Whether a cat should be kept indoors or let out has become a bit of a controversy in recent years. Most cats love going outside to explore, but there are many risks in the great outdoors that can be avoided by keeping them in. There are also concerns about their effect on the environment, as many cats are avid hunters and will kill prey regardless of how well fed they are. Whether your cat goes outside is up to you, but here are some considerations to keep in mind when making that decision.
The outdoors can be a dangerous place for cats. They can get hit by cars, or attacked by wildlife or roaming dogs. They are more likely to get into cat fights, resulting in injuries that may require veterinary attention. Your cat could pick up diseases from other cats he meets outside, such as Feline Leukemia (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and upper respiratory tract infections. Your cat will also be exposed to parasites such as fleas and ticks, which both carry their own variety of diseases, some of which are very serious (Cytauxzoonosis is a prime example). Even the rodents your cat may bring home can cause infections, most notably tapeworms. All that being said, cats love going out and exploring. If they’re miserable staying indoors, you have to consider their overall quality of life. It would be much safer if I stayed inside all the time too (no car accidents, muggings, lightning strikes), but what kind of life would that be? Just be sure to carefully consider the environment around your home before deciding whether to let your cat outside.
Indoor cats generally are exposed to much less risk, however they are more likely to be overweight due to inactivity, and some may develop behavior problems due to a lack of mental stimulation. Indoor cats need more than just food, water, and a warm lap to sleep on. They should have perches on several levels, hiding spots to hide or explore, and a variety of toys that you can rotate to keep your cat interested. There should be numerous scratch posts or pads, and enough litter boxes for every cat in the house (plus 1 extra). Ohio State has a great list of ways to keep your indoor cat happy and satisfied.
Cats are natural hunters, and as such they need an outlet for their hunting instincts. This is important both for physical activity as well as mental health. Some of these hunting activities can be simulated for the indoor cat, by hiding their food in small amounts around the house so they can go on a scavenger “hunt”, or using food puzzles and various toys. Outdoor cats, no matter how tame, can be very efficient hunters. Studies have suggested that outdoor cats kill huge numbers of wildlife, particularly songbirds, even when they are well fed at home. And they typically bring home less than 25% of what they kill. If you want to let your cat go outside but also protect local wildlife, there are a few collar options to make your cat a little less stealthy. The easiest is a bell on the collar, though some cats do learn to walk so that it doesn’t jingle. This collar* can make your cat easier for birds to spot.
A screened porch can be a good compromise for the cat that really wants to be outside. They can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors, and still be safely confined. Alternatively, you can get cat “proof” (I never trust that word) fencing* for your yard. You can even build elaborate catwalks* for your cats.
Let your vet know whether your cat is indoor or outdoor, as this may change which vaccines and preventatives they recommend. It can also affect what disease processes your vet needs to rule out if your cat gets sick. And if you do opt to let your cat roam outdoors, please make sure they have a microchip (and your contact information is up to date with the microchip company) as well as a collar with contact information so they can make their way back home to you!
*The products listed here are not endorsed by RBAH, they are simply listed to demonstrate the variety of products available for the outdoor cat.
