Cats are definitely natural explorers – and sniffers too. They seem to have an insatiable curiosity, The allure of the great outdoors is hard to resist for many felines.
As a cat owner, you might wonder if it’s worth letting your cat experience the outside world. There may be several thoughts going through your head:
- “I should let my kitties go outside and just let them be cats.”
- “It’s more natural to let them roam outdoors isn’t it?”
- “Oh but it’s cruel to keep them locked up indoors!”
And on and on…
I’m here to tell you, that before you make a decision to roam or not to roam, weigh the pros and cons. There are valid reasons for each.
However, I must admit it’s difficult for me to really say anything positive about letting your precious little ones go outside. So I am a bit biased on this topic. But I will give it a go.
Positives
Physical Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Cats are hunters by nature, and outdoor exploration provides them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Climbing trees, chasing insects, and stalking birds keep them active and engaged. This can reduce obesity and boredom related behavior problems. It’s been my experience (mind you – just MY personal experience), with knowing the people I do that have cats, they are really overweight. Why? I don’t think it’s because they don’t let them explore outside, they just feed them waaay too much. And so many folks feed them PEOPLE FOOD! Bad, bad, bad – in my (perhaps not so) humble opinion. I will admit that it doesn’t hurt to give a “once-in-a-while” treat. Moderation is key!
Natural Behavior Fulfillment: Outdoor environments allow cats to express their natural instincts, such as hunting and marking territory. This can lead to a more content and well-adjusted cat, as they get to engage in behaviors they would in the wild.
Stress Relief: For some cats, the outdoor environment can be a great way to alleviate stress and anxiety. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outside world can be therapeutic and provide a welcome change from indoor confinement.
Socialization Opportunities: Outdoor cats may have the chance to interact with other cats and animals, which can help improve their social skills. This can be particularly beneficial for young cats still learning how to navigate the hood.
Negatives
Health Risks: Outdoor cats face numerous health risks, including exposure to diseases such as feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. There’s also the risk of parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms, which can be difficult to control once contracted. ICK! And then you let them come into your bed at night? Oh well, to each his or her, they or them, non-binary self.
Accidents and Injuries: This is perhaps the BEST reason to keep little Felix or Fiona indoors – by letting your cat roam outside they can encounter dangerous situations such as traffic (depending on where you live of course), fights with other animals, or getting caught in traps. Injuries from accidents or altercations are a significant risk, and some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
Impact on Wildlife: Kitties LOVE LOVE LOVE birds, lizards, and anything else that moves! They are prolific hunters. There being outdoors poses a threat to local wildlife. Birds, small mammals, and insects can suffer due to the predatory nature of domestic cats (it’s in their DNA), contributing to ecological imbalances.
Behavioral Issues: Allowing your cat outside might lead to behavioral problems such as aggression or territorial disputes with other animals. When they come back indoors, it might make it harder to manage your cat’s behavior and training – READ: spraying in and on areas you definitely don’t want them marking their territory on.
Safety Concerns: There’s always a risk that your cat might get lost or stolen. Even if your cat has a collar with an ID tag or a microchip. If someone takes a liking to your precious one, you’ll likely never see them again. The stress and potential trauma of being lost or without the MaMa and Daddy they already have a bond with can have lasting effects on their well-being.
Alternatives to Outdoor Roaming
Here are a few alternatives that can provide ‘Precious’ with some of the benefits of outdoor exploration without the risks of letting them outside:
- Catios: Catios are very cool. I don’t have one yet, but I’m working on it!. These enclosed outdoor structures allow cats to experience the sights and sounds of the outdoors safely. They can range from small window boxes to large, elaborate setups and provide a controlled environment where your cat can enjoy fresh air and natural stimulation.
- Leash Training: Well, this depends on the personality of the cat and how much patience you have. Training your cat to walk on a leash can be a great way to give them supervised outdoor access. It can be something you both enjoy together. You could start with short time spans and making it as positive an experience as possible, and gradually increase the duration as your cat becomes more comfortable.
- Interactive Toys and Enrichment: Provide indoor stimulation through interactive toys, scratching posts, and puzzle feeders. Create a stimulating environment that mimics some of the mental and physical challenges of the outdoors.
In Conclusion
It’s your decision of course. I implore you to carefully consider the benefits and risks. Although letting your cat roam outdoors can provide exercise, a certain amount of mental stimulation they probably wouldn’t get indoors, and the ability to “get back to their roots” so to speak, there are also significant health and safety risks.
Note the alternatives to outdoor roaming above. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what will keep your feline safe, healthy, and content.
Got FEEDBACK? Let ‘er rip in the comment section.
Ciao,
Disclaimer: The information and opinions herein are based on personal research. My Blog posts are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a Licensed Veterinarian nor am I any sort of medical professional. I am merely a human who takes caring for my pets seriously. My goal is to share my research with other like-minded individuals with the hope that it will help others in some small (or perhaps large) way.
