Key takeaways
- Whether you keep cats indoors or outdoors, there are pros and cons of both. It all depends on your personal situation.
- This is why we have explored a few situations that would suit an outdoor cat and a few that would suit an indoor cat.
- We weigh up the pros and cons of both so you can make an informed decision for your furry friend.
When to have an outdoor cat
Cat owners may want to let their cats outdoors to give them a better quality of life or if they haven't got the time to care properly for an indoor cat. Below are some situations where an outdoor cat could work.
You have a small house
If you have a small house or flat, it may be cruel to keep your cat strictly indoors. This is because they won't be able to get the exercise or mental stimulation they need to live a high-quality life. Without space to run or climb, they will begin to feel very cooped up, which may result in behavioral issues.
If you can, fit a cat flap so your kitty can come and go as they please. If you aren't home during the day, then this is the best option. However, if you are, you can let them in and out. This will help prevent other cats from entering your home, and it will be easier to keep an eye on your kitty's behavior.
You live in the countryside
If you live away from busy towns, cities, and roads, then your kitty will be pretty safe to roam freely. Without the risk of traffic accidents or becoming lost or taken, there is little risk to them exploring the outdoors on their terms.
You can make this even safer by:
- Getting them microchipped: This will make sure that people know your kitty is a pet and will make sure you are contacted if they are found far from home.
- Invest in a GPS tracker: If you're still nervous about letting your cat out, you can get a GPS tracker for their collar. This means you'll always be able to see where they are.
- Make them wear a collar: A collar that has your contact details on can help neighbors identify whether your kitty is a stray or a pet.
Your cat has previously had access to the outside
If your cat has already had access to the great outdoors, then depriving them of this experience for the rest of their lives can be cruel and cause unnecessary stress.
You should do all you can to accommodate your cat's need for solo adventures. Without doing so, they may develop the following:
- Behavioral issues
- Anxiety
- Boredom
- Depression
If your cat has already had access to the great outdoors, then depriving them of this experience for the rest of their lives can be cruel and cause unnecessary stress.
When to have an indoor cat
While most cat lovers want to do everything in their power to keep their feline friend safe, an indoor cat doesn't suit every situation. Check out the following situations where an indoor cat can work.
You live in a busy area
Living in a town center, a city, or near a busy road can put your cat's life in danger if they get out. Risking your cat's life is not worth it! In busy areas, they are more likely to:
- Be involved in traffic accidents
- Be taken in by people or stolen
- Become lost
- Be involved in territory fights with other cats
This means it's better for your kitty to remain indoors. You can make sure they still get enough stimulation and attention by playing with them every day.
Your cat has a disability or illness
Certain illnesses and disabilities mean your cat needs to stay indoors. For example, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus can be passed to other cats through bites and scratches, so if you have an FIV-positive cat, they will need to remain indoors to prevent the spread of the disease.
Other examples of scenarios where your kitty needs to be kept in is if they have a disability that means they may be vulnerable to predators, people, or cars if they go outside. This can include:
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of sight
- Inability to run
You have a spacious house
If your living space is big enough for an indoor cat to chase toys, run wild, and climb high, then they may not need to have access to the outside world.
They should be able to get enough physical and mental stimulation within your four walls without being vulnerable to the various risks outdoors. To make sure your home makes a good environment for them, try:
- Decluttering
- Moving furniture to make more space
- Keep bedroom doors open so there is more space to explore
- Installing climbing blocks or getting cat trees so they can explore vertical space
Pros and cons of indoor vs outdoor cats
Now we know the specific situations that suit outdoor cats and indoor cats, we need to weigh up the pros and cons of both.
Pros and cons of indoor cats
The pros of keeping a cat indoors include:
- Indoor cats tend to live longer
- They are less likely to get injuries or infections from catfights
- They are less likely to be involved in traffic accidents
- They won't be vulnerable to theft
- They won't be prey to wild animals
- They won't risk eating toxic plants or waste
The cons of keeping a cat indoors include:
- An indoor cat's health may suffer from a lack of exercise
- Indoor-only cats may become bored and develop behavior issues
- They may experience loneliness, anxiety, and depression
- They may not get the mental stimulation they need
Pros and cons of outdoor cats
Pros of keeping outdoor cats include:
- An outdoor cat will get the exercise they need to be healthy
- Outdoor cats tend to avoid boredom by exploring
- They won't experience loneliness
- They will be able to satisfy hunting instincts
Cons of keeping outdoor cats include:
- Outdoor cats are more likely to be involved in traffic accidents
- They are more vulnerable to theft
- They are more vulnerable to fights with other animals and cats
- They are more likely to get lost
FAQs
Final thoughts
So, indoor cats vs outdoor cats? As you may have suspected, it depends on the individual cat owner and their situation. Whatever you choose is right for you, make sure you prioritize your pet's wellbeing. Keep your kitty healthy and happy, and they will adapt well to any setup you think is best.
If you have an outdoor kitty, be sure they are microchipped and wear a collar. This will help keep them safe!
