Indoor Cat vs Outdoor Cat

Indoor Cat Vs Outdoor Cat

There are arguments for and against keeping a cat indoors against letting them outside. In theory, a cat that is kept indoors should live longer than a cat that goes outside as it removes the chances of the cat being involved in road accidents, falling prey to other animals and picking up contagious diseases from other cats. However, this has to be weighed up against the fact that cats derive great pleasure from going outside; after all it is natural for a cat to be outside hunting and exploring.

If you decide your cat is to remain indoors, it is important to remember that cats are naturally hunters, especially at night. When a cat does not hunt they need to replace this activity with something else to prevent boredom and also excessive weight gain. The best way to do this is to play with your cat, not only will this use energy but it can also improve the bond you have with your cat. There are many toys available to you from ping-pong balls to toys with catnip. Use a pen torch so your cat can chase the light is also a fantastic form of exercise for your cat. To keep your cat interested in its toys, alternate them regularly.

If your cat remains indoors, you may decide to provide your cat with a tray of grass to enrich their environment and also aid their digestive processes.

Your may decide that you allow your cat outside during the day and keep them indoors at night. Cats are naturally nocturnal hunters and so, in theory, are more active at nighttime and hence at greater risk of accidents and fights at this time. If your cat is used to being let out at night and you decide to keep it indoors it may become restless and stressed. You will need to ensure your cat is kept stimulated with toys and places to climb.

If you decide to allow your cat outside then the use of a cat flap is very useful to ensure they can get inside if they wish to. Magnetic cat flaps that in theory only allow your cat to activate the flap may be an idea. A great feature on a cat flap is one with a four-way lock. The lock can be set so the cat can 1) go both in and out 2) go in only – useful if you need to catch your cat for a visit to the vet or cattery! 3) go out only or 4) locked. No cat should be locked outside at night without the ability to get indoors if they need to.

If you are letting your cat outside for the first time then ensure you are with them and keep calling them back to you so they remain close by and do not wander without being able to find their way back. Ensure your cat is vaccinated, wormed and properly identified. This identification should be in the form of a collar and tag that will release if the cat becomes caught by its collar. When you first get your kitten a collar, you should be able to slip 2 fingers under the collar but it shouldn’t be too loose that your cat can gets its jaw caught. Remember to check the collar weekly as your kitten grows and loosen it as needed. As well as having a collar and tag, ideally your cat should also be identichipped so that if your cat is found and it has lost its collar, a vets or rescue centre can identify them and reunite you together.