Indoor vs Outdoor Cats
Should a cat live indoors or out? There is no single right answer, but each has real pros and cons, and there is a middle way.
The text version
- Indoor
- Safe from traffic and most fights; Usually lives longer on average; Less risk of picking up parasites and infections; Needs daily play, climbing and puzzle feeders; Needs a window perch and a tall cat tree
- Outdoor
- Natural exercise, exploring and hunting; Needs microchipping, neutering and vaccinations; Risks include traffic, fights and getting lost; Can harm wildlife, especially birds; Keep in at dusk and at night to reduce risks
- The middle way
- A secure garden or cat-proof fencing; A catio or enclosed run; Supervised time on a harness and lead; Window feeders and bird TV
Questions people ask
Do indoor cats live longer?
On average, indoor cats tend to live longer because they avoid traffic, fights and some infections.
Can an indoor cat be happy?
Yes, with daily play, climbing, window perches and puzzle feeders.
Is it legal to keep a cat indoors?
Yes. Always microchip your cat, whether they go outside or not.
Use this infographic on your site
Licence: free to share and use, including on your own site, in a classroom or on social media, as long as you credit The Brus Crew with a link back to this page. © The Brus Crew. Copy the embed code below.
