According to the AVMA, indoor cats live longer than their outdoor counterparts. Your cat could easily catch one of them if they come into contact with an infected animal. They tried taking him outside with a harness, but he slipped right out of it. If you’re bringing in a stray cat or if you’ve decided your exclusively-outdoor cat should now live indoors, you can’t just bring her in and let her have the run of the house right away. Your cat’s lifestyle increases their risk of certain health conditions, so whether she's an indoor or outdoor kitty will change the kind of risks she's exposed to. In fact, the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 15 years, whereas the lifespan of outdoor cats are way shorter — averaging just 2 to 5 years. Every cat -- whether indoor or outdoor -- should see the vet at least twice a year for an exam and regular regimen of vaccines, and all cats need to have some form of identification, Cruz says. An indoor cat may live 15-17 years, while the life expectancy for outdoor cats is only 2-5 years, according to researchers at University of California-Davis. Jane Brunt, DVM, veterinarian and owner of the Cat Hospital at Towson and the Cat Hospital at Eastern Shore, Md., and executive director of the CATalyst Council. That being said, there are many risks to allowing your cat – regardless of their history – outside. Try putting some of the toys away while you leave others out, and then rotate them every few days to give your kitty the “new toy” excitement without the expense. Sadly, some people have been known to shoot cats with BB guns or arrows, while some cats end up being trapped, abused and killed in the name of “sport” or “for fun.”. To change your outdoor cat into an indoor cat, first have your vet do a complete check-up to make sure it won’t bring any diseases indoors with it. Myth 4: My cat’s always been allowed outside, so he can’t be indoor-only. Indeed, this debate seems to be more prevalent in the United States, as in many other countries, cats are allowed free access to the outdoors. Statistics show the lifespan of an indoor cat is much longer than an outdoor cat. “AVMA positions address animal welfare concerns.”. The consensus among veterinarians and organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is that it’s wiserto keep cats indoors. Integrate slowly. You’ll notice that many shelters will list that a kitten may … Friends for your feline. The 2-year-old grey tabby would “meow his head off” and tear up the furniture whenever he was kept indoors. References WebMD discusses the positives and negatives of indoor and outdoor cats. Once you get the go-ahead from your vet, start by training your cat to use a litter box and scratching post outside so it … 5 Harness train your cat. To help you find a cat that’s more suited to living only indoors we have described each breed as being a typical “house cat” or “outdoor cat”. Let’s take a closer look. Can you explain the benefits an argument's for both? “I’ve worked in emergency clinics when a cat comes in that obviously belongs to someone,” Cruz says. Related: 7 Best Indoor Cat breeds. The vaccine usually starts out with a series—vaccines given every three to four weeks until the cat is 16 weeks of age, and then again after one year. Roaming cats may be at risk for animal cruelty. Feed your cat indoors and on a regular schedule. For Gentilozzi and McWhorter, the choice was relatively easy, but many other pet owners struggle with the decision of whether to keep their cats indoors or outdoors. Indoor Vs. “We don’t let him go outside when it’s dark,” she says. Indoor cats live on average 10-15 years, while outdoor cats live on average 2-5 years This handout is intended to help you sort out the pros and cons associated with each lifestyle so you can rest assured your cat In fact, the record for the oldest house cat is over thirty years, while outdoor cats are sometimes lucky to see five years old. 4 Schedule plenty of play. “If they won’t stay in the house, maybe put them in the garage and put out food and water.” Another option is to build outdoor cat houses to keep your cats safe and protected day and night. Pros and Cons for Outdoor, Free-Range Cats Owning a cat is a wonderful thing, but there are many questions that need to be entertained before you can select your new friend and decide how they will live. Keep her on a leash or secured in a cage or other confined space where she can’t get out (and other cats can’t get in). Table of Contents hide. Studies have shown that indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. Cats – like most creatures – can adapt to almost any situation over time. Make Indoors Interesting. Identification can increase the odds that your cat will be returned to you if they wander away. Or, they may think it’s cruel to keep cats cooped up inside, forced to spend their days staring out the window. You can either buy a collar with a tag (but make sure the collar has a safety clasp that will release if your cat gets caught on something), or invest in a microchip that is implanted between your cat’s shoulder blades. Cat And Kitten Care: The Indoor Vs Outdoor Cat Debate. A totally outdoor cat (such as a feral or community cat) has certain basic needs, such as a windproof and rainproof shelter, to survive the seasons. Unlike most European countries where the majority of cats spend their days outdoors, Americans are increasingly keeping their cats permanently indoors. Next to declawing, the indoor-outdoor question is probably one of the toughest questions for cat owners, with both sides polarized to their own views. A number of these diseases can be serious or potentially fatal. A lot of cat owners feel guilty about keeping their cat inside, and worry that they are depriving their cat of natural instincts or fresh air and sunshine. That’s why it’s important to keep indoor cats active by providing scratching posts, perches, and a variety of toys to get them running and climbing. Which is better for a cat, staying indoors or being let outside? Cats may also end up accidently exposed to rodent poisons when they hunt and eat rodents that have recently ingested poison bait. Most problems, such as getting hit by a car or having a wild animal like a coyote after them -- it seems most of the problems occur at night,” says Bernadine Cruz, DVM, associate veterinarian at the Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, Calif., and member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. A slow start is key! But life is tough for an outdoor cat and their life expectancy is shorter than an indoor cat. If you live in town or in city a indoor cat is always safer from traffic and all, but if you have a large lot, outdoor is always the better choice. 2 Be firm. Ultimately, creating a safe space inside often requires limiting exposure to outdoor threats. They are immune to certain diseases, hunt more and can defend themselves better. “One day he came in and he had part of his jaw missing,” recalls his owner, Lisa McWhorter. In addition to the risks posed by fellow cats, other potential hazards that can seriously threaten your cat’s well-being — and even her life – include: Contrary to popular belief, cats do not have the innate instinct to avoid busy streets, and they frequently get hit by cars. Playing, chasing and mutual grooming and snuggling can fulfill your indoor cat’s need for exercise, companionship and affection while you are at work or away from home. In contrast, an outdoor cat’s life expectancy is significantly shorter. She doesn’t have to give all of that up once she becomes an indoor cat. Whenever you adopt a new cat, try to keep them indoors. We don’t recommend that you ever declaw a cat, but sometimes people adopt cats who are already declawed. The indoor vs outdoor cat debate has raged for years among pet owners. The indoor cat diet, which often involves grazing on an open bowl of food all day, plus a sedentary lifestyle, can lead to obesity and may predispose a cat to diabetes. "Give your kitty plenty of indoor options to express their natural behaviors," the Humane Society advised. Disease:The American Feral Cat Coalition estimates that there are approximately 60 million feral and homeless stray cats living in the U.S. In some cases, they may be up in a tree for days until they become so severely dehydrated and weak that they fall and suffer severe, serious or fatal injuries. Indoor cats can have a life expectancy of around 17 years or more, while outdoor felines are lucky to live an average of two to five years – that’s a substantial difference. 3 Build a cat enclosure. Make sure an adult supervises your kitty’s outdoor time to ensure strays cannot come into contact with her. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 2009 Jul 17 [Epub ahead of print]. 1 Kress, Steve (2008). Bottom line: Ultimately, the decision of whether to have an indoor or outdoor cat is up to you. Some indoor cats do seem to yearn for the outside world. Even well-fed pet cats who are allowed to roam outdoors may attempt to prey on smaller animals, with varying levels of success. Just like indoor cats, outdoor cats can also suffer from diseases and syndromes that cause vomiting — not to mention the fact that they are at risk for eating many disgusting or toxic things. Think of it as a kind of cat conservatory or walled garden. “They have blankets in the wintertime and lots of food and water,” McWhorter says. In this episode of Cat Mojo, I take you through the sometimes very sticky landscape that is the indoor vs. outdoor debate. Thus, bringing your cat indoors is good for the environment and good for the cat. Every cat is different; this could take from two weeks to … Indoor Cats vs. Few topics polarize opinion more than the matter of indoor cats vs. outdoor cats. The life expectancy of an indoor cat is typically at least 12 years although they can live up to 20 years. Fact: If your cat is overweight, the safest way to help her trim down is by … Did you make the choice or was it decided for you? Most vets will recommend keeping your cat indoors, but if you do want your cat to stay outdoors, make sure your pet is safe by keeping up with all scheduled vaccinations, parasite prevention, and bringing your outdoor cat indoors at night. On average, an indoor cat lives 10-15, but some cats can live for as many as twenty years. Outdoor cats endanger surrounding wildlife, particularly birds. Multiple factors contribute to longevity as well. This is normal behavior. Friends for your feline. For all of the risks and stress that the outdoors can bring to your cat, one … This can work especially well if your cat is trained in using a cat door or cat flap, which then can connect to an enclosed area outside. J Feline Med Surg. Below we give tips on how to do this. Cats who are kept indoors can reach the ripe old age of 17 or more years, whereas outdoor cats live an average of just two to five years. Take your cat’s personality into account when deciding on their freedom. Cats who are kept indoors … Trees: Trees can be a source of some danger for cats who climb to a place where they are afraid or unable to climb down. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Overweight Cats: Diets and Associated Health Risks, Fat Cats, Overweight Cats, Overfeeding Cats, Cat Exercises, Planned Pet Exercise. The one absolute rule when making the indoor-outdoor decision: declawed kitties should be kept inside. Perhaps some of the biggest risks to the welfare of an indoor-only cat are not physical welfare risks but instead, risks to the emotional wellbeing of the cat. Indoor outdoor cat life expectancy There is a difference between indoor and outdoor cat life expectancy, so unless you really need to allow your cat to go outdoors, it might be best not to. Indoor or Outdoor Cat? Take her to the veterinarian at least once every year for. When your cat is feeling confident and calm in their indoor environment, they’ll be much more confident in their new indoor/ outdoor routine. McWhorter is well aware that Hobbes and his sister, Calvin, lead a riskier life than her two indoor cats, Lucy and Ricky, but she inherited them from her home’s previous owner and was afraid it would be hard for them to make the transition from outdoor to indoor cats. There are a lot of dangers that face cats living an outdoor life. Statistics show the lifespan of an indoor cat is much longer than an outdoor cat. Although living inside is generally considered healthier, indoor cats need special care, too. They are more likely to get regular, healthy food. Indoor-outdoor cat has suddenly stopped going outside and has taken to getting into places in the house that she never went in before. EcoFLEX Albany Outdoor Feral : Pocket-friendly. Bernadine Cruz, DVM, associate veterinarian at the Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, Calif., and member of the American Veterinary Association. The Lifespan of an Indoor Cat By contrast, the lifespan of an indoor cat is typically 12 to 15 years. Share this: Click to … Loose cats are estimated to kill hundreds of millions of birds each year, yet birds are believed to be only 20 percent of the wildlife stray cats kill.1 Birds are especially at risk around homes with feeders and birdbaths.1. Ways to engage your indoor cat. Roaming around his Fayetteville, Ga., neighborhood he’s had a few run-ins with the local wildlife. Indoor cats live far longer than outdoor cats after all. If you’ve decided to keep your cat indoors, but want them to reap some of the benefits of being an outdoors cat, here are some ideas to engage your kitty. Indoor vs. I've always had outdoor cats, my gf has always had indoor cats and we want to get a cat. In fact, the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 15 years, whereas the lifespan of outdoor cats are way shorter — averaging just 2 … Indoor cats should be provided with appropriate surfaces on which to exercise their natural instinct to scratch. You can use our cat directory to help you find the best indoor or outdoor cat breeds. Unlike most European countries where the majority of cats spend their days outdoors, Americans are increasingly keeping their cats permanently indoors. One such question is the environment that you will be able to provide for the cat. A cat’s prey drive is so strong that even well-fed cats may naturally enjoy hunting birds or other small animals. Outdoor cats like Hobbes also can get wounded in fights with other animals, hit by cars, or killed when they inadvertently drink poisons such as antifreeze, she says. Many nature-loving cats aren’t eager to forgo outdoor adventures and relocate indoors. Audubon Magazine, November-December. “Allowing cats outdoors increases their risk of being injured and exposed to infectious diseases such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV),” says Jane Brunt, DVM, veterinarian and owner of the Cat Hospitals at Towson and Eastern Shore, Md., and executive director of the CATalyst Council. Protect your kitty from other cats. Indoor cats are overweight. Because of this, an outdoor cat can successfully become an indoor cat, and the reverse can happen as well. “When I was little, I had indoor-outdoor cats and they all had fleas,” she recalls. Cats are commonly attacked by loose dogs and wild animals, such as coyotes, raccoons, foxes and even alligators (depending on where they live). All rights reserved. Outdoor Cats: Pros and Cons. For the same reasons as above, conflict between cats in the home can be affected by one or more of the cats spending time outdoors. Those who really want to pamper their pets can attach cat enclosures to their home, to give their cats the feeling of being outdoors without the dangers of being exposed to the outside. Infectious parasites are about two and a half to three times more prevalent in outdoor cats compared to indoor only cats. In 2008, 65% of survey participants said they keep their cats strictly indoors (Rowan, 2012). Common examples include: While usually not life-threatening for cats, several common parasites can be picked up by your kitty when venturing outdoors, including: These parasites can cause a variety of moderate to severe symptoms, such as scratching, skin infections, vomiting and diarrhea. Contributions to American Humane are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by applicable law. Enjoying these types of toys with your cat for several minutes each day is an ideal way to interact with your cat and provide much-needed exercise and playtime, while allowing an appropriate outlet for her natural prey drive. Plus she doesn’t have to clean the litter box as often as she once did. In addition, these creepy crawlies can hitch a ride into your home and infect your family. Your cat’s lifestyle increases their risk of certain health conditions, so whether she's an indoor or outdoor kitty will change the kind of risks she's exposed to. Outdoor Cats — Should You Ever Let a Cat Outside? Indoor or outdoor cat is something only you yourself can answer, it really is a choice that you make for your cat with no right and no wrong answer. A number of these diseases can be serious or potentially fatal. While cats have individual preferences for favorite types of toys, most enjoy the thrill of getting any new toy. There are plenty of people who are unable to let their cats out, for various reasons. Indoor cats also live much longer than outdoor cats. It's an emotional, never-ending debate, and I'll admit to mixed feelings. Parasites can be very difficult to eradicate from your pet, from humans and from your home. When she finds that she can’t get … It’s much easier to go from an indoor to outdoor cat than to go from an outdoor to indoor cat. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. The key, again, is making sure the indoor environment is just as interesting as outside — and … “I really didn’t want four cats in the house, and they [Calvin and Hobbes] were accustomed to being outside,” she says. Indoor cats should also be vaccinated because the viruses that cause the disease can “hitchhike” into the house on shoes and clothing. Many of these cats may carry diseases that can be passed on to your cat if he or she comes into contact with them. Table of Contents hide. I totally agree with you. It’s important that your cat become acclimated to their indoor home, first. Fact: Many cats have successfully gone from outdoor-only or indoor/outdoor to indoor-only. American Veterinary Medical Association. There are a lot of dangers that face cats living an outdoor life. This does not mean you have to buy your cat new toys constantly. Deciding whether your cat should be an indoor cat, an outdoor cat, or something in between is a decision that should be based on each individual. Typically, indoor and outdoor cats can eat the same diet, but the indoor cat might gain more weight because it’s not as active. 5 Harness train your cat. “I may not be able to get the owner immediately, but I know that owner cared enough to put the chip in and I’ll go that step further [to locate them].” Finally, make sure your pet is spayed or neutered to prevent an unwanted litter. Cat And Kitten Care: The Indoor Vs Outdoor Cat Debate. If your cat is intent on getting outdoors, fit him for a harness. Indeed, this debate seems to be more prevalent in the United States, as in many other countries, cats are allowed free access to the outdoors. The indoor environment, in comparison to the outdoor environment, is generally considered to be more predictable and monotonous. An outdoor cat who comes to the veterinarian and is sick or vomiting is a true challenge because the possible causes are many. Another reason for indoor cats’ longevity is that it’s easier for their owners to identify health problems early, before they become life threatening. Once cats have had that first taste of freedom, it’s tough to convince them to go back inside. Diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) , or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) , rabies, cat flu are going to be more likely in a cat who has access to outdoors and interacts with other cats. Cat-Cat Conflict. Cats have individual preferences, and many prefer to have a variety of scratching posts and surfaces, so be sure to offer your cat several types in multiple locations around your house. However, since my current and previous cats were adopted by the Cat Adoption Team, I signed an agreement that I would keep my kitties indoors. If your cat goes outdoors, to improve safety from predators, it is recommended that your cat go outdoors during the day and is kept indoors (or in an outdoor enclosure with indoor access) at night. They might be afraid that their indoor cats will become fat and lazy. This Balinese cat is outdoors, … Since indoor cats don’t get the same exercise that outdoor cats do, they can sometimes get a bit lazy. Cats Indoor or Outdoor? A great way to stimulate a cat’s hunting instinct is to provide your cat with a prey-like toy, such as a laser toy or kitty fishing pole. Outdoor cats can have an impact on wildlife populations, especially when threatened and endangered species are concerned. It can also eliminate a desire for your cat to come inside. Don’t expect a cat who has lived outdoors for her whole life to easily transition to … Let’s look at the issues surrounding indoor vs. outdoor cats: The American Feral Cat Coalition estimates that there are approximately 60 million feral and homeless stray cats living in the U.S. If the indoor territory feels insecure, the resident cats are more likely to fight. Once Valerie LaRussell and her husband, Greg, let their cat Odie outside for a “playdate” with a neighbor’s cat, there was no going back. Place a cat tree or perch near a window so she has a good view, then place a bird feeder outside so she has some up-close-and-personal action. So please make sure kitty has a good amount of time inside with his family before beginning the process to acclimate them to indoor/ outdoor living. Space this out to every half hour and every 2–3 hours. A major consideration for cat lovers thinking about letting their cat venture outdoors is safety. The other side regards keeping cat indoors as … Is your cat an indoor cat or an outdoor cat? The benefits of keeping the cat away from possible dangers outdoors have to be weighed against the effects on the cat’s behaviour. If you’ve decided to keep your cat indoors, but want them to reap some of the benefits of being an outdoors cat, here are some ideas to engage your kitty. Petplan takes a look at the pros and cons of keeping your cat indoors or letting them go outdoors. “And outdoor cats bring you home dead things and I don’t like that either.”. On average, an indoor cat lives 10-15, but some cats can live for as many as twenty years. Dr. Jeff Levy, DVM, CVA, owner of House Call Vet NYC, also discourages owners from keeping cats outdoors. As evidence, indoor cats live longer than their outdoor counterparts. Ways to engage your indoor cat. Calvin and Hobbes have their own little houses. Injuries from wild animal and stray dog attacks are very serious and often fatal. What do the experts say about the best way to keep your cat safe and happy? Despite enjoying the freedom to roam, outdoor cats like Hobbes can lead a dangerous life. Below we give tips on how to do this. Provide your indoor cat with a variety of different interactive toys to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Indoor cats should not be left alone for any length of time without some form of human interaction. “One of his eyes was closed shut before, and he had an abscess on his back one time from where he got into a fight with something.”. In 2008, 65% of survey participants said they keep their cats strictly indoors (Rowan, 2012). Audubon Living: Cats. “Considering the potential dangers outdoors, an indoor lifestyle is much safer for cats,” Brunt says. Feeding outdoors can attract wildlife and other cats. Indoor cats also live much longer than outdoor cats. La Russell understands the dangers that Odie can encounter outside, so she makes every effort to follow all of these guidelines. A cat's hunting instinct is just that—an instinct. The answer is yes; many cat owners have successfully transformed their indoor/outdoor cat into an indoor cat. Is it ever okay to let your cat outside? I have an outdoor cat. There are several factors at play when deciding how your cat will spend its days as comfortably as possible, ranging from safety and health to mental health. 2 Be firm. 1 Start as you plan to continue. 3 Build a cat enclosure. The indoor/outdoor cat debate is very controversial among animal caretakers and humane societies. Personally, I would like to keep my fur babies as long as possible! Although the impact made by one cat might not seem like a big deal, it is important to think about the total impact of all the cats who are allowed outside. She’ll need to get her bearings and you may need to do a little training before she goes exploring in … Although it’s not the lifestyle vets recommend, LaRussell says keeping Odie outdoors has trimmed him down to what her vet says is an ideal weight. Providing stimulating cat toys and “trees” for adventure and play—like the Frisco 52-Inch Cat Tree or the KONG Naturals Cat Scratcher—gives your indoor cat many of the same benefits of outdoor recreation, and will keep your furry friend from becoming a bored cat with nothing to do. We may think of our feisty felines as good hunters who are capable of taking care of themselves with sharp teeth and claws. Some cats (indoor-outdoor) come and go as they please. Common examples include: 1. feline leukemia (FeLV) 2. feline AIDS (FIV) 3. The indoor cat to outdoor cat transition can be a lot easier if your cat has a safe spot he can go to outside. Like many cat lovers, you may have thought about letting your cat go outside. Indoor cats can live just as a fulfilling lives as outdoor cats, without the numerous risks to their health and safety.Many cat owners to let their cat outside during the day, so they can roam the yard and lock them securely inside at night. It is easier to opt for an indoor only cat right from the start than to convert an outdoor cat successfully into an indoor one. If your cat is fully vaccinated, microchipped, and has a decent collar, you can allow for a day or so before ramping up your search. Outdoor Cat Run – Perfect Compromise between Indoor and Outdoor. The answer is yes; many cat owners have successfully transformed their indoor/outdoor cat into an indoor cat. American Humane is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. If you do make the decision to have an outdoor cat, it’s important to take precautions to ensure that your cat is safe. Exercise Needs– Keeping your indoor cat mentally and physically stimulated is important. “We treat him for fleas every 30 days, and we take him to the vet for his regular check-ups.” Those check-ups include vaccinations for diseases such as rabies and feline distemper, as well as heartworm medications. This can range from as little as two years, out to 10-12 years. The benefits and risks of an outdoor or indoor life for a companion feline need to be considered for each individual cat. One side is horrified that anyone would ever let their cats outside, given all the hazards (traffic, predators, disease, deeply disturbed cat-hating humanoids). 1 Start as you plan to continue. Next to declawing, the indoor-outdoor question is probably one of the toughest questions for cat owners, with both sides polarized to their own views. Deciding whether or not a cat should be an indoors or outdoors animal is up to individual owners, but the pros and cons provide substantial evidence toward indoor cats. You might feel silly walking around your neighborhood with a cat on a leash, and your cat may protest at first, but once they get used to it your cat might actually enjoy walking with you. 4 Schedule plenty of play. I prefer not to allow my cats to free roam but this does not mean that they cannot enjoy the outside world. “Whenever possible, try to get them in at night. Gina Gentilozzi never thought twice about keeping her three cats indoors, particularly because she has some unpleasant memories about her own childhood pets. The indoor/outdoor cat debate is very controversial among animal caretakers and humane societies. Encourage cats to live indoors by making the inside more exciting and appealing than outdoors. This beautiful item is not only pocket-friendly, but it …