Plenty of kitties are drawn to the outdoors. Read on to learn why your cat wants to go out — and whether or not to let them.
As your cat looks longingly out the window from their perch, you may be wondering if they’d be happier in the great outdoors than cooped up inside your home. Cats are the second most popular pet in America, and more than 45 million homes are inhabited by felines. Like dogs, pet cats often fall into “indoor” and “outdoor” categories. Plenty of cat parents are perfectly content to keep their kitties indoors. But others prefer to let their cats roam free. Read on to learn why some cats like going outside, and how to let them do it safely.
Many cats, even lifelong indoor pets, often express the desire to go outside. Having evolved from wild ancestors, cats still possess an innate desire to stalk and hunt prey. Also, like many mammals, cats crave enrichment and mental stimulation. A life outdoors may be safe and suitable for some cats. However, veterinarians generally agree that keeping cats indoors is the best way to ensure they have a long, happy, and healthy life.
Owners of outdoor cats might argue that pets deserve the freedom to roam. Or, they might not like the idea of a litter box in their home. The fact is, though, that the positives of keeping your cat indoors far outweigh the potential risks (Trusted Source). Remember: The health and safety of your pet should always be your first priority. Below are some risks that outdoor cats face:
While the number may seem hard to believe, it’s estimated that house cats kill between 10 and 30 billion wild animals per year. Included in this estimate are 2.4 billion birds. In fact, predation by domestic cats has become the single greatest source of mortality in birds in the U.S. and Canada.
This staggeringly high number naturally has conservationists concerned about the impact of letting felines roam free outdoors. At the end of the day, keeping your cat indoors might not only save their life, but the lives of wild animals.
Deciding to keep your cat indoors is a personal choice. But despite what you may think, even longtime outdoor cats can adjust to a new world inside. There are also a few simple steps owners can take to ease their pet’s transition into life as an indoor-only cat.
Provide your cat with a space inside to call their own. This should include necessities like food, water, and litter. You can also include toys and enrichment options like spaces to hide. Ideally, you should also provide your cat with access to a window so they can keep an eye on whatever’s going on outside.
Naturally, some cats will try to return to the outdoors if given the chance. To prevent this, keep doors and windows closed. You can even use positive-reinforcement training to discourage your cat from going near doors. Avoid using spray bottles or other punishment methods that will make your cat afraid of you.
As mentioned above, cats crave mental and physical stimulation just like any other animal. While lots of owners still let cats find their own excitement outdoors, this doesn’t need to be the case. There are tons of tips and tricks cat owners can employ to create an awesome and energizing environment for their pets. Some of our favorites are listed below:
While keeping your cat indoors is a good idea, the decision is ultimately up to the pet parent. Plenty of cat owners have kept their pets outdoors for decades, and many will continue to do so. If you do decide to let your kitty roam free, there are some important safety measures to consider.
First, make sure your cat is up to date on their vaccinations and flea and tick treatments. Outdoor cats should be vaccinated for feline leukemia and tested each year as a precaution. You’ll also want to make sure your cat has been spayed or neutered. Microchipping your pet is also highly recommended for those pets with unfettered outdoor access. While microchipping is more commonly done on dogs, they’re designed to work just as well to keep tabs on your tabby (and other cats, too.)
👉 Even indoor cats require vaccines and flea/tick preventatives. Schedule regular vet check ups to ensure your feline pal is in good health, regardless of how little or how much time they spend outside.
Lastly, owners of outdoor cats should keep a close eye on the weather. Cats are resilient creatures, but they still shouldn’t be exposed to extreme temperatures for long. Make sure your outdoor cat always has access to food, water, and shelter. And, if it gets too hot or cold, consider bringing them indoors until more acceptable weather arrives.
Descended from wild ancestors, cats are natural hunters and predators. Many still maintain their drive to catch prey to this day. Others are simply curious.
Indoor cats, on average, lead longer and healthier lives than their outdoor counterparts. They’re also less likely to be hit by cars, attacked by other animals, or have a negative impact on local wildlife.
There are plenty of ways to keep cats content indoors. Create a refuge full of toys and enrichment activities, and offer them access to windows outside (ideally near a bird feeder).
Many veterinarians agree that cats should be indoor pets, but the decision is up to you. If you decide to let your cat explore the great outdoors, make sure they’re spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all their vaccinations.
