There are so many out there who are cat lovers and have them inside their homes and outside their homes. Each way is perfectly fine, however, there are some that believe that outdoor cats should be kept inside. I want to take the time to explain the benefits of each way.
I’d like to begin with the outdoors cat. God created every human being and every animal that there is on this earth. He has a purpose for each and the cats purpose is for both loving and hunting. We live on a farm and depend on our cats to get rid of mice that sometimes ruin machinery and get into grain bins and foods that we have for eating.
Mice are disgusting and carry many many germs and diseases. They can walk all over and eat or poop on wheat, barley, oats, corn, potatoes, and any kind of food products you can think of. I really don’t think that anyone would like to have bread that is made from grain that has mice poop in it nor eat a potato that is half eaten by a mouse.
There are other animals that also hunt mice such as coyote and birds, but I really don’t think that anyone would like those in their grain products either. Therefore, God was brilliant and creating the cat to get rid of these mice in fields while they are growing so that there are not mice droppings or germs in the wheat or other grains harvested for consumption.
Cats are made to roam around and find mice or other small rodents. Most cats in rural areas usually belong to someone even though they go from place to place. There are times that some individuals feel like they have to take a cat that they find and call the humane society or have the cat fixed. Some like to use them for sport and just flat out kill them because they are on their property. They take it upon themselves to make decisions that they really should not do. If someone’s cat is on your property and doing damage, please try to communicate with your neighbors to show them a picture of the cat or ask around to let others know so hopefully they can come up with a solution.
There are times that yes, a cat may seem skinny or unhealthy and does need attention, but most farm cats are well fed and taken care of. Sometimes a cat roams a little further than they should, but it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t belong to anyone. They usually find their way back home after a few days.
Some people have empathy for a cat that they find thinking that they are lost and weak and that is very understandable. If a cat stays around for a good while, then it very well may be a stray. That being said, maybe perhaps some should leave the cat alone for a little while just to see if it goes back to where it should be. Post on social media or flyers if you find a stray. Chances are someone is looking for their cat.
There is nothing worse than the feeling of a missed cat. When your cat doesn’t return after a day or so then usually most people will reach out on social media or other means to try to find the cat. It is always good to keep an eye on flyers that are on poles or on social media to see if a cat you find belongs to someone around you. Cats are a big part of family just like other pets and you can almost bet that there is a child out there that is missing their pet and crying at night because it is not around. Please have empathy for others.
There are some that feel like cats should be left indoors. But God created them with an instinct to hunt and there was a purpose for them. I understand where some are coming from whenever they have indoor cats and they do not understand the outdoor cat scenario. And vice versa, there are some who have outdoor cats and they don’t understand why some have to have indoor cats.
Cats shed a lot of hair and have smelly litter boxes. The cats from the outdoors leave their hair outside and the smell is buried in the dirt. Indoor cats can leave hair all over clothes and furniture and you have to remember to clean the litter boxes on a constant basis. Unneutered cats that pee all over can make a smell. But, indoor cats are so joyous to watch and they show so much love and give affection to those who are lonely or in need of companionship. Usually those owners are really good at keeping their homes clean and the litter boxes taken care of.
Indoor cats can be used for individuals who have emotional issues and be a relief to all kinds of emotions such as anguish, depression, loneliness, and even those suffering from illnesses and sicknesses. Of course outdoor cats can do the same but it just seems like the indoor cats there is more of a constant connection.
Outdoor cats are susceptible to wildlife such as coyotes, birds like eagles, mountain lions, poisonous snakes or spiders, domesticated animals such as dogs, people, and even vehicles. Indoor cats tend to be safer from these. It really depends on the type of cat that you have. Let me give you an example have one cat who was born to be outside, was used to mousing and eating even birds, but he was taken in doors as a house cat.
The cat developed an allergy and had rough breathing and seemed depressed. Eventually it was released back outdoors and somehow became healthier and happier. I think the key is if you want an indoor cat it is best to start it from a kitten age so that it only knows one environment.
Both indoor and outdoor cats are important and necessary in God‘s plan for this world. So before anyone decides to judge those who have outdoor cats versus indoor cats, it is important to realize that both are important and that both are OK. Please be considerate of everyone and their thought processes when it comes to their cats or any other pet but they may have indoor or outdoor.