even considering letting her out but they all also have multiple cats so I feel like they can't get the rull picture of how difficult it can be.
I'm just not sure what to do at this point.
Does anyone have any non judging advice to give me?

 

[low-key]

long post

 

[BLAZEY]

Would you be willing to spend some money and have a outdoor enclosure built off of your home. something like these: https://www.paws.org/library/cats/home-life/outdoor-enclosures/ My sister's MIL has 2 one for each cat as her cat DO NOT get along and they are mother and daughter cats.
I'm not going to judge you as my first cat was and in/outdoor cat for 8 years before we moved to this house. This house is just too close to the highway for my liking. she became an indoor cat in her retirement years before passing at age 17.
Definitely get a cat tree. I have 3 trees and 2 cats. and 8 year old Maine Coon (Meera) and a 4 year old Ginger tabby (Caboose).

 

[sonnyjane]

First I will say that I've had 2 other cats... first one, then two, then just one as the other passed from old age.
They both went out and until both reached an older age I was not concered about them being outside and neither passed from a complication due to the outdoors.

Now... My current cat will be 2 in a couple of weeks.
I have had her since she was 8 weeks old.
I did not want her to go out but after she went into heat for the first time (yes she is fixed) that is all she has wanted to do.
Last year I did let start letting her out mid August. In late December she got out at night and was injured when she came in.
After the abscess she had was healed and antibiotics were done we let her back out.
She got hurt again in mid March. After that we decided not to let her out.
After 6 whole months of her not going out other than the 3 times she got out for 20 minutes each because she would be at the door every time someone walk in the house I decided in mid September to let her out again.
In the broiling 90 degree days she was a very good kitty outside. Now that it has started getting colder she is much more active outside and I swear she looks for trouble.
So now I'd like to try to keep her in. I realize its unfair to keep changing my mind but her being out makes me nervous and her being in makes me want to let her out because all she does is give really loud long meows at the door all day making it hard to listen and hard to get in and out of the house. Eventually she will leave the door to come annoy me by meowing at me and when I try to play she just runs for the door again.
She has plenty of toys and 3 different windows she can easily sit and look out of.
When I play with her and she doesn't run to the door she will play for a couple minutes and then just sit there while I attempt to play but then I get tired of tossing cat toys, wiggling stings toys on the floor, making wand toys peak a boo through her cat tunnel.... and go to do something else.
She does not have a cat tree play house thing and I wonder if that would help but it would go in the basement because there's just not room anywhere else.
I also am leaning more and more towards getting another cat hoping they will entertain each other and forget about the great outdoors.
Every cat person I know judges me for even considering letting her out but they all also have multiple cats so I feel like they can't get the rull picture of how difficult it can be.
I'm just not sure what to do at this point.
Does anyone have any non judging advice to give me?

I'm both a cat person and a bird person, so I'm doubly against you letting your cat out. I think a cat tree will do absolutely nothing if it's in the basement. Cats like to be high and look out of windows. A tree in a basement isn't going to be enticing. In your case, I would be inclined to try to intro a slightly younger cat (but if your cat was spayed and still experiences symptoms of heat, do not get a male). There's sadly no guarantee they will like each other though and honestly they could hate each other, you just don't know.

I walk my cat on a harness when he wants a "fix" outside. It's not so much walking like a dog but more letting him get outside and sniff around, stretch, scratch his claws on the ground, etc.

It's just so much better for your cat and your local wildlife if you don't let the cat roam free. The downside is if you have a cat that has been outdoors, it is hard to break the habit, but the power sits with you. Do you know why cats cry when they want something? Because they KNOW that it's an effective way to get you to do it! If you ignore the crying, it will eventually stop. THAT BEING SAID, if you ignore the crying for 10 minutes... then 15 minutes... then 20 minutes... then finally give in, you're just training the cat to cry LONGER before quitting, so you really have to be firm

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Would you be willing to spend some money and have a outdoor enclosure built off of your home. something like these: https://www.paws.org/library/cats/home-life/outdoor-enclosures/ My sister's MIL has 2 one for each cat as her cat DO NOT get along and they are mother and daughter cats.
I'm not going to judge you as my first cat was and in/outdoor cat for 8 years before we moved to this house. This house is just too close to the highway for my liking. she became an indoor cat in her retirement years before passing at age 17.
Definitely get a cat tree. I have 3 trees and 2 cats. and 8 year old Maine Coon (Meera) and a 4 year old Ginger tabby (Caboose).

I would not build something that extends from my house but I did consider a critter pen. However after giving it some serious thought I decided she would most likely hate being caged in even a fairly large size one. She loves to run from this side of the yard to that side of the yard so I think she'd go crazy if she was outside but not free.

BTW not that you asked about it but this just kinda reminded me of the fact that I also tried using a leash a few times and it was a definite no go and almost too tramatizing for both of us. My friend that has 3 cats had suggested that one to me.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

I'm both a cat person and a bird person, so I'm doubly against you letting your cat out. I think a cat tree will do absolutely nothing if it's in the basement. Cats like to be high and look out of windows. A tree in a basement isn't going to be enticing. In your case, I would be inclined to try to intro a slightly younger cat (but if your cat was spayed and still experiences symptoms of heat, do not get a male). There's sadly no guarantee they will like each other though and honestly they could hate each other, you just don't know.

I walk my cat on a harness when he wants a "fix" outside. It's not so much walking like a dog but more letting him get outside and sniff around, stretch, scratch his claws on the ground, etc.

It's just so much better for your cat and your local wildlife if you don't let the cat roam free. The downside is if you have a cat that has been outdoors, it is hard to break the habit, but the power sits with you. Do you know why cats cry when they want something? Because they KNOW that it's an effective way to get you to do it! If you ignore the crying, it will eventually stop. THAT BEING SAID, if you ignore the crying for 10 minutes... then 15 minutes... then 20 minutes... then finally give in, you're just training the cat to cry LONGER before quitting, so you really have to be firm

Funny you mentioned walking your cat since I replied to someone else and had not seen your post yet.
Like I said in that post way too tramatizing.
Also you'll be happy to know my cat does not go after birds lol.
She wants the squirrels that taunt her.

 

[BLAZEY]

I would not build something that extends from my house but I did consider a critter pen. However after giving it some serious thought I decided she would most likely hate being caged in even a fairly large size one. She loves to run from this side of the yard to that side of the yard so I think she'd go crazy if she was outside but not free.

BTW not that you asked about it but this just kinda reminded me of the fact that I also tried using a leash a few times and it was a definite no go and almost too tramatizing for both of us. My friend that has 3 cats had suggested that one to me.

Mine hated the harness and leash too. I ended up bleeding getting the thing off of her.

 

[DisneylandDarling]

Get another cat! They'll keep each other company.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

long post

At least no one can say I didn't give enough background info to give advice...

 

[sonnyjane]

Funny you mentioned walking your cat since I replied to someone else and had not seen your post yet.
Like I said in that post way too tramatizing.
Also you'll be happy to know my cat does not go after birds lol.
She wants the squirrels that taunt her.

Doesn't go after birds that you can see. Taking the bird thing out of it, though, I'm sure you know about the empirical evidence that outdoor cats live significantly shorter lives on average for a variety of reasons. Yes, you'll have to put up with meowing, potential scratching, etc. It's just up to you. In this case, like I said, it would be good to try a second FEMALE cat to see if they get along so long as you aren't opposed to having two even if they don't become playmates. Doing a proper intro will make or break their relationship.

 

[North of Mouse]

No advice, just our experience! We've had a few cats at different times over the years and they have always been outdoor cats. We live on 2 1/2 acres so there is lawn and woods.

They have all been happy with long lives. Our last 'sweetie' was 18 years old when she died of old age. She was a great mouser and caught many moles that had infested our huge lawn. We have bird feeders and only once did she get a bird. Her life was plenty full without that. She also was healthy and happy.

Will never have an indoor cat or dog - cannot abide hair shedding all over. As a child, I also grew up with healthy dogs and cats outdoors. To each their own!

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Doesn't go after birds that you can see. Taking the bird thing out of it, though, I'm sure you know about the empirical evidence that outdoor cats live significantly shorter lives on average for a variety of reasons. Yes, you'll have to put up with meowing, potential scratching, etc. It's just up to you. In this case, like I said, it would be good to try a second FEMALE cat to see if they get along so long as you aren't opposed to having two even if they don't become playmates. Doing a proper intro will make or break their relationship.

I'm feeling majorly judged by you.
I didn't want to have to get into all this other crap just advice.
My other cats lived to be 18 and 15 and their passing had nothing to do with being outside.
My other cats didn't really get along more just tolerated each other but we did have to break up some fights. Overall though I'm with that.
Anyone that has told me to get another cat has always said be sure its a male as females tend to get along way worse together so now I'm a little torn as to what I would do.

 

[SaintsManiac]

A stray cat showed up in my yard July 2016. He was underweight and mangy looking, so I started feeding him. He always came back and was very people friendly, so I decided to take him to the vet and get him fixed and checked out. I started letting him in the house where my 2 indoor cats live and everything was easy. Then we got infested with fleas, so I had to make the decision to keep him in all the time.

He still tries to get out and I feel bad about it, but I simply can't risk the flea problem again. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something bad happened to him and I am scared of losing him. He goes to the door and cries sometimes, but he gets over it.

I really love this cat and I know it's better for him to stay in. We have coyotes and stray dogs and people driving too fast down our street. I'll agree with PP who said the cat tree is useless in a basement. Mine is in the middle of my living room. We have toys everywhere and give them all free reign. I don't think having more than one cat even matters. You can make a fun and happy life for your cat inside.

Check out Jackson Galaxy's website/Facebook page. He is the cat whisperer and has tons of great advice on how to make indoor life fun.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

I guess I should add that her bed and litter are in the basement so its not like its unfamiliar territory.
Also like I said she has 3 places to easily look out the windows. Those places are not places I could put a cat tree anyways.
My living room has tons of cat toys all over the floor so not like she has nothing to play with.
I watch an infant a couple times a week so I can't have a cat tree in the middle of the living room either as I have a baby playing in the middle of the living room.
Not trying to dismiss the advice more just explaining the reasoning behind the basement choice.

 

[sonnyjane]

I'm feeling majorly judged by you.
I didn't want to have to get into all this other crap just advice.
My other cats lived to be 18 and 15 and their passing had nothing to do with being outside.
My other cats didn't really get along more just tolerated each other but we did have to break up some fights. Overall though I'm with that.
Anyone that has told me to get another cat has always said be sure its a male as females tend to get along way worse together so now I'm a little torn as to what I would do.

Just goes to show that you can't interpret tone very well over the internet because I'm not judging you at all. Animal behavior/training is my profession, so I've been addressing you in an educational manner because you asked for advice. From your post, I wasn't clear on your understanding of the situation and risks. Now I am. I am recommending that you get a female cat because you said that even though your cat is fixed, she is still exhibiting symptoms of heat, which does occur in some animals even after their surgery. The fastest way to ruin a peaceful relationship would be to have a male attracted to your female and try to mate with her, have her attack him, have him attack her, etc.

I was careful to say that indoor cats live longer ON AVERAGE than outdoor cats because I know there are indoor cats that only make it a few years and there are outdoor cats that live to be 20, but on average, the stats favor indoor-only cats. I have a friend in the same situation as you who doesn't want her cat to be outside but if she doesn't let him out, he cries. He has been to the vet several times after being attacked by animals (unknown if they are wild or other pets). He has also been kept in someone else's home for almost a week because they thought he was a stray (his collar fell off) and she really panicked then. Each time something happens to him and he doesn't come home, she is really distraught, but she isn't willing to deal with him crying inside, so that's the price she is willing to pay and she accepts that and has said she would prefer he have a happy, short life if necessary than a long life inside.

 

[sonnyjane]

I guess I should add that her bed and litter are in the basement so its not like its unfamiliar territory.
Also like I said she has 3 places to easily look out the windows. Those places are not places I could put a cat tree anyways.
My living room has tons of cat toys all over the floor so not like she has nothing to play with.
I watch an infant a couple times a week so I can't have a cat tree in the middle of the living room either as I have a baby playing in the middle of the living room.
Not trying to dismiss the advice more just explaining the reasoning behind the basement choice.

Very few cats enjoy playing with static toys. It's not like dogs that will just chew a rawhide bone. There are some good battery-powered cat toys out there, I'm sure you've seen them - mice that roam around, feathers on sticks that move so they can bat at them. Also if you don't have scratching posts, those are great. My cat loves the corrugated cardboard ones. Just put a little catnip in there and he goes crazy. You can also hide treats around the home so that throughout the day the cat can do some hunting/foraging during the day. For example, things like these feeder mice are a great idea and also help with cats that may be overweight: https://docandphoebe.com/

 

[usnuzuloose]

I would get another kitty for company. And a lot of times the trees help if they are near windows so they get the feeling like they are out doors. I always fixed my kitties. They also have toys to put in batteries to help keep them entertained with out having to keep them entertained. I also tried to keep them a lap cat so they did not feel like they needed to go outside.

The other thing you can do if you want to let them out, and I don't know if you have a sliding door, you could put in a tall doggie door that sits in the tracks so he can come and go when he likes and doesnt meow at you. My last kitty did go in and out.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Just goes to show that you can't interpret tone very well over the internet because I'm not judging you at all. Animal behavior/training is my profession, so I've been addressing you in an educational manner because you asked for advice. From your post, I wasn't clear on your understanding of the situation and risks. Now I am. I am recommending that you get a female cat because you said that even though your cat is fixed, she is still exhibiting symptoms of heat, which does occur in some animals even after their surgery. The fastest way to ruin a peaceful relationship would be to have a male attracted to your female and try to mate with her, have her attack him, have him attack her, etc.

I was careful to say that indoor cats live longer ON AVERAGE than outdoor cats because I know there are indoor cats that only make it a few years and there are outdoor cats that live to be 20, but on average, the stats favor indoor-only cats. I have a friend in the same situation as you who doesn't want her cat to be outside but if she doesn't let him out, he cries. He has been to the vet several times after being attacked by animals (unknown if they are wild or other pets). He has also been kept in someone else's home for almost a week because they thought he was a stray (his collar fell off) and she really panicked then. Each time something happens to him and he doesn't come home, she is really distraught, but she isn't willing to deal with him crying inside, so that's the price she is willing to pay and she accepts that and has said she would prefer he have a happy, short life if necessary than a long life inside.

Ok thank you for clarifying your post.
I'm just still unclear about what symptoms of heat my cat is displaying.

 

[Allison]

As an impartial reader, I didn't see judging either sonnyjane.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Very few cats enjoy playing with static toys. It's not like dogs that will just chew a rawhide bone. There are some good battery-powered cat toys out there, I'm sure you've seen them - mice that roam around, feathers on sticks that move so they can bat at them. Also if you don't have scratching posts, those are great. My cat loves the corrugated cardboard ones. Just put a little catnip in there and he goes crazy. You can also hide treats around the home so that throughout the day the cat can do some hunting/foraging during the day. For example, things like these feeder mice are a great idea and also help with cats that may be overweight: https://docandphoebe.com/

I have several different battery operated ones. She won't play with them.
I also have 3 types of scratching posts.
One is a shag rug, one is a rope, and one is cardboard.
I'm here 90% of the time and often try to play with her by tossing toys and enticing her to chase things but she is only interested for a couple minutes.
She also does not seem to care for cat nip. Oh the fun my other cats had with it lol. My other cats also had like zero toys and were completely h appy with plastic twist ties from children's toys etc.