Indoor Vs. Outdoor Cats: Which is the Best Option?

When you get a cat, one of the most important decisions to make is whether or not to allow him to go outdoors. Some owners are totally against the idea of letting their feline roam around outdoors while others wouldn't have it any other way. Evaluating the options can help you make the best decision for yourself as well as your cat.

Bonding

Some cat owners may feel that if they keep their cat indoors, it increases the chances of having a better bond. Having quality time with your cat can happen at any time as long as you make it happen. You can still develop that special bond whether the cat is an indoor or outdoor cat.

Declawed Cats

If you adopt a cat that is declawed, consider keeping him inside. Having no claws means that the cat cannot defend himself against potential dangers. He is much safer being indoors where you know you won't have to worry.

Exercise

Outside, a cat can run around and may get much more exercise than he does indoors. He will usually have more room to scamper about while indoors he is limited to the amount of space he has to play. Outdoors he also has ever-changing different things to do and play with, such as chasing butterflies and playing with plant leaves.

Safety

When cats go outside, they have to worry about dealing with animals, not just other cats but dogs, raccoons and various other animals as well. Another huge danger is cars; not all drivers can stop in time. Cats also encounter several types of poisonous plants that they may have an urge to eat in addition to food on the ground that could make them sick. Fertilizer and other gardening products can also be a danger. Unfortunately, some people also try to get rid of stray cats by putting out poison for them to eat. It is also possible for cats to get lost or stolen when they run around outdoors.

Cats also face dangers indoors including cleaning chemicals and certain poisonous household plants. Whether the cat is an outdoor or indoor cat, it is still important to keep dangerous items out of reach

Insects and Diseases

Ticks, fleas, bees and other insects can be dangerous to outdoor cats. From those insects as well as from other cats, your feline can contract an illness. Indoor cats are less likely to come in contact with any of these dangers.

Curiosity

Cats are naturally curious creatures and being indoors offers only a limited amount of space to explore and things to look at. Outdoors there are limitless opportunities of things to look at, do and places to explore.

If you want your cat to have the best of both worlds without all of the dangers, there are other options to consider. One is to have a play pen area set up outside where your cat can roll around in the grass and enjoy fresh air without certain dangers such as roaming animals, fast moving cars and poisons. Considering a cats ability to jump and climb, you will have to make the barrier relatively high and watch him to make sure he's safe. Another option is to walk your cat by using a harness. While it may seem strange, it can be a safe option. Some cats actually enjoy going for a walk on a leash; other cats may be more stubborn and choose to move only where and when they want to.

Taking the time to decide which option is best can allow both you and your cat to be happy. Before you bring a cat home, it is best to decide first which option you are more comfortable with so you can implement your decision as soon as he comes home.