Is indoor the right choice for my cat?
When we bring a new cat into our household, we often have preconceptions about what their life with us is going to look like. One of the biggest questions we must ask is, indoor or outdoor?
Most outdoor cats are still pets, living inside for some of their day but wandering and hunting the rest. Because they are out and about, they are at a higher risk for infectious diseases (including fleas, worms, and viruses), as well as injuries (such as being hit by a car or attacked by another animal). Indoor cats live safer (and usually longer), albeit less active lives, putting them at risk for obesity and stress-related disorders. We must also take into consideration the personality of the cat, as well as that of the household.
Indoor cats:
Risks:
Outdoor cats:
Risks:
Most outdoor cats are still pets, living inside for some of their day but wandering and hunting the rest. Because they are out and about, they are at a higher risk for infectious diseases (including fleas, worms, and viruses), as well as injuries (such as being hit by a car or attacked by another animal). Indoor cats live safer (and usually longer), albeit less active lives, putting them at risk for obesity and stress-related disorders. We must also take into consideration the personality of the cat, as well as that of the household.
Indoor cats:
Risks:
- Obesity (and thus diabetes)
- Urination/behavioural issues
- Strict calorie control
- One-on-one time for exercise
- Indoor enrichment
- Regular vet visits
- Yearly, or less frequent, deworming
Outdoor cats:
Risks:
- Injury/fights/hit by cars
- Getting lost
- Infections
- Hunting wildlife
- Identification (break away collar, tattoo, or microchip)
- Regular vet visits with vaccinations
- Regular deworming every 3-6 months
- Hunt deterrents (bells, ‘cat bib’) or supervision
Other options:
Have you considered….
Catios? Cat fencing? Enclosures? Harness-walking?
Other options:
Have you considered….
Catios? Cat fencing? Enclosures? Harness-walking?