[Cody Dawg]

Go bag yourself a...cat.



The person who proposed the idea thinks that pet owners shouldn't let their animals roam around.

As a person who underwent 24 rabies shots last year because a neighbor's cat bit me and they could not prove that it had had rabies vaccinations, nor locate it afterwards (because it was loose) I must say that I concur with him: Cats should not be allowed to roam free.

By the way, my insurance company successfully sued my neighbors for just under $5,000 for the cost of the rabies series vaccination.

[BoomStick]

Here in GA, it's open season on ferel cats and wild dogs as they do so much damage to the natural wildlife.

[Cody Dawg]

Seriously, BoomStick? Have you ever shot a cat? I would feel bad about it. But, I now keep a trap in our yard and about once every two weeks I catch a cat in it and I take it to animal control.

[BoomStick]

Never shot a cat, but I have shot wild dogs.

I have trapped cats and took them to the humane society and let them handle the problem.

My neighbor's cat was allowed to roam the neighborhood free and I caught it leaping up on my front door trying to get the baby finches that were nesting there.

No collar and on my property, to the humane society you go.

[Cody Dawg]

[MacNStein]

I've shot dogs, but not cats. I just love cats and don't think I could bring myself to do it. Of course, considering how territorial Tigger (my 25lb tabby) is, I almost never see stray cats on the property. He's pretty effective at protecting his house.

[dcmacdaddy]

My cat is an outdoor cat . . . BUT she has all her shots every year and has three small tags on her collar (rabies, my home address, my contact numbers).

As with all things, people's irresponsibility causes problems. I would be all for some sort of mandatory neuter program in this country: You would have to pay a large fee to the local municipality in order to have a pet that was NOT rendered infertile.

[Bandit240]

My cat in SC has all his shots taken care of, but he wears no collar. The reason is he has been cought by the collar under a car in the yard. We keep his tags on file but not on him. Hes a wild cat anyway, as i cought him with a fishing net when he was small.

[Cody Dawg]

Why is it that people think it's okay to let their cats run around wild, crapping in other people's yards, killing birds, and just basically being a nuisance on other persons properties?

All of you cat people just letting your cats run around loose should be ashamed of yourselves. Give your cats to people who will CARE where the cat is, CARE whether or not it is getting hit by a car, CARE if it is being brought to animal control/dog pound, CARE if it's being attacked by dogs or other cats.

There are a lot of cat lovers here at MacNN who have mentioned in the past that their cats aren't allowed to run around loose. to them.

For the people who let their cats run around loose,

[f1000]

Them's good eat'n!

[Cody Dawg]

That's sick...but very funny.

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally posted by Cody Dawg:
Why is it that people think it's okay to let their cats run around wild, crapping in other people's yards, killing birds, and just basically being a nuisance on other persons properties?

All of you cat people just letting your cats run around loose should be ashamed of yourselves. Give your cats to people who will CARE where the cat is, CARE whether or not it is getting hit by a car, CARE if it is being brought to animal control/dog pound, CARE if it's being attacked by dogs or other cats.

There are a lot of cat lovers here at MacNN who have mentioned in the past that their cats aren't allowed to run around loose. to them.

For the people who let their cats run around loose,

So, the only way to CARE for a cat is to keep it locked in the house all the time never to go out? If I had to do that to my cat she would be better off being put down then to be locked in a house all day.

[pooka]

make love
not war

or give them to me.

[Goldfinger]

Originally posted by Cody Dawg:
[B]Why is it that people think it's okay to let their cats run around wild, crapping in other people's yards, killing birds, and just basically being a nuisance on other persons properties?

They clean up their crap afterwards and they rarely do it in the middle of your yard. Killing birds, whooptywhoop, circle of life ? What's wrong with that. What's annoying about a cat running around ?

All of you cat people just letting your cats run around loose should be ashamed of yourselves. Give your cats to people who will CARE where the cat is, CARE whether or not it is getting hit by a car, CARE if it is being brought to animal control/dog pound, CARE if it's being attacked by dogs or other cats.

Cats are not retarded. They will avoid cars and things like that. I don't say that they never get hit, but us humans can be hit by cars as well.
People who bring well fed cats to animal control are retarded, you can see the difference between a stray cat and a domestic one.
As for being attacked: they won't die from it you know. If they are hurt really bad (which almost never happens, I will bring my cat to the vet but otherwise they are fine. They need a fight once in a while.

There are a lot of cat lovers here at MacNN who have mentioned in the past that their cats aren't allowed to run around loose. to them.

For the people who let their cats run around loose,

For me it's the opposite. Locking your cat down is just stupid, they need to be able to roam around freely. They do nothing wrong, sure they can piss in your garden but what do you think those lovely birds do ? They must explore and catch birds . How much would you like being locked up "for your own good" ?

Oh and people who keep cats in appartments

EDIT: messed up quotes

[malvolio]

The life span of indoor cats is 2 to 3 times as long as the life span of outdoor cats.
Just something to bear in mind.

[Cody Dawg]

Once again, malvolio, you say the right things.

Kitty kudos to you.

So, the only way to CARE for a cat is to keep it locked in the house all the time never to go out? If I had to do that to my cat she would be better off being put down then to be locked in a house all day.

Yes. And, perhaps, yes.

[demograph68]

My cat roams in the backyard. Our backyard is huge as it runs into the woods, no houses in sight. We see deer, bunnies, squirrels, and so what if we see another cat?

[bubblewrap]

I don't think I could shoot the cat. But I have tossed pebbles at them to shoo them from my bird feeders.

[pooka]

All I can say is that you're playing with fire by letting your cat's roam around outside. I recently purchased a new vehicle and went to visit some relatives. I parked in their driveway and went inside. It was a little niply outside. Not 2 minutes later I look out the window to point out the car to my father when I see the neighbor's cats fighting on the hood of my car.. the victor, I assume, would be rewarded with a warm place to heat it's monstrous ass.

My heart dropped. I raced outside to find numerous scratches in the black paint.. to the metal. Sadly, I could tell that it would not be possible to buff them out. I was greatly upset.

At first, the guardian of these animals pretended that he was not responsible. That they were not his cats but strays. This infuriated me even more.

In the end it was worth it though. To see the look on his face when a week later I showed him my calico skin boots.

[olePigeon]

I hate dogs.

[Mastrap]

Originally posted by malvolio:
The life span of indoor cats is 2 to 3 times as long as the life span of outdoor cats.
Just something to bear in mind.

Not true

The life span of a domestic cat is 2 to 3 times longer than that of a wild cat.
In domestic cats there is a very slight advantage to being an indoor cat, life span wise. Outdoor cats tend to be healthier that their indoor relatives. The slightly shorter life expectancy is due to accidents.

[Goldfinger]

Originally posted by pooka:
All I can say is that you're playing with fire by letting your cat's roam around outside. I recently purchased a new vehicle and went to visit some relatives. I parked in their driveway and went inside. It was a little niply outside. Not 2 minutes later I look out the window to point out the car to my father when I see the neighbor's cats fighting on the hood of my car.. the victor, I assume, would be rewarded with a warm place to heat it's monstrous ass.

My heart dropped. I raced outside to find numerous scratches in the black paint.. to the metal. Sadly, I could tell that it would not be possible to buff them out. I was greatly upset.

At first, the guardian of these animals pretended that he was not responsible. That they were not his cats but strays. This infuriated me even more.

In the end it was worth it though. To see the look on his face when a week later I showed him my calico skin boots.

**** happens. You have an insurance for that.

[Josh Reid]

Originally posted by malvolio:
The life span of indoor cats is 2 to 3 times as long as the life span of outdoor cats.
Just something to bear in mind.

Just for the record, I had two cats who were outdoor/indoor (came and went as they pleased), being outdoor much of the time. A tortise and a tabby (Keisha & Raspberry), living to age 16 and 17, respectively. One had a sudden stroke, and the other had thyroid cancer which was successfully treated by radioactive iodine, but she developed kidney disease. But I'd say 17 years old is an awesome life-span, even for an indoor cat.

-Josh

Keisha:
http://members.aol.com/joshuareid/keisha.jpg

[xeo sez: img too big]

[pooka]

Originally posted by Goldfinger:
**** happens. You have an insurance for that.

Pffsh. Filing a claim, deductible, more paperwork, time on the phone, etc. Easier to put on a contract on the boot material. And it made me feel better.

[Captain Obvious]

In rural areas where the things can fend for themselves and have natural predators to kill them I am fine with cats being free to roam. But in an urban area where they breed faster than rabbits, don't kill rats, and make general nuisances of themselves they should be hunted and killed by all individuals 12 years of age and older.

[Mastrap]

Originally posted by Captain Obvious:
But in an urban area where they breed faster than rabbits, .

Over 90% of all domestic cats are neutered.

[bubblewrap]

Where are the Aussies to reply here?
It's open season on any cat outdoors there.
Shoot on sight.

[Mastrap]

Originally posted by Cody Dawg:


There are a lot of cat lovers here at MacNN who have mentioned in the past that their cats aren't allowed to run around loose. to them.

For the people who let their cats run around loose,

We have tons of cats in our neighbourhood. They tend to hang out around the lanes and in each other's backyard. All of them are neutered, all of them are well cared for (including rabies shots) and all of them have the freedom to wander where they desire to wander. Ever now an then one of them digs a hole and craps under our fir tree.
So what?

[Cody Dawg]

...IF they are free roaming cats, Captain Obvious?

And, where do you get your percentages, Mastrap? Because if 90% of all cats were neutered then this link makes no sense.

It is estimated that the national birthrate of cats and dogs is 5,500 per hour. 444,000 loving homes are needed to care for the offspring of 1,000 female dogs.

National statistics suggest that approximately 11 million animals of all kinds enter shelters annually. Of those almost 7 million are euthanized. Why? And who is responsible?

It's not the fault of animal shelter personnel that millions of animals are euthanized each year. They are the ones who must ultimately make the decision. They do not, however, cause these animals to breed indiscriminately, to become stray, to be unidentified and unvaccinated.

The responsibility and the blame lie with pet owners. Just one litter of puppies or kittens does matter.

Pet owners take responsibility:

* Sterilize your pets
* Identify your pets
* Confine your pets

[starman]

Duck season!

[Cody Dawg]

People who lets their dogs OR CATS or any other animals just roam around and risk getting hurt, sick, or killed for any reason should not have a pet.

They are like your children: They cannot fend for themselves in urban society. Whether getting hit by a car, ripped up by another animal, poisoned, getting a disease or in some cases attacked by wild animals (raccoons), it is up to RESPONSIBLE pet owners to keep their pets at home.

Why even claim you own a pet if all you do is let the animal wander around?

I love my pets. I know where they are every second of the day.

[Mastrap]

Originally posted by Cody Dawg:


And, where do you get your percentages, Mastrap?

Our vet. The numbers apply to domesticated cats with an owner, i.e non strays.

[demograph68]

Originally posted by Cody Dawg:
People who lets their dogs OR CATS or any other animals just roam around and risk getting hurt, sick, or killed for any reason should not have a pet.

Yeah right.

[pooka]

Originally posted by Mastrap:
Our vet. The numbers apply to domesticated cats with an owner, i.e non strays.

* 90% of men have never had sex with a woman.







The numbers apply to men who still live with their parents at the age of 40, i.e losers.

[Cody Dawg]

Seriously, if you valued your pet's life you would want to know where that animal is at all times. Think about it. Would you let your children roam around without caring where they are at?

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally posted by Cody Dawg:
Seriously, if you valued your pet's life you would want to know where that animal is at all times. Think about it. Would you let your children roam around without caring where they are at?

Do you value your dog as much as your children?
That says a lot about your children, doesn't it?

I love my cat but she will never mean as much, or more, to me than my niece.

[f1000]

Originally posted by Mastrap:
Outdoor cats tend to be healthier that their indoor relatives.

Free range cats: taste the difference!

[BlueSky]

I'd like to take this opportunity for a Public Service Message: Don't forget to give your cat(s) plenty of milk, the fresher the better.

[RAILhead]

What's more annoying to me are the dadgum idiots that walk their dogs around the neighborhood and let them TAKE A DUMP and a WHIZ in MY freaking yard. People that do that should have their faces rubbed in the dogs crap as a lesson.

Until the above response is protected by law, I've been known to fling a turd or two at the owner as they walk away (with a shovel, of course). I've also been known to hand deliver fresh crap in zip-lock bag.

Amazingly, I'm the new hero in the neighborhood, now (except to those people who let their dogs crap in everyone else's yard).



Maury

[demograph68]

Originally posted by Cody Dawg:
[B]Seriously, if you valued your pet's life you would want to know where that animal is at all times. Think about it. Would you let your children roam around without caring where they are at?

Cat's are animals. They can usually take care of themselves. Watch the nature channel. You'll learn a lot.

[d4nth3m4n]

in before cliché kitty.

[paul w]

I kinda have to agree with Cody on one point:

CATS KILL BIRDS LIKE CRAZY.

House cats, neutered or otherwise kill a ton of birds, millions of them each year. They're not a natural part of the ecosystem and they are even threatening endangered or protected species of birds.

Birds are an extremely important part of our ecosytsem. For one thing they control the insect population. Cats are a threat to that balance, neutered or not.

Keep em inside. Seriously.

[Spliff]

Originally posted by RAILhead:
What's more annoying to me are the dadgum idiots that walk their dogs around the neighborhood and let them TAKE A DUMP and a WHIZ in MY freaking yard. People that do that should have their faces rubbed in the dogs crap as a lesson.

Until the above response is protected by law, I've been known to fling a turd or two at the owner as they walk away (with a shovel, of course). I've also been known to hand deliver fresh crap in zip-lock bag.

Amazingly, I'm the new hero in the neighborhood, now (except to those people who let their dogs crap in everyone else's yard).



Maury

Maury = Nissan fan and kitty fan.

[Spliff]

Originally posted by MacNStein:
I've shot dogs, but not cats.

Ah, why did you shoot the dogs? Why not call animal control? The only justification I can see in shooting a dog is if it was attacking you or someone else and needed to be stopped ASAP.

[goMac]

Originally posted by Cody Dawg:
Why is it that people think it's okay to let their cats run around wild, crapping in other people's yards, killing birds, and just basically being a nuisance on other persons properties?

All of you cat people just letting your cats run around loose should be ashamed of yourselves. Give your cats to people who will CARE where the cat is, CARE whether or not it is getting hit by a car, CARE if it is being brought to animal control/dog pound, CARE if it's being attacked by dogs or other cats.

There are a lot of cat lovers here at MacNN who have mentioned in the past that their cats aren't allowed to run around loose. to them.

For the people who let their cats run around loose,

: ahem :

My cat loves running around outside. It would die if it had to be indoors all day. If it had to stay indoors it would be the most unhappy cat ever. It's a cat. It can find its way home, it won't get hit by a car, and its not stupid about dogs. The neighbors love the cat. My last cat was popular all around the neighborhood.

Cats are like children. Yes, you do care about them. But you can't be over zealous about protecting them. You have to trust them and let them go out on their own.

The cat I had before my last cat came home every night at 7, even if daylight savings time changed. He was very responsible. Cats aren't stupid animals. Don't underestimate them.

[BoomStick]

Wild ferel dogs will kill pets and livestock.

If fluffy ain't got no collar, it's off to the big sleep.

[Spliff]

Originally posted by BoomStick:
Wild ferel dogs will kill pets and livestock.

If fluffy ain't got no collar, it's off to the big sleep.

What if it's someone's pet running loose? What if the dog escaped from its yard and this is the first time it's chased livestock? Why not call the cops or animal control? You could be killing some kid's pet companion. Maybe you need better fencing for your livestock.

If my dog escaped, chased some farmer's sheep, and got shot for it, I'd rip that f**king farmer's head off.

[Goldfinger]

Originally posted by Cody Dawg:
[B]People who lets their dogs OR CATS or any other animals just roam around and risk getting hurt, sick, or killed for any reason should not have a pet.

They are like your children: They cannot fend for themselves in urban society. Whether getting hit by a car, ripped up by another animal, poisoned, getting a disease or in some cases attacked by wild animals (raccoons), it is up to RESPONSIBLE pet owners to keep their pets at home.

They cannot survive in urban if you keep them inside from day one, no. They don't learn any "survival skills" if you always keep them in and if you do that and one day you release them then, yes, something can happen to them because they don't know what to do in a certain situation.
If you let them out they learn how to handle certain situations. The same thing goes for children. You keep them inside all day long as well ? I hope not. Being overprotective is just plain wrong, for animals and humans.

Why even claim you own a pet if all you do is let the animal wander around?

Cats are always around your house, they don't go really far and they always come back. They know what their home is. I don't really get your comment here.

I love my pets. I know where they are every second of the day.

Me too. But I don't need to know were they are every second of the day. If I need my cat I just go outside and call his name and he will come. Or I just open the refrigerator and he will come as well incredible how they can hear this. (this is not true when he is too far away though )

[Goldfinger]

Originally posted by Spliff:
If my dog escaped, chased some farmer's sheep, and got shot for it, I'd rip that f**king farmer's head off.

Just "neuter" the farmer

[Wiskedjak]

Originally posted by dcmacdaddy:
So, the only way to CARE for a cat is to keep it locked in the house all the time never to go out? If I had to do that to my cat she would be better off being put down then to be locked in a house all day.

Dogs are not allowed to roam free and appear to be doing ok. Why do cats need to be able to wander about freely when dogs don't appear to be suffering from being kept on a leash?