this post was submitted on 21 Oct 2023
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Legitimately yes. Cats are not humans. If your cat has proper stimulation, they'll be perfectly happy inside for decades. There's a reason every single animal shelter in the USA has a clause in their adoption contract that requires you to keep the cat inside.
I've adopted her and her brother from a shelter, which insisted on letting them outside. Here in Germany a "Freigänger" (out-door) cat is considered a happier cat. Tequila herself was very happy and healthy outside for 2,5 years after living inside our flat for 4 years. Inside she was often scared and shy. Since she was allowed to go outside, she seemed a lot more confident and affectionate towards me. Too confident to savely cross the street to the neighbors garden. I knew the risk and I have to live with the consequences. Of course I'm not sure, that it was worth it, now. Sadly nothing will bring her back.
My biggest problem with letting cats outside is the damage they cause to ecosystems, and my understanding is that Europe doesn't have the same problems with outdoor cats that the other continents have. I'm sorry for your loss, and for her brother's loss.
my cat desires to be a Freigänger, but I have found him not less than 5 times with a dead bird, and one time he brought a dead bird inside and threw it about. Also he gets fleas. He is a dickhead, and not allowed outside.