Does indoor mean unhappy?

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Does indoor mean unhappy?

by Samantha Mitchell
(Charlotte, North Carolina)

I have an indoor cat, and I really love him. All I want is for him to be happy. The problem is, he's declawed --and, aside from that, we live near plenty of roads. I'm afraid something will happen to him if I ever let him out.

He's three years old, and as far as I can tell, he's not unhappy living indoors. I watch him for any signs of depression, anxiety, etc., but he seems to act like any outdoor cat I've seen. He gets in playful moods and sleepy, cuddly moods, and I alternately play/cuddle with him.

He doesn't seem unstable or miserable. I would think that, if a cat were extremely depressed, they'd become lethargic and stop eating or something, which my cat has never done. He's lively and affectionate.

He does get restless sometimes, and bounces around the house looking for things to play with. Whenever I can, I play with him, but I don't always have time to. Usually I set aside time for an hour-long play session at least once or twice a week, and throughout the week I often let him play with water dripping from the sink, or something. I interact with him every day, so he doesn't just sit in a room all the time.

I'm constantly wracked with guilt for making him an indoor cat, but he doesn't seem to be as upset about it as I am. As the situation is, I think being indoors is best for him, but I could be wrong.

Has anyone had both an indoor and outdoor cat, and did you notice any differences between their overall moods (aside from the obvious fact that indoor cats will need to be played with more than outdoor cats)? And does it make a big difference to the cat's safety outdoors if they don't have their front claws?

Part of me thinks that if he doesn't know anything more than being indoors, he won't miss being outdoors -- like people who have always been deaf wouldn't be constantly miserable because they miss hearing. I could let him out, and risk him being killed or injured by a car or by his inability to defend himself from other animals (because he doesn't have front claws). What I want to know is, is it worth it?

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Does indoor mean unhappy?

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Cats indoors are alright.
by: Anonymous

Cats indoors are not unhappy. Why should they be if that is all they have ever known?

If they have toys and people to play with then they are quite content with their world. I'm confident that if I opened the door and left it open, my 10 year old cat would not want to wander outside.

Dear lady, your cat is fine, he is not unhappy.

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Probably very happy.
by: Larry (Editor)

Hi Samantha,

I'm still hoping that a few more visitors will chime in here, but I'll add a little.

"He doesn't seem unstable or miserable. I would think that, if a cat were extremely depressed, they'd become lethargic and stop eating or something, which my cat has never done. He's lively and affectionate."

Then Muffin is probably very happy with his life.

And I do very much agree with Teresa when she says:

"In my opinion, it sounds like your cat is fine as an indoor cat and, most importantly, without claws, he would be unable to defend himself outdoors, so keeping him inside = keeping him safe."

Yes, a cat's claws a vital for their defense against all sorts of enemies.

I hope you are feeling easier about keeping your cat indoors. Sounds like he has a great life with lots of love, and that's all cats ask for.

Larry (Editor)

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Teresa
by: Samantha

Teresa,

What you've said has basically been my experience, as well, but I never knew some cats were more inclined to be indoor cats.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Oh, and I know I neglected to mention this in the post, but... his name is Muffin. :)

Samantha

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Indoor Happiness
by: Teresa

Hi Samantha,
I went through some similar thoughts and angst a couple of years ago when we adopted a kitten. (I posted here, perhaps you can search "Fidget" to see my posts and the comments.)

Our great vet told me that there are cats who seem to HAVE to go outside, it's in their nature, but that there are others (and she lives with two) who don't really have the desire and are perfectly happy as indoor cats.

In my opinion, it sounds like your cat is fine as an indoor cat and, most importantly, without claws, he would be unable to defend himself outdoors, so keeping him inside = keeping him safe.

The other issue is being near roads. I live in the woods away from roads but years ago had several cats in a small town who eventually, sooner or later, got killed by cars. So keeping a cat inside away from that danger makes sense. Though of course, the woods have their dangers as well, but that's another topic :)

I do notice (my sister has an indoor cat in an apartment in a small city in California) that indoor cats are more dependent on their humans for entertainment, but it sounds like you spend plenty of time with whatever-his-name-is.

They do need interaction but they also are happy with the silliest things they can play with. And novelty is a good thing, too. All cats I've known get tired after a while of the same old balled-up piece of paper thrown across the room.

All in all, I think you're a very conscientious cat person and are providing a wonderful home for what's-his-name.

Sincerely,
Teresa

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Thanks
by: Samantha

Larry,

Thank you for approving and commenting on my post so quickly! I agree that it will be interesting to hear other people's opinions. It's good to hear from someone who has been in a similar situation. I'm grateful for your input!

Samantha

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Very important questions.
by: Larry (Editor)

Hi Samantha,

Thank you very much for your well thought out post. You ask some very important questions.

My own cat, Mr Robin, is also an indoor only cat, and there is so much in your post that I could answer that I agree with.

However, I do want other visitors to chime in with their advice and opinions so I'll hold back a while before I say much.

One thing I will say though is that I certainly don't think that you should be "wracked with guilt." This applies whatever your decision. It is obvious that you love your cat, and whether you keep him in or let him out, you will have made that choice with love.

Larry (Editor)

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Does indoor mean unhappy?

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Does indoor mean unhappy?