This is the question many cat owners face when bringing their furry friend home for the first time: to keep indoors, or to let outdoors?
A lot of cat owners feel guilty about keeping them inside, as if it curbs many instincts that come naturally to them. In the same way, a lot of owners are fearful of letting their cat prowl outside, afraid they will be hurt. We definitely see a mixed bag here at Pet Doctors Palm Beach, so we’ve decided to list all the pros and cons that come with both.
Wildlife: It has been scientifically studied that the amount of collateral damage an outdoor cat can cause to wildlife is huge! They are natural born predators and will feel the urge to hunt. While many owners don’t like to deprive them of this, indoor cats can be satisfied with toys and indoor games like hiding their food in different places of the house.
Traffic: Streetwise cats are very rare and it is difficult to train them to be wary of roads and traffic.
Disease: Other cats and strays can carry diseases that can be passed on to your cat with contact. Feline Leukaemia and Feline AIDS are two fatal diseases that have no cure once your cat is infected.
Other cats: Because of their territorial nature, cats will easily fight one another. Cat fights can be very nasty and scratches and bites are easily prone to infection and abscesses.
Other Animals: Outdoor cats can easily become prey to dogs, snakes and possums which can easily cause fatal injuries.
Parasites: Australia is home to some unpleasant parasites which can even lurk in your backyard, such as paralysis ticks, fleas and worms.
Exercise: Outdoor cats are certainly more active as they have plenty to amuse themselves with. Indoor cats require a bit more effort. Providing toys and playing games with them can easily get them moving. A laser pointer will provide you both with a lot of amusement. Many owners have even installed ramps and vertical playgrounds for their feline friends to play in.
Cancer: Outdoor cats can spend too much time in the sun. This is especially dangerous for cats with lighter skins and coats and can result in skin tumours around their face.
Chemicals: Cats are naturally curious creatures and can come in to contact with poisons and baits. They also risk ingesting bait if they hunt and eat rodents.
We recommend an indoor cat, simply for the safety of your cat and the local wildlife. Indoor cats have considerably longer lives in comparison to their outdoor counterparts, and their destructive footprint is non-existent. Plus, if you wish to let them outside to stretch their legs in the fresh air you can try walking them on a leash. We recommend trying this from a young age to get used to the experience.
