Deciding whether to let your cat have access to the great outdoors can be intimidating. And in reality, it’s a really personal decision. Today I’m going to help guide you through it, and help you to weigh up the pros and cons.
The changing world of cats
When I was small not only cats, but many dogs too were allowed to roam freely around the towns and villages where they lived. An indoor cat was almost unheard of.
Over the intervening years, as traffic volumes have expanded, and as dogs have increasingly become regarded as family members, the freedom of dogs to roam and the hazards that accompany that freedom have been removed from them.
This is generally seen as a good thing for dogs and for the rest of us. The general view being that you should take your dog for a walk and supervise him outdoor, not push him out the door after breakfast and leave him to his own devices.
The same is not true of cats.
Outdoor cats are free to roam
In the UK where I live, and in many other parts of the world, the majority of domestic cats are outdoor cats. They still have the freedom to come and go as they please.
Often with the assistance of a cat door or flap installed for their convenience
There is however, a movement towards keeping ‘indoor cats’ that while still in the minority, is growing steadily.
Why are more people keeping indoor cats?
This movement towards keeping cats indoors has probably been driven by a number of factors. Including the growing volume of traffic on our roads, and the growth of interest in purebred, pedigree cats.
More pedigree cats
The last ten years or so has seen an increasing interest in purebred cats. There is now a growing population of some extremely beautiful, exotic looking and valuable pedigree cats around the world.
And many of these cats lead their entire lives indoors. Sometimes with access to an enclosed outdoor play area similar to an aviary
A few cat lovers have even gone to the lengths of catproofing their yard or garden. Not the easiest of task – we’ll look at that in a moment.
It is not surprising that cat owners are reluctant to expose a creature that has cost them hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, to the risks of theft and traffic accidents. But what about our ordinary moggies or domestic tabbies. Are some of them living as indoor pets too?
Are non-pedigree cats living indoors?
It seems that in some cases, they are. Not in huge numbers yet, but the tendency to keep cats indoors is spreading to include a wider range of cat owners. And there is no reason to think that this is a passing phase.
I suppose the next question to ask is, does keeping cats indoors benefit the cat and his owner. Is this new trend a good or a bad thing for cats and those who share their world?
Indoor cats versus outdoor cats
If you have a kitten or young cat, you may well be faced with deciding whether or not to allow him the freedom to go outside on his own.
Talking to others about this topic you may find views are quite polarised, with both sides feeling strongly that their view is right. But it’s a complex topic and deciding can be tough.
You’ll may also come across the view that outdoor cats are bad for the environment, so we’ll look at that topic too.
The benefits to cats of living indoors
It’s pretty clear that an indoor cat is unlikely to get run over at any point. But what are the other advantages of living indoors?
And do these outweigh the benefits of freedom?
Control over what your cat eats
While many outdoor cats keep lean from plenty of exercise, some do not. Some cat owners really struggle to prevent their cat getting fat.
Putting a cat on a diet is pretty futile if he has access to the wider world, because he’ll simply help himself to another cat’s supper through the network of cat doors that are widely available in most modern homes.
Either that or he’ll persuade your neighbours to feed him, and ultimately move in with one of them
The benefits to cats of living outdoors
One interesting study on cats in a village in the UK where all the cats were fitted with trackers, was fascinating. It showed that many cats not only walked quite some distance each day, but that they also visited one another’s homes, often helping themselves to food left out for the resident cat.
I think that there is little doubt that cats enjoy this freedom. They take pleasure, not only in hunting, climbing, running but also in simply exploring their neighbourhood.
There is also no doubt that the exercise is beneficial to them. It is very difficult to generate this level of activity within the home unless you can accommodate a large cat exercise wheel.
These, by the way, are fascinating things if you have the space and the money to invest in one.
Some people claim it is actually harmful to cats to keep them shut indoors. One vet treating a friend’s indoor cat told us that he believes living indoors is stressful to many cats, and that this stress contributes to increasing allergies and nervous behaviors.
I couldn’t find any evidence to support his assertion.
Of course, as a cat owner, only you can decide whether you think the benefits to a cat of freedom and exercise, are worth the risks of being a small animal in world where vehicles proliferate.
But there are also pros and cons to you, the cat owner, of both these lifestyles.
The benefits to cat owners of keeping indoor cats
Freedom from worry is one benefit reported by indoor cat owners. Many of us with outdoor cats have experienced that heart stopping moment when a neighbour reports that ‘a cat has been killed on the road today’
What color was it?? You demand inappropriately grabbing the messenger’s arm, and heave a sigh of relief when you realise it can’t be your cat.
If the details are not known, you then rush around the house shaking a bag of cat treats, calling Kitty, Kitty! And sob with relief when you find Kitty fast a sleep on your bed.
Your unsuspecting cat must wonder about your mental state when you disrupt her afternoon nap, get your meal times all confused, and start smothering her with horrible human kisses.
The indoor cat owner never goes through this torment.
Training opportunities
Cats can be clicker trained. This is a lot of fun, but it is much harder to do if you don’t control every morsel of food that goes into your pet
Clicker training is easier with an indoor cat. There are also benefits to keeping a free cat.
The benefits to cat owners of keeping an outdoor cat
There are a number of aspects to keeping an outdoor cat that some cat owners will see as a benefit.
Others might disagree!
No poop indoors
Dare I say ‘litter trays’? I have friends who think my aversion to litter trays a bit pathetic, but I really, really don’t like them in my house.
And I know that plenty of other people feel the same way.
A litter tray is a necessity with new cat or a kitten too young to be out alone, but it is easier to accept when you know that this is a temporary arrangement
Less behavior problems
Generally, experts agree that animals do best when they can express natural behavior. In cats scratching, and spraying.
In outdoor cats, these behaviors don’t normally become a problem. Indoor cats can sometimes express such behavior indoors and owner may need help in redirecting this behavior more appropriately.
Keeping indoor cats amused with puzzles, activities and climbing towers, may help to reduce problems caused by lack of mental stimulation
Keeping windows closed
Another disadvantage to indoor cats is the lack of fresh air. Most people with indoor cats need to keep windows permanently closed, or fitted with screens that look unsightly and/or prevent movement of air
In the UK, where summer is all too short, we like to throw all our windows open when it arrives, including big double doors leading onto patios and into gardens.
This is tricky to do with an indoor cat on the team
Of course these are essentially selfish reasons, but they are still a part of the whole discussion and the impact of indoor versus outdoor cats on your family, needs to be taken into account.
The final topic is one that arouses very strong feelings indeed. And that is the impact that outdoor cats have on their environment. Particular when it comes to the local wildlife.
The impact of cats on the environment
Cats are predators. They are not just any old predator. They are not social predators like dogs, who rely on teamwork to kill consistently and prefer to scavenge when possible.
Cats are the most efficient predators we have ever domesticated and very few cats will live an outdoor life without catching and killing other animals.
Your cat’s hunting ability
The ability to hunt down and kill small prey is instinctive in cats, and they don’t need another cat or you, to teach them how to do it.
It is natural to assume that this killer instinct is going to have a detrimental effect. And if the thought of an animal being hunted to death appalls you, then keeping your cat indoors is probably a good idea.
Of course, predation is natural, and many people are comfortable with their cat being a predator, but that isn’t the only consideration.
The positive side to predation
One thing to consider is how predation works. From a biological point of view.
Because predation is not always a bad thing.
That’s because predators have the most success on the least able prey. All predators tend to kill the slowest, the weakest, and the sickest.
Provided that there are not too many predators this results in the fastest, the strongest, and the healthiest individuals of the prey species surviving.
In many cases the overall effect of an appropriate number of predators in the environment is a positive one.
Are cats bad for the environment?
Just recently many newspapers have been reporting on a new book: Cat Wars
It’s a book that doesn’t pull its punches.
The authors talk of removing “ all free-ranging cats from the landscape by any means necessary”
The aim being to protect wildlife from predation by cats, and to reduce the spread of infections carried in cat faeces.
The book has received some scathing reviews and been accused of lacking scientific rigour, but it has certainly got people talking.
In the UK, the views expressed in this American book are not widely supported.
The Royal Society for the protection of Birds for example, states that there is “no scientific evidence that predation by cats in gardens is having any impact on bird populations UK-wide.”
There is however, evidence that cats tend to take weak or sickly birds. So it is possible they may even help to maintain vigour in wild populations.
Cats have lived alongside humans in the UK for thousands of year, but the same is not true of all habitats.
There is perhaps a stronger argument for controlling cats in countries where they are more recent arrivals, such as Australia, or New Zealand.
It’s certainly a contentious discussion and one that is likely to run and run.
Cats and toxoplasmosis
Another environmental factor to consider is a disease called toxoplasmosis that can be spread by cats via contact with their faeces
Toxoplasmosis is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Cats become infected by toxoplasmosis by eating infected small animals. The infection can then be passed to humans that come into contact with the cat’s faeces.
Protecting people from cat transmitted toxoplasmosis isn’t complicated. It’s all about keeping away from cat poop.
Using this disease as a reason for removing cats from the environment is a bit like the arguments for never feeding raw chicken to a dog in case he passes salmonella in his faeces. Here’s the thing
Poop is grubby!
The thing is, faeces generally, are grubby. They are full of pathogens. Not just toxoplasmosis, but also salmonella, and other nasty bugs that can make us sick and even kill us.
Never handle cat faeces or cat litter trays, or stray cats, if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
There are some more precautions listed on the Center for Disease Control website. It’s mostly common sense and good food hygiene.
Should I let my cat outside?
As you can see, this is not a discussion with a definitive answer.
There are a range of different opinions, and pros and cons to both keeping indoor cats, and allowing cats access to the wider world
If your cat needs to go on a diet, or if you want to train him using food, you’ll need to keep him indoors, at least for a while.
Living near a very busy road may also encourage you to make your cat an indoor cat. Though cats can easily be run over on country lanes too, and many town cats do seem to develop a ‘street-wise’ ability to stay away from traffic.
If your cat is very attractively marked or valuable, you may want to consider the risk of theft, and keep him indoors. Especially if he is the type of cat to approach strangers.
On the other hand, if your cat is finding indoor life stressful and suffering from skin problems or other potentially stress related behaviors, letting him outdoors might be the making of him.
No-one but you can make this decision, and it’s certainly a tough one.
Cat-proofing your garden
If you decide you don’t want to risk allowing your cat to roam freely, you might want to consider cat-proofing your yard or garden
Cat proof fencing isn’t cheap but if properly designed it is very effective.
Usually made of metal with an overhang, a cat proof fence is too slippery for cats to gain a purchase and climb.
You’ll need to keep trees and shrubs away from the fence so that your cat doesn’t use them as a springboard. But it’s an option you might like to consider
Will your cat be allowed outside?
So what conclusion have you come to? Do you think that the mental and physical benefits of being a free roaming cat outweigh the risks?
Have you read Cat Wars? Are you worried about the impact of cats on the environment?
Will you let your cat go outside when the time comes?
Share your thoughts in the comments below
Have only ever had cats that go out side would not consider containing them trapped inside, yes I understand all that I’ve just read but still my decision is cats should be free to choose for themselves.
Thanks for your comment Mandy, here in the UK, most cats are allowed to go outside.
My cats are house cats with a huge safe outdoor playground. My cats are my world and I do not want them to be exposed to outside dangers. They are muscular, healthy cats which are extremely loving. I have a Boarding Cattery in my garden and just last week 2 of my clients phoned me to tell me that their cats have been hit and killed by a car. At least I know where mine are all the time. Also there are a lot of evil people hitting cats, again a clients cats tail had been severed in two places.
I have had 3 cats all inside all healthy till 2 died at 14 all in door cats happy no illness. I have one left and love it to pieces and can see no reason not to have indoor cats if u want
Glad your cats are happy indoors 🙂
I have three indoor only cats one is 16 years. Granted the kitty litter is a pain, but cats that are indoor usually live longer than what we call indoor/outdoor cats. Here we have to purchase a license for our cats.
My cat Hanes is an indoor/outdoor cat. He catches the occasional slow vole or mouse and has only ever brought me one bird. Unfortunately, he prefers the litter box and will not go outside. We have ten acres for him to roam. We mow 4 of them and he rarely goes beyond the mown portion.
Like the name, very unusual 🙂
You have the most complete and unbiased survey of the whole internet about pros and contras of keeping cats indoors or outdoors. Thank you so much!
Thank you Eva – glad you liked it 🙂
My kitten ( 9mths) has free access outside and then is inside at night.
That sounds sensible Tina, do you have any difficulty getting your cat in at night? Have you taught him to come when you call?
I am so tired about opposing groups with each thinking only they are right, whether it be about cats or any other subject. Live and let live. Stop being so rigid. I don’t care if you let your cats out or keep them indoors. That is your choice and is none of my business. I wish the world would stop fighting and would simply co-exist peacefully.
My cat named buddy whom adopted us a couple months ago, is mostly an outdoor kitty. He likes human contact somewhat, but on his own terms. He will come in briefly for a small bite to eat and a few moments of cuddles, but then it’s right back outside to roam. He doesn’t go far and he seems happier that way. If we try to keep him inside when he doesn’t want to be indoors, he gets mildly annoyed and stresses out. I see both sides of the argument, and I like how both sides are unbiased and nicely discussed.
I have been searching a lot for the “correct” answer and is very sad that it will be my own decision, which I can understand! It is so difficult. I just recently lost my beloved furry friend to leucemia. He was 10 years old and us to being outdoors. I moved into a complex where cats are allowed (afterwards I have been informed the cat must stay indoors, otherwise he will be poisoned) To save money a friend of mine put a “cat-fence” on, not very succesfull, he still got out. I got a new kitten when she was 4 months old (she is now 6 months) She was used to being outdoors, climbing, playing, roaming etc. It seems if she is not adapting very well. Some of my friends even say that I am cruel to keep my cat indoors. They even started looking for a new home for her! I really want to do what is best for this kitten. At this stage I am very confused as her previous owner urge me also to get her a new home where she can be “free” I need to make a decision very soon, I know that nobody can make this decision except myself. Although I will appreciate some advise from somebody who is/was in the same position.
Thank you
Kind Regards
Erna
Hi,
It has been good to read such a balanced article and the views of other cat owners regards living inside and out.
I grew up with cats who were able to be outside during the day and inside at night. Most of them lived to a very old age (16-19 ) and the two who didn’t had health complications.
Now many years on with my own family we had a very sweet little cat and she was allowed outside during the day but inside at night who very sadly was run over two weeks ago by a driver who didn’t stop. We live in a small coastal town on a street not overly busy with a 50 zone. It is wide and no-one parks on the street sides so an animal or child crossing would be so easy to see. It was also a Sunday at approx 10 am. We realise it was probably someone speeding or disturbingly someone who did it on purpose. We are still grieving the loss of our beautiful furry friend and would love in time to get another cat. It would seem obvious to make the next one only indoors to save the heartache but our cat was so happy just sitting outside at the front door or exploring the garden and we live in a warm climate where its nice to be able to keep the house open.
Hopefully we can resolve the dilemma.
Best
Inge
Outdoor/Indoor rescue, there are always worries but she’s a happy girl who brings us much happiness.
I have always had outdoor cats wouldn’t want it any other way they are happy and healthy at 9 @10 Lilly lived to 20 and April 18 never vaccinated both lived a long life. I have 3 now and one is bengally at 10 she is still like kitten very healthy and extremely happy .out door cats is best
I’ve lived with cats for 40+ years. Until 6 years ago they were all free to roam via a cat flap. We live in a small village and several of the cats have enjoyed hunting voles in the long grass of the fields beyond our house. Having lost two in road traffic accidents I started bringing them in at night. I call them at least two hours before dark and have no trouble getting them in. About 6 months ago I redesigned the back garden entirely with the cats in mind and secured it with catproof fencing. It was the best thing I have ever done – my 3 kitties LOVE it. They have access to a safe outside space at night and often choose to be in it rather than free roam during the day. I do still let them roam for part of the day to give them a bit more exercise but at least the time they are exposed to outside dangers is greatly decreased. However if I did decide to restrict them to the kitty garden I don’t feel their happiness and wellbeing would be too much compromised
I have an indoor cat , I live in a high rise and 14 floors up so I don’t have an option , if I lived in a house with access to a garden I would consider letting a cat out but I don’t think I would let it have free access I would have a large area where I could build an outdoor run for it l I’m such a worrier and wouldn’t rest till the cat came home ….. my wee cat seems really happy , I give her lots of exercise and stimulate her as much as I can , I always ask myself … is she really happy ? But I do think she is , I live alone so she doesn’t have to compete with anyone for my attention , it was really interesting reading this article , it certainly made me think
I was on the fence until my 4 y.o.(indoor/outdoor) cat was hit by a car. I found her dead by the side of the street the next morning. I had looked for her at 10 PM, her usual kitty curfew, but was unable to find her. To this day I worry that she might have died of exposure because there was’t a mark on her.
It took me decades to get another cat and I kept her indoors. Kitty Litter has improved greatly since Abbe died. Every time I empty my kitchen wastebasket I take it to the basement and scoop Emma’s box. If it bothers me, all I have to do is picture my cat dead on the roadside. Added to that, where I live now, we have hawks, fox, and a pair of eagles.
I also worry because I am a black cat lover. I’ve had 4 cats in my life (all one at a time) and they have all been small black females (fixed). Black cats can be targeted and not just in October. Mine is safe indoors with three floors of steps to run, climbing trees, and lots of toys to bounce around hardwood floors.
I grew up with a Siamese cat that my parents found as a stray kitten while my mom was pregnant with me – so this was my cat from birth! We let her roam freely outdoors during the day & we called her in at night, with no resistance. As an Army family, we lived all over the world – Asia, Europe & Stateside, and our cat traveled everywhere with us. She seemed to have her 9 lives indeed – she lived to the ripe old age of 20 years, only to die of natural old age! She never got diseases or injuries. Maybe she was lucky? But she was happy AND healthy, having access to the outdoor world of nature, plus the comforts of indoor life with her human family, affection & food. We felt she had a balanced diet or wildlife, plus man-made cat food, dry & also canned. And she had a balance of exercise, plus the social life of cats. we had her spayed early on, I was too young to give my opinion. But letting a cat have at least one litter is healthy for them, & makes them more complete & balanced physically & psychologically. One advantage of letting her outdoors was that we loved the fact that she hardly ever used the cat litter box, because she had access to outside! She only used it in the dead of winter, if it was too cold for her to go out within a 24 hour period.
Years later, after she passed, we got 2 Siamese brothers, who were adorable & contrasting in temperment. We also let them go in & out as they pleased. This time, they did not live quite as long, but we still have absolutely NO REGRETS letting them be natural in their outdoor environment, as well as adapted to their indoor environment too! One died at age 14 of a virus he probably got from his “wild” outdoor life – but he was so HAPPY & content during those 14 yrs – we can’t imagine keeping him shut indoors for those 14 yrs, just to have him live a couple years longer perhaps. And his brother lived until 15 yrs, having gotten cancer in his jaw. This seems to not be an environmental cause from the outdoors. The Vet was not sure how he got the cancer, but it is not contagious. So it seems that the outdoors had no bearing on his life span.
All in all – we feel that cats deserve to be in their natural environment they were created to live n, as natural predators, while also being comfortably domesticated for family life too! There may be exceptions & certain reasons to choose one lifestyle over the other. But our family has found the balance & benefits of the BEST of BOTH WORLDS!!!
Hi.
I want to ask if it is OK to leave our (adult) cat alone, indoors (home alone), for six days when we will be abroad and have no one to take care of him. I wouldn’t like to, but my son insists….
Thank you in advance
Hi Lilia, leaving your cat alone for too long can result in separation anxiety, among other problems. You might want to take a look at our article on How Long Can You Leave A Cat Alone for more information.
Thank you so much for your immediate response!