"My cats live a lavish, happy life thinking they're humans, some have lived over 20 years. My nextdoor neighbor lets her cats out. They live 2 to 3 years.
You really don't know cats."
Beg your pardon? I've successfully owned numerous cats over a period of 30 some years. It's patently ridiculous for you to say I don't know cats. Perhaps you ought to reread my posts.
Yikes. It sounds like we all - know - based our personal cat history. Here's mine. 55 years old, and have always had at least 2.
First cat taken to "the farm".
And more after that, as a child.
First birth ever viewed were kittens, more than once. One mom cat just totally would not take her kitty to her. First viewed death.
I've always had cats ever since. Mostly indoor/outdoor.
One was injured when she got into a car and some AH shut the car door on her leg and broke it. Spent WAY too much money on her. She truly went nuts, but I loved her till the end.
As of current: 2 old cats. Living country outdoors alot, because they like it. Eat/sleep/potty indoors and out. Their choice - they are both at least 17 years old.