Indoor Vs. Outdoor Cats

Statistics indicate that the life span of an indoor cat is much longer than an outdoor cat.  On average, an indoor cat lives twelve years but some cats can live for as many as twenty years.  In comparison, an outdoor cat’s life expectancy is less than five years.

The pros of keeping a cat indoors outnumber the cons of an indoor cat.  Most are directly related to the health and safety of the cat.

The first valid reason to make a cat an indoor pet is traffic.  Busy highways, roads, suburban streets and country lanes all present a life-threatening danger for cats.  One accident can be fatal or cause serious injuries.

Indoor cats are not exposed to the host of poisons that many outdoors cats encounter.  Pesticides, home garden products, car and motor products, discarded trash, spoiled foods, poisonous plants and intentional poisonings are among the poisoning dangers for cats that roam.

Danger of contracting an infectious disease rises for the outdoor cat.  Many feline diseases including Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) are transmitted from an infected cat to another.  Cats who roam at will encounter other cats and can contract either of these fatal diseases. Free roaming cats often encounter problems with other cats in the area & abscesses as a result of a cat fight are  ailment veterinarians see on a regular basis. These are painful to the cat & can cost up to several hundred dollars to fix. A host of other infectious diseases thrive in the outdoor environment and among cats that may not have been vaccinated.

Parasites are another health issue for outdoor cats.  Fleas are prevalent through the world and can be carriers for disease.  Some diseases can be transmitted to cat owners. 

Outdoor cats face other dangers.  Dogs and wild animals often prey on cats that wander into the wrong territory. 

Outdoors cats are more prone to becoming lost.  Less than 5% of cats taken to animal shelters are reclaimed by owners.  All outdoor cats should wear either safety collars with identifying information. However, collars often become lost.  Microchipping is the only permanent way to identify a cat. Theft of animals to be used as lab animals, for the illegal fur trade or in satanic rites is another threat for outdoor cats.

Contrary to what most cat owners may think, it is possible to train a cat to a leash and harness.  It is easier to train a kitten or young cat but all cats can be leash trained.  This allows cats to be walked in the same manner as many dogs and offers outdoor exercise beneficial for both cat and owner

 

The majority of veterinarians believe cats should be indoor pets.  So do members of most Humane Societies and animal protection societies.  Dangers to an outdoor cat far outweigh any benefits and responsible cat owners are urged to do what is best for the cat.

Source: www.cat-world.com