ok to let cats outside?
 

Moving down in Sept, have (2) 13 yr old cats. Here in N.Va. I let them out from time to time, they never go far, most of the time they stay on the deck.
What are the regs. on letting a cat out from time to time?

Don't know what kind of home you've purchased here, but my cats are satisfied, it seems, to lounge on the big lanai in back. I wouldn't let them out in a new neighborhood.

Technically, you are not supposed to let any animal outside unless it's on a leash. That includes cats of course. Anyway, I wouldn't feel safe letting a cat outside. There are coyotes here and who knows what else?

If you let them out, they have to be licensed and leashed. Technically, Sumter County requires all cats to be licensed but I've only heard of it being enforced if the cat is allowed outdoors. As was said, most cats are very happy to just be on the lanai. They all seem to really love it there.

Bob,
:welcome:
That's exciting that you are moving to TV. Welcome to Lower Paradise.

It is against the rules to let your pets out off leash and honestly, I think it's not a good idea in TV.

Your cats will have an adjustment to make with the move. Quite a few new TVers have posted about losing their cats when they get here. The cats get scared and hide, sometimes found days later hiding in the garage, occasionally not found.

I know you want to make the adjustment easier for your cats. In all probability your cat will adjust better to TV and feal more secure if you don't let them outdoors on their own.

Congratulations on your new home. All best wishes!

PTurner

:welcome:I'm so happy that you asked about leaving pets outside alone. Florida is a dangerous place for cats who wander off. My 3.5 maltese was outside with me when I saw a huge (estimate he was over 1.5 feet tall) hawk swoop down in the next yard. I believe he saw the one and only rabbit ever seen in these parts. I didn't wait to see if he was successful. We also have huge owls who hunt at night. Since your cats are fairly old I wouldn't chance the fact that they could find their way home. A friend recently told me that she saw a coyote in her older and densely populated neighborhood and I know that they are frequently seen in the newer areas being built. I haven't mentioned the gators that are all over the place should you live near water. It can be a hostile environment for domestic animals so keep them close. And then there's Fumar......

We also have gators that wander around going to the different ponds, alot of snakes & alot of traffic. Please, please don't let little the little kitties out.
Congrats on moving to the Villages. It's a great place.

ok to let cats outside?
 

Our cat got out by accident and he was gone for 6 nights, 7 days. I guess he was so scared since he didn't know the area, that he probably hid in a bush or a garage and was afraid to come out. He lost 4 lbs in that short a period of time, which is a lot for a cat.

In addition to the other creatures that have been mentioned, there are also a lot of Fox. By the way, I hope your cat has a collar with your new ID on it, in addition to a chip in case he gets lost.

Congratulations on your move. I thought Fumar only dislikes dogs, or is it any pet with fur?

Think its anything that might poop on his lawn.
 

Does a bear poop in the woods? Maybe, a Teddy Bear would be OK with Fumar, but if it can poop on your lawn....

There are a lot of feral cats around. They are not inclined to be pleasant around domestic cats.

BTW, I believe the leash laws refer to pets off one's property. However, I wouldn't let a cat of mine out even in my own back yard.

Add hawks to the list of predators looking for an easy meal.

Is there really a lease law for cats? In all three counties? I don't have any pets, but I was just wondering. I saw Sumter County has lease laws for dogs, but didn't see cats listed.

Pet rules...
 

VCDD Our Place Archives
Pets must be controlled by a leash when not in the confines of the home. As a courtesy, owners should pick up after their pets and respect neighboring property owners.
www.districtgov.org/cic-questions.aspx


VCDD Deed Compliance - Lake County
Pets must be controlled by a leash when not in the confines of the home. As a courtesy, owners should pick up after their pets. All city and county pet ordinances should be adhered ...
www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/deedrestrict.aspx

Thanks P. We drove all day to get to West by God Virginia for a wedding this weekend. I'm sitting on the bed in the hotel and was too lazy to look. I've had cats in the past that were never allowed outside. They didn't desire to go out and didn't have any curiousity except from the window.

Well , have I mentioned this girl in Kansas City , She worked for the Circus and she ......

Oh never mind , you wouldn't understand..........:jester:

she had a chair and a whip !!fumar...