Guess who’s having major cat mom guilt right now!?
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Kate & Zenasays
Awwwwww, poor Tibby Tabs. I’m sure one run-in with those giant turkeys would teach him outside is baaaaaaad. He’ll get used to being an indoor kitty soon enough.
aw, I’m sorry! Let me know how he adjusts to being only inside! I’ve been considering not letting my kitty out anymore but I don’t think I could deal with the guilt!
.-= Briana’s last blog post… Acceptance theories =-.
I feel especially bad when I go outside and see the neighbor’s Siamese frolicking and running free. 🙁
The first few days were rough for him. We kept him in a room because we had stuff everywhere, plus, I had to mop the floors (they were so dirty!). He’s normally very needy so being by himself was hard.
We finally let him explore the place last night. He’s still a little freaked out, but in general I think he’s okay. It seems like as long as he’s near either me or El Hub he’s happy.
He’s safer this way. My sister actually taught her cat to walk on a leash so that she can safely explore the outdoors. Maybe Tabs would do that?
.-= Kris’s last blog post… Color Club Wonderland Mini Set =-.
I had a cat that got lost after we moved. She just never came home one day. I think she was trying to find her way back to the old apartment. I think you made the right call keeping him indoors. Besides, with those amazing windows, he has a damn good view of the outside.
It’s the same thought with our children: we’re keeping them safe, whether they like it or not…just think of how guilty you’d feel if something happened to him.
Hm, maybe you should get a tree stump or something so Tabs has a little bit of the “outdoors” inside the house. Besides, as Sole said, he’s got a mighty fine view of the outdoors. Zena is a bit envious of his view of the outdoors.
Aww, that’s sad. But you’re doing the right thing. I agree with Kris, try the harness. I’ve tried one before and it did NOT work. Our cat dropped to the ground and fought it like it was challenging him! But it’s totally worth a try…
.-= Stef’s last blog post… I wear black on the outside cause black is how I feel on the inside… =-.
Oh, Tabs is being a bad kitty. I’d be mighty peeved if I found him scratching up my stairs. Then again, Tabs wouldn’t like scratching my stairs–they’re pure carpet. He’d get a paw full of blue carpet fibers! He’d be more peeved than me.
Has he been out before, Karen? If not, just leave him in and let him “watch the movie” from the window. It’s safer, and he doesn’t know any better!
xoxo
*jen
.-= jen’s last blog post… Beauty School =-.
Yah, when he adopted us he was an outdoor kitty. At our old place he was indoor/outdoor. Where we live now is a little bit more country with coyotes and whatnot. Plus, there’s a very busy road at the entrance of the complex… inside is better for him, but I worry about his kitty spirit. He’s a wanderer at heart.
Awww, poor Tabs. My kitties are full-time indoor cats, and they have always been. But my Kia still sits in front of the window and paws at the doors as if she wanted out. It’s great that you have big windows like that so Tabs can look out and still enjoy the outdoors from that vantage point.
I can understand how Tabs feel. Jack Belly, the neighborhood cat, just came to visit me this morning. After he finished eating and cleaning himself, he walked away. He and Tabs are cut from the same cloth so it’s hard for them to stay inside. But at least Tabs knows it’s not so safe outside with those giant turkeys 🙂
.-= Dao’s last blog post… You Know You’re a Makeup and Beauty Addict When… =-.
My cat is an indoor one. She could never survive out side. Let alone in our cold weather 42 outside in October…YIKES! But I do get the perk of her curling up next to me as I type papers for my classes.
My cat did the same thing as Stef’s when I tried to harness train her. But, with great big windows to scout the outdoors, Tabs should be able to get his wild fix. Plus, he’ll realize how much nicer the couch is to nap on than a tree stump.
Your new place it really nice. Love the windows and I’m sure Tabs likes them also. Not as much as outside. Do you have a balcony? My cats are indoor only but I screened in my balcony for them. I did it with the help of my mother so it wasn’t a lot of money.
Karen,
You are doing the RIGHT THING by keeping Tabs in. the idea that he missed the outdoors and will not adjust to the indoors in NOT true. It may take a while, but he will adjust! Make sure you get a scratching post for him,and just stick it out. I had a friend whose lovely kitty was run over because he felt “he had to be free”. B.S! And I lost a couple of kitties several years ago, and NEVER AGAIN! You would rather have him safe, right? Not only the turkeys but also other predators.
Try the harness – it may work, or maybe not -depends on the cat.
Great photo. I am sure he is just reminiscing about the old days about the great outdoors, but he is better off inside with all the coyotes around. Cats love window watching don’t you think, don’ t you think?
.-= amy’s last blog post… LOTD Medusa’s Makeup Lipgloss Lip Swatches and Review Part 2 =-.
Kate & Zena says
Awwwwww, poor Tibby Tabs. I’m sure one run-in with those giant turkeys would teach him outside is baaaaaaad. He’ll get used to being an indoor kitty soon enough.
Karen says
Hi Kate & Zena,
Yikes! I saw two of them in the parking lot last night! They were bigger than the tires on my truck!
Briana says
aw, I’m sorry! Let me know how he adjusts to being only inside! I’ve been considering not letting my kitty out anymore but I don’t think I could deal with the guilt!
.-= Briana’s last blog post… Acceptance theories =-.
Karen says
Hi Briana,
I feel especially bad when I go outside and see the neighbor’s Siamese frolicking and running free. 🙁
The first few days were rough for him. We kept him in a room because we had stuff everywhere, plus, I had to mop the floors (they were so dirty!). He’s normally very needy so being by himself was hard.
We finally let him explore the place last night. He’s still a little freaked out, but in general I think he’s okay. It seems like as long as he’s near either me or El Hub he’s happy.
Do you let your kitty out a night?
Tiffany says
Aww, you are just trying to keep him safe! Remember that!
Karen says
Hi Tiffany,
🙁 I know, I know. It’s so silly, but I can’t help but feel like I’m denying his soul the right to run free.
Gotta keep reminding myself about the dangerous animals, cars and anti-freeze he could run into.
How’s your day been? AND IS IT FRIDAY YET?!?
Laurie says
Aw, you are a great kitty mama! And seriously, love the windows and all that lighting that is coming into your place! How awesome?!
Kris says
He’s safer this way. My sister actually taught her cat to walk on a leash so that she can safely explore the outdoors. Maybe Tabs would do that?
.-= Kris’s last blog post… Color Club Wonderland Mini Set =-.
Karen says
Hi Kris,
I’m going to get him a harness. I’m not sure if he’s gonna be into it, but I’m going to try!
Solé says
I had a cat that got lost after we moved. She just never came home one day. I think she was trying to find her way back to the old apartment. I think you made the right call keeping him indoors. Besides, with those amazing windows, he has a damn good view of the outside.
Karen says
Hi Sole,
Sorry to hear about your cat. I’ve read that they often head to their old digs. Tabs would have a long way to go!
Nancy says
It’s the same thought with our children: we’re keeping them safe, whether they like it or not…just think of how guilty you’d feel if something happened to him.
Karen says
Hi Nancy,
Good point. I would be heartbroken if he ever got eaten by one of those turkeys!
Rae says
What a great photo! He’s definitely safer this way, though — it’s a hard decision but it’s for the best. Cars, coyotes, new neighbourhoods…
I’m sure he loves you all the same!
.-= Rae’s last blog post… Dark (but colourful!) lips =-.
Karen says
Hi Rae,
Yeah, I know. Hopefully the guilt will fade away eventually. Sigh!
Kate & Zena says
Karen,
Holy fazolis! Those are some big turkeys!
Hm, maybe you should get a tree stump or something so Tabs has a little bit of the “outdoors” inside the house. Besides, as Sole said, he’s got a mighty fine view of the outdoors. Zena is a bit envious of his view of the outdoors.
Karen says
Hi Kate & Zena,
That’s a good idea. He could also use it to work out his claws (right now he’s using the stairs… hmm).
I’m gonna buy him some kitty-friendly plants this weekend! Probably gonna go for some bamboo. 🙂
Stef says
Aww, that’s sad. But you’re doing the right thing. I agree with Kris, try the harness. I’ve tried one before and it did NOT work. Our cat dropped to the ground and fought it like it was challenging him! But it’s totally worth a try…
.-= Stef’s last blog post… I wear black on the outside cause black is how I feel on the inside… =-.
Karen says
Hi Stef,
I have a feeling Tabs will do the same thing. Maybe if I cover it in rhinestones…
Kate & Zena says
Oh, Tabs is being a bad kitty. I’d be mighty peeved if I found him scratching up my stairs. Then again, Tabs wouldn’t like scratching my stairs–they’re pure carpet. He’d get a paw full of blue carpet fibers! He’d be more peeved than me.
Karen says
Hi Kate & Zena,
I’m letting him get away with a bit more than usual because I want him to get comfortable with the new place. Cat mom guilt rears its ugly head!
jen says
Has he been out before, Karen? If not, just leave him in and let him “watch the movie” from the window. It’s safer, and he doesn’t know any better!
xoxo
*jen
.-= jen’s last blog post… Beauty School =-.
Karen says
Hi Jen,
Yah, when he adopted us he was an outdoor kitty. At our old place he was indoor/outdoor. Where we live now is a little bit more country with coyotes and whatnot. Plus, there’s a very busy road at the entrance of the complex… inside is better for him, but I worry about his kitty spirit. He’s a wanderer at heart.
Tracy says
Awww, poor Tabs. My kitties are full-time indoor cats, and they have always been. But my Kia still sits in front of the window and paws at the doors as if she wanted out. It’s great that you have big windows like that so Tabs can look out and still enjoy the outdoors from that vantage point.
Karen says
Hi Tracy,
How many kitties do you have? I wish I could get Tabs a sister or a brother.
Last night he pawed at the door like a cat on a mission.
Dao says
I can understand how Tabs feel. Jack Belly, the neighborhood cat, just came to visit me this morning. After he finished eating and cleaning himself, he walked away. He and Tabs are cut from the same cloth so it’s hard for them to stay inside. But at least Tabs knows it’s not so safe outside with those giant turkeys 🙂
.-= Dao’s last blog post… You Know You’re a Makeup and Beauty Addict When… =-.
Karen says
Hi Dao,
LOL, I think he craves danger! I think those turkeys would mess him up in a hot second though…
All Women Stalker says
This is for his own good, don’t feel too guilty. :)You’re a good cat mom.
-meream
.-= All Women Stalker’s last blog post… 5 Fitness Posts to BlogStalk… =-.
Julia says
My cat is an indoor one. She could never survive out side. Let alone in our cold weather 42 outside in October…YIKES! But I do get the perk of her curling up next to me as I type papers for my classes.
Steph B says
My cat did the same thing as Stef’s when I tried to harness train her. But, with great big windows to scout the outdoors, Tabs should be able to get his wild fix. Plus, he’ll realize how much nicer the couch is to nap on than a tree stump.
Jeri says
Your new place it really nice. Love the windows and I’m sure Tabs likes them also. Not as much as outside. Do you have a balcony? My cats are indoor only but I screened in my balcony for them. I did it with the help of my mother so it wasn’t a lot of money.
singrsling says
Karen,
You are doing the RIGHT THING by keeping Tabs in. the idea that he missed the outdoors and will not adjust to the indoors in NOT true. It may take a while, but he will adjust! Make sure you get a scratching post for him,and just stick it out. I had a friend whose lovely kitty was run over because he felt “he had to be free”. B.S! And I lost a couple of kitties several years ago, and NEVER AGAIN! You would rather have him safe, right? Not only the turkeys but also other predators.
Try the harness – it may work, or maybe not -depends on the cat.
amy says
Great photo. I am sure he is just reminiscing about the old days about the great outdoors, but he is better off inside with all the coyotes around. Cats love window watching don’t you think, don’ t you think?
.-= amy’s last blog post… LOTD Medusa’s Makeup Lipgloss Lip Swatches and Review Part 2 =-.
Tavia says
Poor him…..he wants to go outside so bad 🙁
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… There are remedies for dull, damaged and thin hair. Use them! =-.