Many of you know that I am a volunteer coordinator for a local cat rescue group. I am the first pair of eyes to review and evaluate the adoption application. One of our biggest concerns is if the potential adopter plans to keep the kitty indoor or outdoor.
Most applicants check the box , ‘indoor only”. But when I see an occasional “indoor/outdoor”, it’s time to educate the applicant on the pros and cons of keeping a cat indoor or outdoor.
Experts Say…
Cat expert Jackson Galaxy’s Indoor Cat Vs. Outdoor Cat? video gives us a look at both sides of the indoor cat or outdoor cat conundrum.
Outdoor kitties are healthier because they have to learn to adapt to survive. But outdoor only kitties have a short life span because of:
- Traffic
- Predators (birds of prey, coyotes, snakes)
- Bad people
- Exposure to diseases from fleas, ticks, parasites)
- Environmental threats (sun stroke, hypothermia, toxic plants and chemicals )
- Threats from other cats protecting their territory
Indoor kitties enjoy a safe and long life with external threats from the environment. Happy kitties love interactive toys, leash training and the company of humans and other pets.
Outdoor-Only Cats
The two advantages of keeping your cat outdoors only are physical exercise and regular mental stimulation.
As mentioned above, the disadvantages will decrease your kitty’s life span. And outdoor living will increase external threats to your kitty’s well being.
Some cat parents believe that their kitties are deprived of living a natural life if they are not kept outdoors.
But one source explained that for most domestic cats, their “natural” environment is not the outdoors.
Community Cats
Community cat populations are common in many areas and include a mixture of semi-socialize, feral, abandoned and lost pets.
Animal rescue groups help community cat populations with return to field (RTF) and trap-neuter-return-monitor (TNRM) programs.
RTF programs target cats brought to county shelters by individuals or picked up by animal control officers.
TNRM programs target feral kitties monitored by feral cat caregivers, have them sterilized and returned to their feral colonies. Feral kitties are monitored through microchipping and visible tags like ear “tipping” to identify cats who were sterilized.
Indoor-Only Cats
Keep in mind that indoor kitties are social animals. So snuggling, playing, chasing other cats or dogs can improve their well being and life span.
Indoor exercise makes your kitty happy and creates a stronger bond with other pets and pet parents.
Playing, chasing and mutual grooming and snuggling can fulfill your indoor cat’s need for companionship and affection while you’re at work or away from home.
Of course, the key advantages of indoor-only cats is safety. If you’re struggling to find ways to keep your cat happy, try these tips:
- Scratching posts to prevent damage to furniture.
- Cat perches and climbing places for safety zones around the house, and enjoy naps in the sun.
- Provide interactive toys for hunting, chasing and exercise.
- Hiding places around the home including paper bags, cardboard boxes or kitty tunnels and tents.
- “Cat TV” includes any window with a view of a bird feeder or bird bath.
- Catios can be screened-in porch area for you kitty to safely enjoy the outdoors. DYI catios and cat enclosures can be simple A-frame cat house or an elaborate cat solarium, tree house or tower.
- Cat super highways are designed from wall-mounted cat shelves, stairs, cat trees, or furniture in your home. These DYI space are wonderful for multiple-kitty families. Creative highways can prevent disputes over territory and allow kitties for find a safe space.
Middle Ground
If you decide on an indoor/outdoor life for your kitty, please keep safety in mind:
- Microchip and tag your kitty for a safe return home if she escapes or gets lost.
- Supervise your cat’s outdoor time to prevent strays from interacting with her.
- Make sure your cat’s lifesaving vaccinations are current.
- Leash train your kitty to protect her from other cats.
Pet parenting is subjective. Clearly there are no simple answers to the indoor/outdoor cat puzzle.
Both indoor-only and outdoor-only pet parents believe they are doing what’s best for their kitties.
Safety first gets my vote every time.
Be responsible and be aware of the dangers of leaving your kitty outdoors.
Thanks for stopping by!
Dr. Pet Mom
“My dog winks at me sometimes and I always wink back in case it’s some sort of code.” ~~Unknown