Outdoor vs. Indoor

Outdoor vs. Indoor Cats

The most popular argument we hear against keeping a cat inside is that “it’s cruel to keep a cat locked up all the time.” As humans, we have domesticated the cat and have made them completely dependent upon us to get them safely through life. This includes making sure that they do not come in contact with aggressive animals, cars, or cruel people. Unfortunately, all of these things are out of your control if your cat is outside.

There are numerous reasons why cats should be kept inside. First, they may get lost outside.

Thousands of lost cats end up in shelters every year, with the majority never finding their way back home. Cars are also a serious danger for outside cats, even in rural areas – it only takes one car to kill a cat. Additionally, there are communicable diseases that do not have effective vaccines. You will put kitty at risk of catching these diseases when she goes outside. Most importantly, an indoor cat has a lifespan of 10-15 years, whereas an outside cat has a 2-5 year lifespan. What a difference!

The majority of a cat’s time is spent sleeping, grooming, or sitting. All of these pastimes can be happily pursued in the safety of your home. Also, you can provide the cat with her other basic needs such as playtime and exercise by providing toys that she can hunt and pounce.

Do you really want to risk your companion to the unknown? Remember, her life is in your hands. Keep kitty safe, happy, and healthy by keeping her indoors!

Adjusting Your Outdoor Kitty to the Indoors

A cat that has been going outdoors can adjust to the great indoors. These are some tips to help:

Exercise and play with kitty. Set aside a certain period of time every day and devote it to playing with your cat. Mid-evening is a good time to get their excess energy out before your bedtime (but not immediately before bedtime, or they may be all worked up!).
Load up with toys. In addition to your daily play session, your cat can also play on her own.
Having a variety of toys available for her will also help keep her mind stimulated.
Show her scratching posts. Have several scratching posts - the kind she likes. Having one on each floor of the house is a good idea.
Go fishing. A covered fish tank or bowl will give her something to watch during the day - like kitty TV!
Set up special areas. Make areas by windows accessible for her to look out (more kitty TV).
Putting a bed by a window is a nice idea (stores and catalogs even sell a bed that can attach to a windowsill - cat heaven!).
Provide plenty of litter boxes for your kitty. Rule of thumb is one for each cat plus one. For example if you have one cat, have two litter boxes.

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