Cats yearn for the enceinte outdoors . They rush to the front door every time it opens or sit at the window yowling like the world ’s saddest cat because they ca n’t go out of doors . No doubt , cats want to range . But is it safe ?

There are pro and cons on both sides of the indoor or outdoor computed tomography disputation . Your kitty ’s environment can affect their behavior , wellness , and lifespan . Read on to get the information you ask before making a decisiveness about letting your cat research the great outdoors .

Will a Cat’s Behavior Change If He Goes Outdoors?

It ’s potential ! Cats that are let outside may be less probable to develop behaviour problems likeurinating outside the bedding material boxand stalking and " attacking " the great unwashed in the dwelling . According to International Cat Care , these activity can be the outcome of ennui and frustration . They ’re also less in all likelihood toscratch furnituresince they ’re already clawing trees and other things outdoors .

So Should You Let Your Indoor Cat Roam Outside?

Not necessarily . big cat who are keep indoors can still get the stimulation they crave without stalking the neighborhood songbirds . You just have to make an effort to create an environment they enjoy , according to the computerized axial tomography experts at the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley , Minnesota . Cats need to climb , scratch , hide , and spring . There are plenty of ways toenrich your cat ’s indoor environment !

To keep your indoor kitty busy , allow for toys , a rub post , and a cat tower with concealing hole . Cats also love to check what ’s going on alfresco . Encourage the substance abuse by chip in your pelt babe a windowpane ass or perch . Having a bird or squirrel feeder right outside the window will keep your cat entertained for hours , too .

Also , do n’t forget to schedule regular , day-after-day playtime sessions with your puss . Interactive playtime not only gives your cat supererogatory physical natural process but also provides great soldering meter between the two of you .

cat walking garden wall

Andrea Marini / EyeEm / Getty

Do Outdoor Cats Have More Health Concerns?

Your cat ’s modus vivendi increase their hazard of sure health conditions , so whether she ’s an indoor or outdoor kitty will change the kind of risks she ’s disclose to . Indoor cats are typically less active , which increases their rate of diabetes , fleshiness , arthritis , and heart disease , Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Douglas Payne says . " But cats that pass a important amount of prison term outdoors are at a much higher risk of a completely dissimilar lot of problems . "

Being out in the constituent , the environment , and have contact with other beast and people creates a long list of business organization , including :

What About Lifespan? Do Indoor Cats Live Longer?

If your feline friend likes to roll free , you may need to energise yourself . Because outdoor cats are exposed to more dangers than indoor cats , theirlife expectancyis greatly reduced . According to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine , indoor cats be an norm of 10 to 15 age while outdoor cats typically live only 2 to 5 years .

Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe Outdoors

yield the hazard cats face outside , a responsible hombre possessor like yourself should seek out ways to keep your kitten safer . The Animal Humane Society has a few tips for reducing some of the risks . you may :

So, Is It OK to Let Your Cat Outside?

Some people believe that letting cats go outside gives them a better tone of life story . However , most experts concord that staying indoors is the healthier option for cats .

If you want to give your Arabian tea the estimable of both populace , you could assay trinity - training your kitty with a specially designedcat harnessto supporter keep them safe . you may also make or purchase acat patio(catio)—an enclosed orbit that lets cats get fresh air and sunshine without the risks of being entirely free .

" at last , it ’s really up to you to weigh the advantages and disadvantage of letting your cat go outside , " Payne says . " peach to your veterinarian for help evaluating what is safest and in the best interest of your pet . "

out-of-door true cat . International Cat Care .

Are out-of-door cats happier?Animal Humane Society .

Cats : Indoors or Outdoors?UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine .