Indoor/outdoor cats, litterboxes, etc. - a poopy topic (cats)

Indoor/outdoor isn't such a big deal (so long as you have a cat flap so the cat can come and go as it wishes). True, there's always a risk... but that's life (for humans too). I would find it crueler to restrict a cat to living indoors only... but that's just me.

I'd beg you (please!) not to have the cat declawed though. It's not a simple nail trim (it's considered animal cruelty in many places) and the process destroys the cats ability to groom, hunt, climb and defend itself from its enemies (among other things). This is much more likely to bring harm to the cat than a passing motorist.

All other issues aside, a declawed cat should not be outdoors IMHO. They can neither fight not climb to escape danger.

My pair of kitties is indoor/outdoor. However, we still have to keep a litterbox, as they won't go outside in bad weather. So bear that in mind. (in summer we only have to empty the litterbox very rarely, but wintertime it's going to be much more frequent.)

I'd also suggest that they don't go outside at all until they are neutered, to prevent yet more unwanted kittens who will have short, brutal lives.

Seconding on the declawed. While there are legitimate reasons to have it done, it's not a simple procedure and can have many complications. If they're going outside and are declawed, they won't be able to climb things in order to escape other predators, nor defend themselves from agressor cats. Have you considered those little plastic nail-caps instead?

Indoor/outdoor cat not immoral.

Any cat declawed, immoral. .02. Claws are an extension of their paws, and NOT like our fingernails. Google it.

We don't do litter boxes. Ick. Our cat, and the one before it, were indoor/outdoor. We rescued them from shelters and after an initial adjustment period of a few-several days (depending on the cat), we transitioned them to use the bathroom outside. Our method is to move the litter box a few inches per day until it is right next to a door. The next step is to place the litter box right outside the door, leaving the door cracked. Naturally, this works best when the weather is temperate; both times we did this was in the fall. Over the next few days, the box is moved further and further away from the house, and finally, we dump it in the woods next to our home. From then on, kitty is trained to go outside to potty. You have to pick on their cues to go out, though. Our one cat didn't meow much, so when he started staring out the window, we'd put him out. The cat we have now is very vocal, so she lets us know unequivocally when she wants out (or back in). As far as nighttime, if our cat doesn't come in (her choice and sometimes she wants to be out at night), we have a front and rear porch where she can snuggle up on one of several chairs and get out of any inclement weather. A cat should have some sort of shelter out of doors, just in case.

I've edited this to add: why do you want a declawed cat? To avoid scratching furniture? I've never had a cat who did that, probably because a. they were indoor/outdoor and had access to natural items to scratch, and b. we have a cat tree indoors with several scratching posts on it, just in case she wants to scratch while inside. Out cat loves the cat tree and uses it all the time.

Yorkist said:

I knew this would open a can of worms. I don't have a choice in the matter. Cat scratches are even worse than litterboxes, I'm afraid. ETA: And I don't even do well with them making biscuits on me.

I'm not a fan of it either, trust me, not just for the reasons you describe but 'cause declawed cats can become biters.

I'll actually be looking to adopt a kitten or cat that's already been declawed so I can feel better about it (and know if it's a biter). Hopefully I can find a young-ish cat or kitten that way.

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I can understand it seeming like a necessity, and I can understand getting one that's already been declawed could be a compromise (so long as it comes from a rescue and not a place that purposely declaws prior to selling - which might be the case with a young cat).

On the other hand, without wanting sound rude, should you be getting a cat if you're that allergic? Seriously - it seems like there's several important reasons why you shouldn't, and only one - the emotional point of your dog (I'm so sorry, it's a horrible thing to happen) - why you should. What happens if you grow attached and your allergy does become a problem? It's a long term commitment, especially with a young cat.

Why not wait and perhaps get another dog later down the line? I know it's hard and it can feel like you're replacing a beloved member of the family, but I think most pet owners have been there at some point. Most pet owners also come to the realisation that each animal is unique - it's never a case of replacement... just giving a cat or dog or llama or whatever a much needed loving home and family.

It's actually illegal to declaw cats in the UK. (I appreciate you're in the USA). Please don't do it

I don't understand why you want a cat when you're so allergic to them, and seem to prefer dogs anyway.

I didn't think that cats' claws triggered allergies: I thought it was the dander on their coats.

We have three cats, and I can't remember the last time I got scratched by one of them. It doesn't even happen by accident. They're kind, friendly cats, and just don't scratch us. They do all go outside when they want to but we have litterboxes inside, too. I wouldn't dream of having a declawed cat, even if it were legal in the UK: it seems a brutal thing to do to a cat.

Yorkist, relax. You're doing a good thing, giving a home to a pet that otherwise wouldn't have one. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

I disagree about the declawing thing. If done properly, with the proper medication, it isn't painful, and I've never seen a cat start to bite more because they don't have front claws. As a matter of fact, they still use scratching posts with their front feet. I do agree that a declawed cat should not go outside. Part of the reason is a decreased ability to defend itself. Part of it is a decreased ability to escape into a tree.

Regardless, I'm not going to get into a fight about it. One thing I will say. There are many cats who would not have homes if they were not declawed. They'd have been euthanized instead - not a good alternative.

Sorry, but I also have to question getting a cat under these circumstances.

My last cats were indoor-only, and I'd never go back to outdoor. The last cat I had before... well, I'm sure the local coyotes would enjoy it if I got them another snack. And then there was the stray who showed up and gave the whole flock feline leukemia... not to mention what our Husky mix did to cats who wandered into our fenced yard. I really didn't think very highly of the neighbors who let their cats roam free, when I was standing barefoot in the yard at 5 AM trying in vain to haul those dogs off a doomed cat... couldn't blame the dogs for being dogs, but humans are supposed to know better.

As for litter boxes, they're part of having a cat. If they're indoors at all, they need a place to go. Having a pet is like having a kid; cleaning up the waste is part of the package. The new self-cleaning litter boxes might take some of the "ick" out of it, but if you're in an allergy situation I don't think it'd eliminate all contact. There's always going to be a risk of accidents or health/behavior issues that make them miss the box - I know from personal experience. And hairballs... litter boxes do nothing about hairballs, and if it's bodily fluids that set off your allergies, a nice slimy hairball can't be good. Even well-groomed cats can get them - not as often, but it's always a chance. (Well, you could consider a Sphinx, but they cannot be outdoors. At all. Even in warm climates; they can burn. And they need regular bathing to clean their skin, or they develop problems. So you'd be handling it more, and in stressful, bite/scratch situations, than a haired cat.)

Have you considered other animals? My sister had chinchillas for a while. They were great fun, very soft, fairly clean, very aware and friendly, plus they go nuts when you give them a dust bath. If I ever wound up in a place where I couldn't have cats, I'd go for a chinchilla. Ferrets can be fun, too, but they overexcite easily and can nip, plus there's the ferret aroma.

I don't care for declawing at all. I absolutely abhor people who let their pets run unrestrained outdoors. Not only are these loose pets at risk from all manner of predator (car, people, animal, disease) but they're a damn nuisance for the neighbors who happen to like birds and wildlife and not having to dig cat shit out of the garden.