If you’re bringing in a stray cat or if you’ve decided your exclusively-outdoor cat should now live indoors, you can’t just bring her in and let her have the run of the house right away. Cats – like most creatures – can adapt to almost any situation over time. “We treat him for fleas every 30 days, and we take him to the vet for his regular check-ups.” Those check-ups include vaccinations for diseases such as rabies and feline distemper, as well as heartworm medications. 4 Schedule plenty of play. This can range from as little as two years, out to 10-12 years. This is normal behavior. 5 Harness train your cat. The 2-year-old grey tabby would “meow his head off” and tear up the furniture whenever he was kept indoors. “Indoor cats have a much lower likelihood of becoming hurt or ill from outdoor hazards.” As evidence, indoor cats live longer than their outdoor counterparts. Infectious parasites are about two and a half to three times more prevalent in outdoor cats compared to indoor only cats. If you are in this situation – living in an apartment, for example – it is best to opt for a breed that will be happy to live indoors. Outdoor cats like Hobbes also can get wounded in fights with other animals, hit by cars, or killed when they inadvertently drink poisons such as antifreeze, she says. In 2008, 65% of survey participants said they keep their cats strictly indoors (Rowan, 2012). A totally outdoor cat (such as a feral or community cat) has certain basic needs, such as a windproof and rainproof shelter, to survive the seasons. Can you explain the benefits an argument's for both? I have an outdoor cat. J Feline Med Surg. “One of his eyes was closed shut before, and he had an abscess on his back one time from where he got into a fight with something.”. The indoor cat to outdoor cat transition can be a lot easier if your cat has a safe spot he can go to outside. Protect your kitty from other cats. Below we give tips on how to do this. "Give your kitty plenty of indoor options to express their natural behaviors," the Humane Society advised. This eliminates nocturnal hunting and … The indoor/outdoor cat debate is very controversial among animal caretakers and humane societies. Once you get the go-ahead from your vet, start by training your cat to use a litter box and scratching post outside so it … Personally, I would like to keep my fur babies as long as possible! So please make sure kitty has a good amount of time inside with his family before beginning the process to acclimate them to indoor/ outdoor living. In some cases, they may be up in a tree for days until they become so severely dehydrated and weak that they fall and suffer severe, serious or fatal injuries. Regardless of if your cat lives inside or out, a healthy, balanced diet, regular veterinary exams, and full vaccinations are key to preventing illness and helping your cat live a long healthy life. As evidence, indoor cats live longer than their outdoor counterparts. If your cat is fully vaccinated, microchipped, and has a decent collar, you can allow for a day or so before ramping up your search. Table of Contents hide. Whenever you adopt a new cat, try to keep them indoors. This beautiful item is not only pocket-friendly, but it … Providing stimulating cat toys and “trees” for adventure and play—like the Frisco 52-Inch Cat Tree or the KONG Naturals Cat Scratcher—gives your indoor cat many of the same benefits of outdoor recreation, and will keep your furry friend from becoming a bored cat with nothing to do. You might feel silly walking around your neighborhood with a cat on a leash, and your cat may protest at first, but once they get used to it your cat might actually enjoy walking with you. Or, they may think it’s cruel to keep cats cooped up inside, forced to spend their days staring out the window. An outdoor cat who comes to the veterinarian and is sick or vomiting is a true challenge because the possible causes are many. Many of these cats may carry diseases that can be passed on to your cat if he or she comes into contact with them. Every cat is different; this could take from two weeks to … “When I was little, I had indoor-outdoor cats and they all had fleas,” she recalls. Petplan takes a look at the pros and cons of keeping your cat indoors or letting them go outdoors. In contrast, an outdoor cat’s life expectancy is significantly shorter. In fact, the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 15 years, whereas the lifespan of outdoor cats are way shorter — averaging just 2 … Unlike most European countries where the majority of cats spend their days outdoors, Americans are increasingly keeping their cats permanently indoors. Roaming around his Fayetteville, Ga., neighborhood he’s had a few run-ins with the local wildlife. Fact: Many cats have successfully gone from outdoor-only or indoor/outdoor to indoor-only. The answer is yes; many cat owners have successfully transformed their indoor/outdoor cat into an indoor cat. Is it ever okay to let your cat outside? “Indoor cats have a much lower likelihood of becoming hurt or ill from outdoor hazards.”. According to the AVMA, indoor cats live longer than their outdoor counterparts. Indoor Cats vs. 1 Start as you plan to continue. Make Indoors Interesting. The indoor/outdoor cat debate is very controversial among animal caretakers and humane societies. It can also eliminate a desire for your cat to come inside. Take her to the veterinarian at least once every year for. Common examples include: 1. feline leukemia (FeLV) 2. feline AIDS (FIV) 3. Your cat could easily catch one of them if they come into contact with an infected animal. Think of it as a kind of cat conservatory or walled garden. Although the impact made by one cat might not seem like a big deal, it is important to think about the total impact of all the cats who are allowed outside. “Considering the potential dangers outdoors, an indoor lifestyle is much safer for cats,” Brunt says. For a cat, one of the best parts about living outdoors is the constant stimulation from all of the sounds, smells, and movements. There are plenty of people who are unable to let their cats out, for various reasons. Calvin and Hobbes have their own little houses. Try putting some of the toys away while you leave others out, and then rotate them every few days to give your kitty the “new toy” excitement without the expense. Declawed cats can’t defend themselves from dogs, other cats, or predators, making the outdoors even riskier. Friends for your feline. If your cat is intent on getting outdoors, fit him for a harness. Most vets will recommend keeping your cat indoors, but if you do want your cat to stay outdoors, make sure your pet is safe by keeping up with all scheduled vaccinations, parasite prevention, and bringing your outdoor cat indoors at night. She doesn’t have to give all of that up once she becomes an indoor cat. Below we give tips on how to do this. EDIT: to clarify when I say outdoor cat, I mean one thats allowed go go in and out as they please, not one that lives fully outside Jane Brunt, DVM, veterinarian and owner of the Cat Hospital at Towson and the Cat Hospital at Eastern Shore, Md., and executive director of the CATalyst Council. You can either buy a collar with a tag (but make sure the collar has a safety clasp that will release if your cat gets caught on something), or invest in a microchip that is implanted between your cat’s shoulder blades. This does not mean you have to buy your cat new toys constantly. Place one where you want the litter box to permanently reside, and put the transitional box at the door the cat once used to exit the house. If you’ve decided to keep your cat indoors, but want them to reap some of the benefits of being an outdoors cat, here are some ideas to engage your kitty. Bottom line: Ultimately, the decision of whether to have an indoor or outdoor cat is up to you. In fact, the record for the oldest house cat is over thirty years, while outdoor cats are sometimes lucky to see five years old. 2009 Jul 17 [Epub ahead of print]. American Veterinary Medical Association. Once cats have had that first taste of freedom, it’s tough to convince them to go back inside. Although it’s not the lifestyle vets recommend, LaRussell says keeping Odie outdoors has trimmed him down to what her vet says is an ideal weight. 1 Kress, Steve (2008). In fact, the record for the oldest house cat is over thirty years, while outdoor cats are sometimes lucky to see five years old. The answer is yes; many cat owners have successfully transformed their indoor/outdoor cat into an indoor cat. The indoor cat or outdoor cat debate can be a touchy subject. Indoor cats are overweight. Popular outdoor cat breeds include the Burmese, the Siamese, the Korat, the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Oriental.. Use Our Cat Directory. In addition, these creepy crawlies can hitch a ride into your home and infect your family. Indoor-outdoor cat has suddenly stopped going outside and has taken to getting into places in the house that she never went in before. If the indoor territory feels insecure, the resident cats are more likely to fight. Injuries from wild animal and stray dog attacks are very serious and often fatal. Few topics polarize opinion more than the matter of indoor cats vs. outdoor cats. Indoor or Outdoor Cat? Here are some great ways to ensure that your cat enjoys a happy, healthy life inside your home: Many cats enjoy the company of other cats or in some cases, dogs! When she finds that she can’t get … Indoor vs. “One day he came in and he had part of his jaw missing,” recalls his owner, Lisa McWhorter. There are a lot of dangers that face cats living an outdoor life. Outdoor Cats: Pros and Cons. It is easier to opt for an indoor only cat right from the start than to convert an outdoor cat successfully into an indoor one. In this episode of Cat Mojo, I take you through the sometimes very sticky landscape that is the indoor vs. outdoor debate. The Lifespan of an Indoor Cat By contrast, the lifespan of an indoor cat is typically 12 to 15 years. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Cats have individual preferences, and many prefer to have a variety of scratching posts and surfaces, so be sure to offer your cat several types in multiple locations around your house. Dr. Jeff Levy, DVM, CVA, owner of House Call Vet NYC, also discourages owners from keeping cats outdoors. La Russell understands the dangers that Odie can encounter outside, so she makes every effort to follow all of these guidelines. Cat And Kitten Care: The Indoor Vs Outdoor Cat Debate. I will admit that cats do love to explore! When your cat is feeling confident and calm in their indoor environment, they’ll be much more confident in their new indoor/ outdoor routine. Studies have shown that indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. Take your cat’s personality into account when deciding on their freedom. In 2008, 65% of survey participants said they keep their cats strictly indoors (Rowan, 2012). It’s important that your cat become acclimated to their indoor home, first. Diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) , or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) , rabies, cat flu are going to be more likely in a cat who has access to outdoors and interacts with other cats. Because of this, an outdoor cat can successfully become an indoor cat, and the reverse can happen as well. If you buy an Omlet Outdoor Cat Run your pet will be able to enjoy fresh air and exercise, with the added safety and security of a fence between them and the dangers beyond. Fact: If your cat is overweight, the safest way to help her trim down is by … Perhaps some of the biggest risks to the welfare of an indoor-only cat are not physical welfare risks but instead, risks to the emotional wellbeing of the cat. Related: 7 Best Indoor Cat breeds. To help you find a cat that’s more suited to living only indoors we have described each breed as being a typical “house cat” or “outdoor cat”. That’s one of the main reasons why, if your cats are indoor pets, you might want to consider changing their food to an indoor cat formula. Most problems, such as getting hit by a car or having a wild animal like a coyote after them -- it seems most of the problems occur at night,” says Bernadine Cruz, DVM, associate veterinarian at the Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, Calif., and member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Is your cat an indoor cat or an outdoor cat? “I may not be able to get the owner immediately, but I know that owner cared enough to put the chip in and I’ll go that step further [to locate them].” Finally, make sure your pet is spayed or neutered to prevent an unwanted litter. “I’ve worked in emergency clinics when a cat comes in that obviously belongs to someone,” Cruz says. A slow start is key! All rights reserved. They are immune to certain diseases, hunt more and can defend themselves better. Typically, indoor and outdoor cats can eat the same diet, but the indoor cat might gain more weight because it’s not as active. Plus she doesn’t have to clean the litter box as often as she once did. “They have blankets in the wintertime and lots of food and water,” McWhorter says. It's an emotional, never-ending debate, and I'll admit to mixed feelings. Enjoying these types of toys with your cat for several minutes each day is an ideal way to interact with your cat and provide much-needed exercise and playtime, while allowing an appropriate outlet for her natural prey drive. Disease:The American Feral Cat Coalition estimates that there are approximately 60 million feral and homeless stray cats living in the U.S. Indoor cats live on average 10-15 years, while outdoor cats live on average 2-5 years This handout is intended to help you sort out the pros and cons associated with each lifestyle so you can rest assured your cat Cats who are kept indoors … A cat's hunting instinct is just that—an instinct. A number of these diseases can be serious or potentially fatal. A lot of cat owners feel guilty about keeping their cat inside, and worry that they are depriving their cat of natural instincts or fresh air and sunshine. Ultimately, creating a safe space inside often requires limiting exposure to outdoor threats. But life is tough for an outdoor cat and their life expectancy is shorter than an indoor cat. He adds that the extreme climates of the outdoors can be very hard on a cat. They are more likely to get regular, healthy food. Which is better for a cat, staying indoors or being let outside? They are also at increased risk of infection, disease, road accidents, and animal attack. The indoor vs outdoor cat debate has raged for years among pet owners. Keep her on a leash or secured in a cage or other confined space where she can’t get out (and other cats can’t get in). An indoor cat may live 15-17 years, while the life expectancy for outdoor cats is only 2-5 years, according to researchers at University of California-Davis. On average, an indoor cat lives 10-15, but some cats can live for as many as twenty years. Don’t expect a cat who has lived outdoors for her whole life to easily transition to … Outdoor cats are always a lot healthier than indoor ones. Indoor Vs. Table of Contents hide. 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