Cooper has been out and about with his collar camera several times over the last few weeks. When the weather is about to turn colder, we try to give him lots of outdoor time. Enjoy it while it lasts, Cooper!
Recently on Cooper’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/photographercat) people have been asking about his indoor/outdoor privileges and any limitations. As people who are crazy-in-love with a cat, we totally agree and understand that keeping your cat indoors is the best way to keep them absolutely safe from predators, poisons, and cars. If we ever get another cat we plan to adopt from one of the wonderful no-kill animal shelters in our area who require a commitment to an indoor life for the cat. That being said, Cooper found us, he was stray (see his origins post) and very well acquainted with the outdoors.
For the first year or so of his life with us, we only allowed him outdoors when he was on his leash. Just after Cooper turned one year old, we began allowing him to be outdoors unsupervised for a few hours a day. Cooper has always been on a pretty structured feeding plan, so nowadays he rarely goes outside before 9 am and is always home in time for dinner at 7 pm. There are raccoons in our neighborhood so we’re very strict about not allowing him out after dark – which means in the winter, he’s outside even less.
As many followers of Cooper know, after setting him up with his Cat Cam two years ago, we discovered that he spent several hours a day waiting at the front door for us to let him in. We installed a Cat Door, which has also greatly increased the amount of time he spends in the house, as evidenced by his photos. We’ve also learned through his photographs that he does not cross the busy streets in our neighborhood.
Thanks to Viki, Heidi, Pat and others for sharing their views on the subject with us. For all of you cat lovers out there: we know. We agree. Cats are safer indoors. We’re just trying to give our little photographer cat the best life we can and for him that includes free time in the backyards of our neighborhood.
Cooper stares out the dining room window. I love the light pouring in!
Whiskers! Sometimes the sunlight hits his whiskers just right.
An afternoon drink? If Cooper thinks we’re not looking, he loves jumping up in the sink.
This is Cooper’s view from his midday nap on the couch.
The photographer cat is currently stretched out on the tile floor, getting ready for another big day.
Hey Cooper! I don’t usually reply to posts but I will be able to during this case. WoW 😉
I adore all of the articles about Cooper that have been written, and especially the comments posted! SO CUTE.
Good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.
I have had cats for many years, and the one thing I know is that cats have to live their lives. My cats have always gone outside, and have lived full, happy lives. I make sure they’re inside when racoons are around, and try to do what I can to make sure they are safe. As adults, we live our lives and take chances by going outside the house, so why can’t our pets? I love and applaud Cooper’s life!!
Love Cooper and his shots. YAY! was happy to see more up here.
j
thegayplaces.com
Indoor cats is a very modern thing, and most cats here in New Zealand are indoor outdoor. I too have a cat door, and come and go as I please, usually spending more time inside than out.
Our old cat Puss, who also had a catdoor and access to inside spent 6 months living in a cardboard box on the front porch, cause she liked the fresh air and could keep an eye on intruders.
I guess in New Zealand, there is nothing dangerous that would chase me or eat me, so we are pretty lucky.
I love your site and your photos Cooper.
Poppy Q
Thanks for letting us know, Possum! We've just fixed it. 🙂
Totally cool blog, totally cool Cooper!
Facebook link does not seem to be working…
That whisker shot is pretty amazing. And you guys are good kitty parents!
awww cooper you are such a cute kitteh, i first saw you on gma here in ny…and i have loved you since meow!