judy@ut-ngp.UUCP (05/16/84)
[my appologies if my prior attempt at this got through] I also feel that cats are better off kept inside. However, this is not always how the cat feels. When I got my cat I was determined that she would be a house cat - and she was just as determined to get to explore the great outdoors. When she was about four months old she started to dart out the door every chance she got and I'd have to run after her. Fortunately, everything out there was so strange to her and she is so cautious, that she didn't run far. When she was older (after she had been spayed), no one could go in or out without her making a mad dash for freedom. I finally gave in and let her go out whenever she wants - she can be SUCH a pest otherwise. She is going on 9 years now and is still as feisty as a kitten. The only times she insists on staying in is when we have just moved. Except once - when I lived in an apartment for 6 months, she hated it, and wouldn't go outside except for a few minutes at a time. I used to be real concerned about her getting run over - until I actually saw her look BOTH ways before crossing the street! She is a remarkably smart cat! So, my advise would be to TRY to keep a cat indoors, if possible - just for their own safety. But if they refuse, you'll either have to give in and hope the cat is smart enough to stay out of trouble or have one hell of a hard time convincing it to stay indoors. Judy