Are you in or out? What's best for your cat?

There are an estimated 11million pet cats in the UK; I currently own 2 of them, which is not nearly a large enough proportion. Since the invention of cat litter in the 1950s, owners have the option to keep cats indoors or let them roam. This subject of cat keeping is controversial, while some believe that cats need to be outside to express their instinctive behaviour, others feel that a cat’s needs can be met with a well-designed indoor area.

Those who keep their cats indoors state that safety is their number one concern. A quarter of outdoor cats die in the UK every year; unless an indoor cat accidentally makes it outside, this is very unlikely for them. In addition, they are less likely to encounter aggressive cats, or cats with contagious disease such as Feline immunodeficiency virus. As cats are inquisitive creatures, they are likely to ingest parasites or toxins outside while such hazards can be mitigated indoors. Indoors, owners are more able to observe and monitor the health of their feline. Staying indoors, a cat is restricted in its roaming abilities, and therefore needs enrichment provided for them. It is possible to fulfil the five freedoms of your pet, whilst keeping them indoors. Whilst there is little evidence of stereotypy (stress related, repetitive behaviours), many cats could be under-stimulated. Indoor cats require a higher level of interaction from their owners, with games that provide opportunities to stalk, scratch and toss. On the other hand, they must have areas to retreat to, with elevated areas being preferable. Outdoor cats also have the advantage of a large exercise area, whereas indoor cats do not. To avoid obesity, they must be given a chance to exercise and stimulation when feeding, puzzle feeders are great for this. (I tried making some, and one of my cats was half interested..)

Outdoors, cats are free to express their natural behaviour, hunting and exploring. Cats can mark their own patch and meet other felines. Though cats are solitary animals, they can enjoy social interactions intermittently. Being outdoors also helps to stimulate their mind, decreasing the intensity of interactions needed from the owner, lowering the care needs of the pet. No one knows what their beloved animal does outside of their home, cats can roam for hours without getting bored. The outdoors is full of excitement and wonder, ensuring their mental needs are met. Hunting and exploring exerts a lot of energy, reducing the risk of obesity and obesity related diseases. However, this is not without danger, many cats are killed on the road, ingesting toxins/parasites, or from diseases contracted from other cats. One measure to alleviate these risks is to enclose one’s garden, which allows limited access to the outdoors. Other precautions include, microchipping, vaccinating, worming and providing flea treatment before allowing one’s cat to go outdoors. Neutering cats lowers risky behaviours for male and female cats and halts uncontrolled reproduction.

A five-month study on the impact of cats on wildlife from hunting found that 14,370 prey animals were killed by 986 cats, if we extrapolate this, an estimated 92million prey animals would have been killed in the same period. In this study, 44 species of wild bird and 20 species of mammal were caught. The impact of this on the broader ecosystem is not known, however, the prey killed were more than likely those which would not have survived to reproduce. To counter the killing of birds by one’s cat, it is suggested that feeding birds may deter the cat from attacking, as there are too many birds to be undetected. Also, having a raised feeding post with a slippery stand could reduce the success rate of the cat.

Cats are hardy creatures and can adapt to most circumstances, given time and resources. Indoors, cats can live a long life of around 17 years, whilst outdoors, this is cut to around five. However, of those who make it past one year old, they can live into their teens. Personally, after my last cat died in a road traffic accident, my current cats are pampered indoor cats. I feel that cats can let you know what they want, my first cat would sit by the door and vocalise until she was allowed out, my current cat is not interested. Each cat should be treated as an individual with its own needs.