When getting a new cat, pet owners often debate whether or not the cat should be strictly an indoor cat or outdoor cat. Some cat owners take the middle road and let their cats outside occasionally. Unlike dogs, which, even if strictly outdoor pets, are usually fenced in or enclosed somehow, cats are typically allowed to roam. As much fun as this may be for adventurous felines, they do face more dangers such as disease, injuries, and sometimes even death.
Of course, cats being cats, we know how much they love to play outside. It is a part of their very nature. For this reason, many cat owners find it difficult to deny their cat such a simple pleasure as running around the neighborhood. They believe that by living outside, their cats are more active and in better physical shape than they would be if they remained indoors. Although this may be true for some felines, this is something that can be easily remedied with scheduled play times. Others point out that cats love the outdoors and should be free. True, most cats do love the outdoors, but that does not mean it is necessarily safe for them. Much like children who want cookies for dinner, or dogs who believe they should get to try your double fudge brownie, cats may want something that is not in their best interest.
Sadly, there are many more negatives to letting a cat have free run of nature instead of just your home. Cats that are allowed outside risk injury and even death caused by traffic, loose dogs, other cats, and even wild animals. Oftentimes, outdoor cats, especially those that are not neutered or spayed, get into fights, returning home with painful abscesses that require veterinary care and medicine. They can also pick up parasites and diseases such as rabies, Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Sometimes the dangers are from cruel kids playing nasty pranks, or irate neighbors who think it is their right to poison your cat. Of course, your cat can also get sick by simply nibbling on a poisonous plant in someone's garden or in the woods. Lastly, outdoor cats run the risk of wandering off and getting lost or stolen. Of course, microchipping your cat can help you find him again, but nobody wants the stress and heartache of losing a beloved pet, even for just a few days.
For these reasons, many cat owners are in favor of keeping their pets indoors. They do not do so to deprive their cat of fresh air and time spent playing outside, but because they feel the risks of letting their cat run free far outweigh the benefits. Instead, they may choose to let their cat spend some time outdoors in a secure backyard cat enclosure, or in the yard where they can constantly watch over the cat. Keeping your cat indoors does not mean you can't offer other mentally and physically stimulating distractions for your cat. Sometimes something as simple as getting him a new cat toy and playing with him when you get home is all he really needs to flex those kitty skills.
Regardless of whether you prefer your cat has the freedom to run around the neighborhood, or you would rather he stay inside and out of trouble, providing your cat with the love, attention and care he needs is one of the most important things you can do. Just be sure that whichever you choose, indoor or outdoor, you are doing so in the best interest of your cat.
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