this post was submitted on 04 Feb 2025
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Ban Scottish households from letting cats outside without a lead, report urges (www.independent.co.uk)
submitted 3 days ago by GreyShuck@feddit.uk to c/nature@feddit.uk
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Cat lovers have been left hissing at a proposal to restrict areas where their beloved pets are allowed to roam and hunt wildlife.

With some 27 million birds slain each year, a new report is advising the Scottish Government to take drastic measures that include keeping cats locked inside - and even banning ownership altogether.

The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) also suggested setting up ‘cat containment areas’ - designated parts of the country where compulsory restrictions could be put in place to prevent pet cats from roaming and hunting.

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[–] ddash@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (7 children)

I'd agree but it needs to be gradual. If you already have a cat that goes outside it will be tough to keep it from heading out again. Any new cats should be inside only.

Edit: I am guessing people that downvote me for this are people who never had a cat. You'll have a bad time with your cat acting up like crazy if you deny them something they had access to. Maybe that can be trained away but the average person having a cat will likely not be able to do that. Doing something drastic like just telling all cat owners their cats cannot go outside anymore will just fill up the animal shelters. It's not that easy.

[–] CorrodedCranium@leminal.space 1 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Edit: I am guessing people that downvote me for this are people who never had a cat. You’ll have a bad time with your cat acting up like crazy if you deny them something they had access to. Maybe that can be trained away but the average person having a cat will likely not be able to do that. Doing something drastic like just telling all cat owners their cats cannot go outside anymore will just fill up the animal shelters. It’s not that easy.

I don't think it would be difficult for the average person to train out of a cat. It's not like keeping them off a desk or counter top where they need to be supervised because there isn't much else that can be done to stop them. You just need to keep doors and windows closed. The cat probably isn't going to be thrilled but I feel like it would get over it soon albeit with the occasional attempt to dash out the door.

[–] Doom@ttrpg.network 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I don't think you've owned a cat then. I had inside cats only allowed in the yard with my supervision and they'd respect the boundaries I set however if I didn't take them outside because of weather, laziness or whatever they'd get very upset and act out, they will never forget that they were allowed outside. They will become destructive and angry with you

[–] CorrodedCranium@leminal.space 1 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Do you really think that's going to last that long? I feel like there would be a transitional phase where the cat isn't jazzed about it but they'd eventually realize

I feel like most people who let their cats outside wouldn't keep a new cat inside as well to go back to what the original commenter said.

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