True story. However I'd be very much ok if he never wanted to go out. Cat's don't belong outside. UNLESS they are safely enclosed in a special kitty area or on a harness and leash.

I have always thought as cat's needing to be outside as they need their independence. Why don't you think they belong outside? I'm not saying outside all the time, of course not! Just half of the day so they get the exercise they need and can give into their predator instincts.

It is not safe for them at all. There are many many more dangers for them and predators.

I never thought of it like that. I mean you hear of cats getting hurt but it seems to rare that it's one of those things where it's will happen to someone else's cat not your own. I mean it's horrible for any cat to get hurt, don't get me wrong, but if it's a cat you know personally it's more emotionally painful for yourself (like if a human you know gets hurt vs a stranger getting hurt!)

I have seen cats hit and killed in the street in front of our house, for one thing, and I also would be concerned for him getting in fights with dogs or other cats. From purely a health standpoint, I think it makes sense to keep my cat indoors. We leave windows with screens open for him as much of the year as we can, and though he'll show an interest in slipping out the door I think his life is a happy one.

Yeah, cats tend to be independent and like to have access to the great outdoors, but there are diseases and such to consider. There is really no question but that indoor cats have better health and live longer, as they are protected from dogs, fleas, contagious feline diseases, fighting with other cats, cars, wildlife, psychopaths, etc.

The SPCA recommends it, every vet I've talked to recommends it, and the statistics don't lie. Your cat will live a longer, healthier life if they're an indoor cat. Cars, kids with firecrackers, pellet guns, real guns, dogs, puddles of antifreeze, coyotes, fighting with other cats, eating diseased wildlife.

Wow I had never realised there were so many dangers to cats, I mean humans and cars are something I knew about but I never really thought about other animals or diseases... Guess when I get a cat, (s)he will be a very loved house cat!

It's the best and safest option for everyone. :)

If you can check into Jackson Galaxy. He's the renouned "Cat Daddy" he can teach you everything you need to know. Also check out his show "My Cat from Hell"

I have heard of the show but never watched it. When I get closer to getting a cat (not until Thumper goes over the rainbow) then I will look into what is the best breed for my lifestyle etc.

The best option is rescue!

Yeah we have always said we would get animals from shelters. Thumper didn't come from a shelter, but his previous owners kept him in a smaller hutch, outside and barely interacted with him. I like to think we rescued him because now he's happy, free to roam around the house when we're in and only in his cage for 9/10 hours a day at most when we're at work.

All my animals have been rescues save from a few hamsters,gerbils, my betta fish, and 1 guinea pig. However I believe a bit like you, that I was able to give them a much better home. I feel and see that pet stores don't do very well with upkeep.

I am not allowed (according to my fiancé) in pet stores because I get upset that I can't take them all home with me. Same with rescue centres.

So how do you shop for Thumper? How will you find your kitty when the time comes then?

Thumper and all his stuff had been bought online! It's cheaper to buy sawdust, hay etc. in bulk. I don't know how I will find my kitty but I will find the right one when the time comes.

Buying a rabbit online?

I wasn't involved as Thumper was a birthday surprise but there is a website where you can buy anything preowned from other people in your local cities.

Yes I do remember you saying that.

Must be like Craigslist over here in the states.

I think it is something similar to that yeah.

Got it. So what are you up to?

Just on here and watching X-Factor (Britain's version of pop idol!)

What about you? Do you watch stuff like that?