Indoors or Outdoors for Your Cat?

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When I was growing up, and for much of my married life, our cats were allowed free access to the outdoors. After all, cats need fresh air, sunshine, and freedom to survive, don't they? In this age of enlightenment, I've reconsidered, especially because I've lost far too many cats to vehicle accidents. Along with that fresh air, sunshine, and freedom come menaces too numerous to list.

Indoor cats do not get killed by cars, dogs, predators, or humans who would harm them. Cats can live very happily indoors. Believe it.

Why I Changed my Mind

It Took an Epiphany
Here's how I came to change my way of thinking. I hope you will learn from my mistakes. Nowadays, of the four cats in my home, only one is allowed outdoors - my Jenny, who is an adopted stray. She's rapidly adjusting to an inside life though, and she is always completely supervised when she is outdoors on my deck or enclosed patio. The other cats, all neutered males have lived indoors all their lives and don't know any other way of living. I urge you to consider that lifestyle for your cat. He'll live longer, and I know your goal is a long, long life together.

Top Reasons to Keep Your Cat Indoors
Besides being struck by vehicles, there are a number of other hazards for cats allowed to roam freely.

Compromises to the Dilemma

Outdoor Enclosures for Cats
Your cat can enjoy the best of both worlds with an outdoor enclosure. It can be as small or elaborate as you have space (and finances) for. Modular kits are available, or if you are handy with shop tools, you can build your own, of your own design, or with purchased plans. Most lumber yards will even cut your lumber to the desired length for you. Please consider this compromise.

Plants for Your Outdoor "Cat Sanctuary"
Cats love greenery, and even the smallest outdoor enclosure can include a pot of cat grass, and a small container of catnip is a must!

A note of caution: if your planned enclosure will be on lawn, forego fertilizers and commercial sprays, which can be toxic to cats. (A mild soap and water spray makes a good insect killer.)

Other Alternatives to Free-Roamings

Leash Training for Your Cat
It's not all that difficult to train a cat to a leash, provided you let him think it's hisidea. Like many other changes, the watch words are slowly and gradually.

Don't use a collar, as they are too easily escaped. An H-shaped harness works well if the fit is snug enough. I also like the Walking Jacket for larger cats. Your cat may "belly walk" for awhile, but he'll soon get used to it.

The Outdoor Cat - A Menu of Safe Alternatives
Would your cat enjoy being pushed in a "kitty stroller?" Carried like a baby on your chest in a vest-style personal carrier? These products and others offer solutions to the indoor-outdoor dilemma.

Don't Lose Your Cat

All Cats Should Carry Identification
Whether indoors only or allowed outside access, all cats should have identification, both permanent (microchip or tattoo) and removable (collar and tags). It's too easy for a cat to escape and become lost or injured. I know you don't want your cat to become a statistic. Did you know that only 3% of owned cats in shelters are reunited with their humans?

Our next lesson is the last one. We'll discuss the most important commitment you'll ever make to your feline companion: that of making him a family member for life.

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