The Great Indoors: Should your Cat ever be let outside?

Examining the Indoor Cat Pros and Cons

Lock your cat up indefinitely? How absurd! Our furry friends deserve the freedom to bask in the sun, roll in the grass and climb trees! Or do they…? Perhaps an exclusively indoor lifestyle truly is best for your beloved feline. Let’s dig into this litter box of controversy.

Photo by Juls on Pexels

Now before you scratch up the furniture in outrage, hear out the reasons why limiting your cat’s domain to your home may not be as crazy as it sounds. Outside lurks so many hazards — cars, predators, toxins and more that can cut short those nine lives. Indoors, you can fully control and cat-proof their environment for maximum security.

But doesn’t captivity violate their inner spirit? Not necessarily — today’s home environments provide ample space and stimulation. With cat trees, play structures and window perches, your cat can happily channel their inner tiger right inside your living room! And no need for solitary confinement — indoor cats can enjoy rich social lives with cat roommates and family playtime.

Still, nothing beats sunbathing on a windowsill or rolling in freshly cut grass…right? Virtual and indoor alternatives exist! Set up a cat-friendly screened patio or enclose your backyard into a “catio” for safe outdoor access. Grow…