Post #3197206

2026-05-31 06:35 UTC

My neighbor from a few years ago let their cat roam our tiny street and he got FIV, and likely also spread it. Further, not only is it a risk for your cat, it’s a risk to the environment. They are responsible for the extinction of multiple bird species. You really think that your cat is exempt from the studies showing outdoor cats have much lower lifespans? It’s not, and it’s proven by this post. Whatever scared them was probably trying to harm them (probably a stray tomcat, like my neighbors’ FIV+ one. FIV is spread through all bodily fluids, even their saliva through bites that you may not be able to easily see under their fur). I have three indoor only cats that live very healthy, happy, and danger-free lives. They have never been in the danger that yours was probably in.

Replies (1)

@spirinolas@lemmy.world 2026-05-31 10:38

I’m not having this discussion again. Everytime someone mentions a cat going outdoors enters the paranoid american. Look, I know you guys really like your prisons and locking something for the rest of their lives for “safety” comes natural, but for the rest of the world you’re pretty much just abusing your cat. When I was kid I also took risks for going out. My parents didn’t lock me home for my “safety”. Some parents did and it fucked up their kids. If you love someone you can’t completely dominate them and control their autonomy just for your peace of mind. Living implies risks. You guys sound a lot like helicopter parents. Do you realize how insane and abusive you guys sound when you say “it has to be always inside because it’s not safe” or when you talk about catios and leashes. My cat would have a heart attack if he found itself outside stuck on a leash. My cats are healthy, they’re very happy and I wouldn’t ever make them miserable to satisfy my need of control.

Open ##3197205