Indoor Vs Outdoor Cats. Is It Better To Have An Outdoor Or Indoor Cat?
Indoor vs outdoor cats…!
Is it best for your cat to spend all of his time indoors, or should he spend some of his time outside? Allowing your pets to wander may seem to be a kind gesture, but it may really impair their health and decrease their lives.
So, is it safe for your cat to go outside? The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no! In this post we’ll get a little bit deeper in the debate “Indoor Vs Outdoor cats” and we’lldiscuss the advantages and disadvantages, as well as how it impacts their behavior and lifespan.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Cats
Cats crave the vast outdoors. They rush to the front door whenever it opens, or they yowl like the world’s saddest cat because they can’t go outdoors. Without a doubt,cats like to wander. But is it secure?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both sides of the argument. The environment in which your cat lives can influence his behavior, health, and lifespan. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before allowing your cat to go outside.
Will My Cat Change Behavior If He Goes Outside?
It’s possible that there will be a change in your cat’s behavior if he’s allowed outside. It may be less likely for your cat to develop behavior problems like urinating outside the litter box or “attacking” people in the home. These behaviors may be the result of boredom and irritation, according to International Cat Care. Because they’re already clawing trees and other things outside, they’re less likely to scratch furniture.
Should I Let My Indoor Cat Roam Outside?
Yes, but not necessarily. Indoor cats can still get the stimulation they need without pursuing the local birds. According to cat specialists, you simply have to make an effort to create an atmosphere they enjoy. Cats must climb, scratch, conceal, and jump in order to survive and there are numerous ways to improve your cat’s indoor surroundings!
Toys, a scratching post, and a cat tower with hiding holes will keep your indoor feline entertained. Cats enjoy watching what is going on outdoors as well. Give your pet a window seat or perch to encourage the habit. A bird or squirrel feeder outside the window will also keep your cat busy for hours.
Also, keep in mund to schedule daily fun periods with your kitty. Interactive playtime not only gives your cat more physical activity but also allows you and your cat to bond.
Do Indoor Cats Have Less Health Issues?
Your cat’s lifestyle raises his chance of various health disorders, and also affects the types of dangers she faces. According to scientists, indoor cats are less active, which raises their risk of diabetes, obesity, arthritis, and heart disease. However, cats who spend a large amount of time outside face an entirely different set of issues.
Being exposed to the environment, and interacting with other animals and people raises a slew of problems, including:
- Heatstroke or hypothermia
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Wounds from fighting or from being hit by a car
- Parasite (fleas, ticks, ringworm etc)
- Poisoning from ingesting toxic chemicals
How Long Do Outdoor Cats Live?
If your kitty companion enjoys freedom, you should be prepared. Outdoor cats have a shorter life expectancy than indoor cats because they are exposed to more risks. Indoor cats live an average of 10 to 15 years, but outdoor cats survive only 2 to 5 years, according to researches. Do you want to know which cat breeds live the longest? Click here
How To Keep My Cat Safe When He’s Outdoors?
Outdoor cats experience a lot of dangers outside and as a responsible cat parent you should look for measures to keep your kitty safe. The Animal Humane Society offers a few suggestions for mitigating some of the risks. You may:
- You should microchip your cat, in case he is picked up by animal control or taken to a veterinary clinic. That way it would be easier to find you.
- Apply flea and tick preventive medicine all year.
- Attempt to bring your cat inside before it gets dark.
- Don’t neglect your cat’s vaccines.
Conclusion
So what is the the answer in the debate “Indoor vs outdoor cats”? According to most experts keeping cats indoors is the better option. The best you could do is give your cat the best of both worlds. You can achieve that by creating a beautiful environemnt inside your house with toys, scratching points and provide activities, so that your cat is nver bored. For the outdoor excursions you could train your cat to walk on a leash and keep him secure.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide. Speak with your veterinarian for assistance in determining what is safest and best for your pet.
Do you have an indoor or outdoor cat? Did you face any issues as a result of your cat’s lifestyle? Share with us your thoughts in the comment section below!
I’ve had outdoor cats almost all my life. One died at ten from a congenital heart problem. Her companion died at 18 after inhaling particles from construction INSiDE my house. Another was lost by the veterinarian who left his windows open while she was in his office to be spayed! Outdoors didn’t do any of them in. they loved going In and out, sitting on the porch, chasing chipmunks and mice in the backyard. I wouldn’t want to be trapped in my house, and wouldn’t do it to an animal
They forgot to mention how outdoor cat owners are inconsiderate enough to ignore their cats peeing and pooping on other neighbor’s lawns. Many of my front bushes are half dead because outdoor cat owners are selfish idiots who don’t care about other’s property.
After ilost my 2 cats in my house fire, I said no more cats. When I was living in my camper with my 2 dogs,I go them out of the fire, a little kitten adopted us, she came in and went out with the dogs,she didn’t want to stay in,just visited, when we moved into the house that summer, I tried to get her to stay in,I had her spayed and named her Gypsy, she would not stay in,I made her a space in my grooming room,keeping her food,water and bed in there. She’s years old now,comes to visit and eat mornings and evenings.. I live with the fact she may not be around a long time,being we’re in the country, coyotes are heard close by at night..I haven’t been able to be as attached to her,trying not to get my heart broke again.