A common question we get here at The Spruce Pets is whether cats need to go outside.
The answer is maybe. It depends on the cat’s individual personality and preferences.
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The Case for letting your Cat Outside
Cats are natural predators and need to exercise their hunting instincts. By letting your cat outside, they can stay healthy and fit. Cats that stay indoors all the time can become bored and restless, which can lead to health problems.
They’re natural born hunters
There are a lot of benefits to letting your cat outside. For one, they’re natural born hunters. If you live in an area with a lot of rodents or other pests, letting your cat out could help alleviate the problem. Additionally, cats who are allowed to go outside tend to be more active and have better overall muscle tone.
Of course, there are also some risks associated with letting your cat outdoors. They could contract diseases from other animals, get into fights, or be hit by a car. If you do let your cat outside, it’s important to take some precautions to minimize the risks. For example, you might want to consider getting them vaccinated against common diseases and outfitting them with a collar that has an ID tag and phone number in case they get lost.
They need the exercise
While it’s true that cats sleep a lot—around 16 hours a day—that doesn’t mean they don’t need to get up and move around. Just like humans, cats need to exercise to stay healthy and avoid weight gain, which can lead to health problems like diabetes. Exercise also helps keep cats from getting bored, which can lead to destructive behaviors like furniture scratching. And even though they might not seem like it, cats actually enjoy the outdoors (or at least some fresh air). Letting your cat outside also gives them a chance to explore their natural instincts, like hunting and climbing.
They enjoy the fresh air
There are many benefits to letting your cat outside, including the exposure to fresh air and the ability to explore their natural surroundings. While some people worry about the safety of their pet, cats are actually quite adept at taking care of themselves and avoiding danger. With a little supervision, you can let your cat enjoy the great outdoors while keeping them safe and healthy.
The Case Against letting your Cat Outside
It’s a debate as old as time itself, or at least as old as cats have been domesticated: should cats go outside? There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument, but ultimately it is up to the cat owner to decide what is best for their feline friend. In this article, we’ll explore the case against letting your cat outside.
They’re at risk of being hit by a car
The leading cause of death for cats is being hit by a car. According to a study conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 1.2 million cats are killed by vehicles each year in the United States.
There are a number of reasons why cats are at an increased risk of being hit by cars. For one, cats are much more timid than dogs and are less likely to run away from oncoming traffic. Additionally, cats are attracted to moving objects, which means they’re more likely to run into the street after a car or other vehicle.
Another significant risk factor is that cats are often difficult to see, especially at night. This is why it’s so important to keep your cat indoors at night, when visibility is lowest and the risk of being hit by a car is highest.
If you must let your cat outdoors during the day, be sure to confine them to a safe area such as your backyard or a fenced-in porch. And always keep an eye on them when they’re outside so you can intervene if they start to wander into unsafe territory.
They might contract diseases from other animals
While many cats enjoy an occasional romp outdoors, there are significant risks involved in letting your cat roam freely. One of the most significant dangers is that your cat could contract a disease from another animal. Cats who go outside are also more likely to be injured in a fight or hit by a car.
Another consideration is that outdoor cats are more likely to bring fleas and other parasites into your home. If you allow your cat to go outside, be sure to check them regularly for parasites and take them to the vet for regular checkups.
They might run away and get lost
Cats are curious creatures, and they love to explore. It’s only natural that you might want to let your cat out so that they can experience the great outdoors. However, there are a few things you should consider before letting your cat outside.
One of the biggest dangers of letting your cat outside is that they might run away and get lost. Cats are notorious for running off when they see an opportunity, and if they’re not familiar with their surroundings, they could easily get lost. If you live in an area with busy roads, your cat could also be at risk of getting hit by a car.
Another danger of letting your cat outside is that they could get into fights with other animals. Even if your cat is friendly, other animals might not be so welcoming. Cats can also contract diseases from other animals, so it’s important to make sure that they’re up-to-date on their vaccinations before letting them outside.
If you do decide to let your cat out, it’s important to be careful and keep an eye on them at all times. Make sure they’re wearing a collar with your contact information in case they do get lost, and consider microchipping them as well.
