There are cats that definitely come with pre-conditions. For example our last cat was abandoned and he chose us next. But first he spent about 4 months learning to like being outside. So until we moved* he wouldn’t let us keep him inside. He’d literally climb out the window, up the wood framing, to the roof, get into the pine trees and work his way down from there. Eventually we’d just get a meow at the front door when we thought he was still chilling in the living room.
If you’re adopting a shelter cat or bringing up a kitten you should absolutely keep them inside. But some cats will let you know they have terms and conditions to your relationship.
Note - Once we moved he no longer wanted to roam so much and was content with being a balcony cat. Which strongly suggests it was tied to some idea of territory or familiarity with that area.
There are cats that definitely come with pre-conditions. For example our last cat was abandoned and he chose us next. But first he spent about 4 months learning to like being outside. So until we moved* he wouldn’t let us keep him inside. He’d literally climb out the window, up the wood framing, to the roof, get into the pine trees and work his way down from there. Eventually we’d just get a meow at the front door when we thought he was still chilling in the living room.
If you’re adopting a shelter cat or bringing up a kitten you should absolutely keep them inside. But some cats will let you know they have terms and conditions to your relationship.
Note - Once we moved he no longer wanted to roam so much and was content with being a balcony cat. Which strongly suggests it was tied to some idea of territory or familiarity with that area.