Cats - Indoor or outdoor?

It's true that there are many dangers to letting your cat outside, but for some cats, it really is a fair trade-off. Most of the cats that I have had only went outside for short amounts of time, stayed in the yard, and didn't get into much trouble. As long as your cat is very close to its people and thinks of its house as its home, they usually do not roam far. The outdoors world provides hours of entertainment for a cat: butterflies, birds, rolling in and eating the grass... They can find all sorts of things out there. Also, the farm I work on would have so many problems without its outdoor cats. They keep the mice and rats out of the feed and away from the property, which is the original reason people wanted to live with cats in the first place. Many cats really do love having a job to do. It is of course a risk and it wouldn't be worth the enjoyment they can get out of it if they are especially skittish and might be scared off the property or if you live near a very busy road ornext to neighbors who really don't like your cat, but I've found that my Shenzi loves her time outsides. She mostly stays in our back yard or on the roof or tree and comes in when called, so I find that the risks are reasonably low for her.

i have both indoor and outdoor cats. i live in the country though. the eldest cat is the only one that goes outside. but lately he just stays in. he was raised that way to go in and out and because we have like three acres of land he has lots of place to roam but always comes in at night. it is now winter and he only has gone out a couple times. the other two have gone out during the summer a couple of times but i watch where they are so that they dont go far as they dont know not to go near the road or things like that.

We have four cats and they have both access to indoor and outdoors, our area is very quiet and safe and they have a big backyard to explore, and the cat population around here is quite large and most neighbours will let their cats out. We have a catflap so the cats come and go as they please. I won't have litter trays in my home because of the smell, it makes me heave, so there is no alternative, they go out! Personally, I don't like imprisoning animals indoors, they should be allowed to roam freely.

I think it all depends on where you live. If you live in the city, they are better kept inside, but have to be given opportunity to climb and roam as this is in their nature. If you live in the country you should let them out if they want to. Cats, even though they are domesticated, still have a wild streak in them and so therefore should not be forced to stay indoors if they want to go out.

I guess whether a cat is an indoor or outdoor cat depends on the cats personality and the owners. Personally, my cats are indoor cats, they only go outside in the spring and summer, and they are usually on a leash in the backyard and supervised by someone.

Here, in my little corner of the world, it is in no way safe to have outdoor cats. We have lots of busy roads. We have wild animals such as foxes, coyotes and feral dogs that would love to make a meal out of a cat. Possibly most importantly, we have raccoons and skunks that transmit rabies. So of course, my cat is an indoor cat. But I wish that she could be allowed outdoors - it is only natural for a cat to climb real trees and chase real birds. Anywhere that being outside doesn't especially endanger the cat or the surrounding wildlife (I have heard that there is a real problem in some places with cats harming endangered bird populations), indoor-outdoor cats that are allowed outside for long amounts of time to play are the healthiest, happiest cats.

I have two cats that stay indoors. That way they are safe from harm outside.

Oh I agree, they should be kept indoors unless they're put on a leash. We don't let our dogs roam free, why would we do that with our cats? I have a cat, (she is fixed) but she's an indoor cat. When she wants to go outside, I'll let her out on the balcony as there's really nowhere she can go from there.

Hi there...unfortunately everyone has their own personal viewpoints on the argument of indoor vs. outdoor for cats. However, the proven statistics collected worldwide has indicated that indoor cats live longer and healthier lives compared to their outdoor counterparts as there are many hidden as well as obvious dangers. Also outdoor cats are more destructive to native wildlife so any wildlife which is infected with disease can be passed along to cats who capture them as well. Here's a very well written single page web article that is very matter of fact on the argument of Indoor vs Outdoor Living For Cats :: Know the Dangers: http://www.cathelp-online.com/health/indooronly.php

I think indoor. My cat is an indoor cat and he has been neuterd so he has no desire to go outside. My friend had an outdoor cat and he ended up getting run over. The worst thing was that her husband witnessed it. He also was always getting sick and he constantly got absesses from fighting or whatever he was doing. I would never risk my cats health. Although if you live in the country and they are vaccinated from all infections I guess I could see where they might be safer outside than if you live in a city or regular neighboorhood. There are just so many illnesses that a cat can catch that I think they are safer inside.

Indoor is best, or outdoor in a fenced in yard on a leash, although cats are good at escaping. Theyre like little furry houdinis.

Both of my cats were strays, and refuse to stay inside. They sneak out, or tear up the house and destroy things, if we try to keep them in. I have no doubt they would live a safer life inside, but would it be better? I think they would be bored, for lack of a better word. They generally don't venture very far from home when outside, just a couple houses. I also make sure they have all their shots and such. If I got a kitten, I'd prolly keep it inside, as it wouldn't know what it was "missing".

I have 4 cats and they are stictly indoor cats. They are cleaner and healthier because they are indoor cats. It would upset me too much if one of my cats got hit by a car or poisoned or such.

I agree, I don't let my cats out. I do have a screenroom that the can go in and hangout, but there is no way I'm going to let them outside to pick up fleas and then bring them into my home.

I agree with you and its nice for them to be warm and safe and get a wee cudle too xx

That is exactly how I feel. I have two cats, and they live indoors. Never been out, never will. Only a trip to a vet in a carrying case. I love them too much to see them get sick, hurt, or killed.

for me i choose indoor.. with this body cat ca't so dirty.. and no virus can have't

I think the pets must stay indoors. I have five cats and they turn in the garden but when they can stay indoors.

I agree. Cats kept indoors have a much longer life expectency than cats that go outdoors.

I agree, indoor is better. I live in a city, there are to much cars to let my cats outside. I don`t like to loose a cat.