The Great Debate: Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats

Allowing pets to live their lives outdoors is a contentious issue that has divided animal lovers for years.  Owners in favor of this lifestyle believe that the outdoors is a more “natural” environment for animals, given their feral ancestry.  Many proponents argue that cats are ideal candidates for outdoor living because of their independent and autonomous nature. However, given that the average life of an indoor cat is about 17 years versus four years for an outdoor cat, it’s evident that there are many deadly dangers associated with outdoor environments.  While it’s normal for any pet to want to be outside for a bit and explore their surroundings, making your cat solely an “outdoor cat” will ultimately pose serious threats to their overall health and safety.

Cars have emerged as one of the most deadly outdoor dangers for cats. Unfortunately, as cars have become a more dominant mode of transportation in recent decades the number of car-induced feline fatalities has increased significantly. Traffic, highways and busy streets pose a very serious threat to cats simply because they become distracted and unknowingly dash into oncoming traffic.

Besides cars, there are several other dangerous environmental factors that outdoor cats are continuously exposed to.  Poisons, fleas, pesticides and parasites are common in outdoor areas, gardens and plants.  If cats come into contact with these elements or ingest plants laden with such chemicals, they can have detrimental side effects.  Moreover, the outdoors hosts a large number of highly infectious diseases that outdoor cats are very susceptible to.  Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus are two very serious ailments that can be passed through cat bites and cat interactions.  These diseases pose a minimal threat to indoor cats, but can be potentially deadly to outdoor cats because often times they are unvaccinated.

Other animals also pose a threat to outdoor cats.  Many outdoor environments host deadly predators such as coyotes, owls, eagles, dogs and even other cats.  Fights with other outdoor cats can lead to scratches and wounds that are susceptible to infection as well as disease.  Sadly, human beings are also a danger to outdoor cats.  Unfortunately, there are cruel people who choose to prey on outdoor cats and commit violent acts against them. 

Ultimately, outdoor cats are at the mercy of their environment.  While they are quick, agile animals, oftentimes they can’t escape the many dangers harbored by the outdoors.  As a responsible caretaker, it’s up to you to ensure that your animal has a safe environment to thrive in.  This includes adequate shelter, food, water and protection from outside hazards.  It’s important to note that having an indoor cat doesn’t mean you can’t take your pet outside for some fresh air and exercise.  Using a leash or a harness is a great way to allow your cat to safely enjoy the sunshine without exposing them to the dangers of outside environments.