Siberian cats and the risks of letting them roam free

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Dcpc007 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

Pedigree cats like these are stunning, and you get the peace of mind of specific breed traits as well as knowing the kittens are healthy and well-socialised. (Which, to be fair, accounts for a large part of the price tag).

However, I've noticed quite a few comments suggesting that you shouldn't let this kind of cat roam freely, and that they should be kept indoors or only taken out on a lead.

I must admit, I find that quite hard to get my head around on principle. To me, a cat—even more so than a dog—is a symbol of freedom, a wild and independent animal. The idea of having to cat-proof the house (securing the whole garden just isn't an option for us :) ) or only letting them into the garden on a lead (though I do lead-walk them when we're on holiday)...

Well, I struggle to see the point of it.

I've had three moggies before that were a cut above the rest and I never had any trouble, even with the one who was likely part Norwegian Forest Cat and incredibly affectionate with everyone.

Does anyone have any thoughts, info, or stories to share? Beyond the financial side of things (which isn't exactly small change, especially as we're looking to get more than one), I really don't want to lose a pet or imagine them suffering if they were to be 'catnapped' by a neighbour or a random passerby.

Siberians are truly beautiful, and they seem so hardy and hypoallergenic too...

Thanks in advance, all!

Translated from French
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    Dcpc007 Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for your reply. By default, if it's a pedigree cat from a breeder, it will be vaccinated and neutered... it's mandatory (except for specific cases regarding neutering). Of course, there are always going to be risks; after all, a cat that goes outdoors has a much wider territory than just a big garden. But if it means turning my home into a prison and a 'wild' animal into a pampered house cat... I just can't do it (just as I don't like seeing animals kept in flats, cats included). And yet, my oldest is truly stunning for a moggy with no pedigree (admittedly still a far cry from a show cat or a top-tier Siberian!)
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    Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    I understand your hesitation, but it’s important to remember that letting a cat go outside exposes them to a lot of risks:

    - Theft by a neighbour to sell on a site / car accidents / nasty bites from dogs and other cats / all sorts of diseases / parasites / running away for good after being spooked by something. And of course, if he isn’t neutered, you'll end up with plenty of unwanted kittens in the neighbourhood.

    In any case, the first thing you should do is get him vaccinated, neutered, and treated for internal and external parasites. Perhaps at first, you could only let him out under your supervision, and never while you’re away for a long time. See how he gets on; it’s quite possible he’ll just stay close to the house on his own.

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    Dcpc007 Icon representing the flag French
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    For instance, I’d hate to deprive them of that bit of joy. Even if they’re just as happy snoring away on the cushions :) And I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave them unsupervised on a lead or a rope. => so no going out during the day if we’re not around... brilliant.
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