Having a Cat as a pet is one of the most delightful and indescribable things in life.
Yet, one of the most important questions faced by every Cat Parents is to decide the way how their Cat(s) will live…whether Indoors or Outdoors.
The Pros and Cons of raising an Indoor Cat or an Outdoor Cat has to be carefully considered before making any decision on the way the Cat should live.
To help Cat Parent(s) make informed decisions for their Cat(s), the following table provides the concise information about Indoor Cats vs Outdoor Cats: Pros and Cons.
| Pros | |
| Indoor Cats | Outdoor Cats |
| • No risk of getting injured or killed by vehicles | • Keeps mind active |
| • Unlikely to be contracted with infectious diseases or parasites | • Provides adequate exercise |
| • Avoid fights with other animals (Cats, Dogs, wild animals) | |
| • No encounters with deliberate acts of cruelty | |
| • Less exposure to toxins (rat poison, antifreeze, baits) | |
| • Keeps wildlife safe | |
| Cons | |
| Indoor Cats | Outdoor Cats |
| • Can become lazy and overweight, if not provided with scheduled play times | • Can get injured or killed by vehicles |
| • Can become bored without toys or engaging activities | • Pesticides, spoiled foods, poisonous plants etc. can cause serious harm |
| • Can get infected with diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia (FeLV) | |
| • Can contract other diseases and parasites through hunting (like tuberculosis, salmonella, feline ischemic encephalopathy) | |
| • Wild animals, reptiles can prey on Cats | |
| • Can become a victim of animal cruelty in the name of sport or pleasure | |
| • Can become lost and taken by Animal Control | |
| • Unwanted loss of habitat as birds and small animals can become prey | |
However for Indoor Cats, make sure to:
- Provide plenty of love and attention
- Provide adequate hiding places, food puzzle feeders, perches, toys, etc. for exercise and mental stimulation
- Monitor nutrition and body condition
- Make time once or twice a day to play with Cat
- Provide couple of scratching posts (vertical or horizontal)
- Not to leave a Cat indoors without any interaction for too long
- Keep all the windows and doors locked
- Microchip the Cat as a precaution
- Keep enough litter trays and bowls (one per Cat)
- Train the Cat to walk on a leash, for occasional walks outside
- Grow Cat-friendly grass or Catnip
- Consider having another Cat as an companion
Verdict: Only senseless people might say its animal cruelty to keep the Cats indoors for most of its life. But, on an average the Indoor Cats lives longer than the Outdoor Cats.
Still, Indoor Cats requires regular physical and mental stimulation by providing toys, food puzzle feeders, scratching posts and so on.
#Cats #Indoor #Outdoor
I have an indoor cat. Her name is “Cookie” and she is mostly an indoor cat but goes outdoors as well.
Until I read this article, I didn’t know the cats that live indoors have a longer life-span. This is great to know.
This is a very useful article that clearly outlines the differences between indoor cats v/s outdoor cats.
Huh, I never knew the difference between outdoor and indoor cats.
My aunt tried to explain this to me but this article explained better and much simpler.
Thanks for this lovely article.
I am 100% cat lover. There was one incident in childhood, when I was bitten by a dog. My friendship with the dog ended that moment.
I gave my heart to the cats. I have 4 cats at home and they all live with me in an apartment. Of course, I let them out on the street. On the street, without me, there are many dangers for my cats.
My kitties are very developed and active. They are definitely safer in the apartment than on the street. For the safety of cats, my choice is definitely indoors not outdoors.
I prefer to keep my cat Indoors.
She is pretty active in my opinion and I take her to a neighbourhood park, whenever feasible.
I also spend quality time with her at home as I can’t think of leaving her unattended (outdoors).
As highlighted above, it is risky for her to roam around and I can’t trust her much.
Thank you so much for this splendid Article.
For the sake of our cat, it is definitely better to keep our cats indoors rather than outdoors.
By keeping them indoors, we can don’t have to feel worried or anxious compared to when they are outdoors.
Also, I really like some of the points mentioned here.
For instance, to provide adequate hiding places, food puzzle feeders for exercise and mental stimulation.
This helps our cat to stay healthy and live a happy life.