Indoor Vs Outdoor: What is Best for Your Cat?

Introduction

One of the big questions all cat owners ask is whether to keep their feline friends indoors or allow them to free roam outdoors. Both options have pros and cons; it is important to consider what is best for your cat’s health and well-being. In this article we look at the benefits and drawbacks of indoor vs outdoor cats and, regardless of their living situation, provide you with tips to keep them healthy and happy. By the time you finish reading, you will hopefully be in a better place to understand what is best for your cat and their needs, providing them with the best possible care.

Pros for an Indoor Cat

Cats want to roam outside; it is only natural, but is it safe? The obvious is true for indoor cats - they live a sheltered safe life due to the fact that they are well protected from the dangers such as traffic, predators and diseases that some outdoor cats may contract from other animals. Indoor cats tend to lead a more comfortable life with access to food and water at all times in a clean environment. An indoor cat is less likely to engage in aggressive behaviours, such as fighting with other cats, which can cause injuries. Spending more time with your cat in the home can make you more likely to spot any health problems or behavioural issues.

Cons for an Indoor Cat

Due to being unable to explore the outside world, indoor cats may suffer from boredom, frustration and a lack of exercise. For some cats remaining indoors, the home can become predictable and monotonous. There are also fewer opportunities in the home environment for them to use their natural instincts like hunting. This can cause behavioural problems such as eliminating outside the litter box and attacking people inside the home. Seeing or smelling other cats outside the home can also be distressing for a cat.

How to Provide the Best Care for an Indoor Cat

To help ensure your cat stays physically and mentally stimulated there are a few things you can do as a cat parent. You will need to ensure that you provide your cat with a stimulating environment with an array of opportunities for performing their natural instincts and behaviours. Many cats enjoy the company of other cats and even sometimes have a dog as their roommate. Having a partner to play with can help fulfil your cat’s exercise needs.

For even more ways, see our previous article - Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy

Pros of an Outdoor Cat

Outdoor cats gain the advantage of being free to explore and enjoy nature. Being able to bask in the grass, trees and fresh air can mentally stimulate them and keep them physically active. Being outdoors, cats are less likely to develop problems linked with boredom and a lack of exercise, such as behavioural problems and obesity. They are less likely to scratch furniture as this need should be fulfilled by scaling up trees outside.

Cons of an Outdoor Cat

Roaming free sounds like bliss for a cat, though let’s not forget the risks of venturing outdoors. Cats can face many risks that can impact their health and well-being, such as being endangered by passing cars, attacks from other cats and animals and contracting infections and diseases, unfortunately leading to a shorter life span. Outdoor cats are also more likely to get lost or stolen.

How To Keep Your Outdoor Cat Safe

To help keep your cat safe outdoors there are a number of things you as the cat owner can do to help ensure their safety. Your cat should be microchipped and wear a good-quality safety collar with an identity tag. Ensure you have pet insurance, as an outdoor cat may require more vet visits than an indoor cat. Make sure to de-flea and worm your cat regularly; spaying your cat can eliminate catfights and the risk of unwanted kittens, and keep all their vaccinations up to date. You can choose when to allow your cat outside, limiting the outside time to only daylight hours.

For more ways to keep your cat safe, see our previous article – Keep Your Outdoor Cat Safe.

Conclusion

The big question of whether your cat should be kept indoors or allowed to roam outside freely is difficult to answer; each option has pros and cons. The final decision should be made regarding the cat individually and their preferences. Whichever option you choose for your cat as the cat parent, you should always endeavour to minimize the risks associated with the decision.

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.