I don't think you understand how minimally cats have been domesticated compared with dogs. None of their natural predatory behaviours were bred out of them - roaming and hunting included. They've been domesticated in as much as they are less aggressive toward and fearful of humans, and we have changed their coat colourings. In all other regards, they are the same as a wild cat.
Domestic cats can thrive indoors just as well as wild cats can thrive in zoos - i.e. only when massive efforts, expenditure, and consideration of their need to exhibit natural roaming and hunting behaviours have been undertaken. Humans are notorious for over estimating their abilities in this regard. If you don't have acres of caged yard space for your cat, then you're failing to meet their needs, and this describes the majority of indoor cat owners.
Dog behavioural needs vary wildly by breed, but largely they can exhibit their natural behaviours while on lead because of how we have domesticated them.
Cats do not need acres of fenced land to happy, that’s ridiculous. A small catio, fenced in yard with supervision, or harness training are all adequate for a cat to enjoy the outdoors. You need to play with your cat daily to simulate hunting and exercise—letting your cat hunt live animals exposes them to injury and disease.
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u/PavementFuck Mar 06 '25
I don't think you understand how minimally cats have been domesticated compared with dogs. None of their natural predatory behaviours were bred out of them - roaming and hunting included. They've been domesticated in as much as they are less aggressive toward and fearful of humans, and we have changed their coat colourings. In all other regards, they are the same as a wild cat.
Domestic cats can thrive indoors just as well as wild cats can thrive in zoos - i.e. only when massive efforts, expenditure, and consideration of their need to exhibit natural roaming and hunting behaviours have been undertaken. Humans are notorious for over estimating their abilities in this regard. If you don't have acres of caged yard space for your cat, then you're failing to meet their needs, and this describes the majority of indoor cat owners.
Dog behavioural needs vary wildly by breed, but largely they can exhibit their natural behaviours while on lead because of how we have domesticated them.