Expert Guidance: Indoor vs Outdoor Living for Cats

Should I let my indoor cat go outside? This is one of the most highly controversial questions that even veterinary professionals will fight over. (Know that most small animal veterinarians advocate for keeping cats indoors.) People on both sides are very passionate about their opinion when it comes to indoor vs outdoor cats. 

So, should cats go outside? As a veterinarian and a cat parent, I can see it from both sides. Cats that go outside can get more exercise and have more environmental enrichment. But, as an emergency critical care veterinary specialist, I will also say that I see a lot more medical problems in the ER due to a cat’s indoor/outdoor status. The short of it? Cats that go outside are more at risk of harm or injury.

Indoor vs outdoor cats

First, let’s define what “going outdoors” is. If your cat goes outside at all, your cat is considered an indoor/outdoor cat. I know it sounds basic, but I’m often shocked when people tell me that their cat is indoor only… until I ask a few more questions and then they state, “Well, he goes outside for 10 minutes a day.” Well, that’s what we define as indoor/outdoor. 

Even if 90-95% of your cat’s life is indoors, we veterinarians still need to know about the small percentage of time spent outdoors. Why? Because it affects how we care for your cat and what diagnostics, vaccines, medications, and treatment we may use.

Should cats be allowed outdoors?

Personally, I choose to keep my cats indoors. But I live in an urban setting where there’s a higher incidence of trauma. Although I have a fenced-in backyard on a very large city plot, I’m still too nervous to let my cats outside because they can easily jump and climb over our tall privacy fence. 

Obviously, it’s a very personal decision whether you choose to have indoor vs outdoor cats. Please weigh these important factors:

Location, location, location

The decision to let a cat outside really depends on where you live. If you live in the heart of downtown, there’s a very high likelihood that your cat is going to sustain some type of trauma. If you live on a quiet dead end in the ‘burbs, the risk of trauma is much lower.

Commitment

Once you let your cat taste the great outdoors, they’ll bolt out the door as soon as you open it. For that reason, I try to prevent my cats from tasting “freedom” to begin with! Otherwise, you’ll find yourself always opening and closing the door. And your cat meowing to be let out constantly. It’s more difficult to try to convert your cat to an indoor only cat thereafter.

Health concerns

If your cat is declawed, he or she can’t protect themselves during a cat fight or dog attack. If your cat has decreased vision or hearing, it’s also not worth the risk. And if your cat already has one of the life-threatening infectious blood diseases like FeLV or FIV, please, please, please keep them indoors so you don’t spread this to other people’s cats!

Give your cat the best indoor life