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Indoor-Outdoor Lifestyle for Cats
Vs
Indoor-Only Lifestyle for Cats
Which is Best?
Should domestic house cats be kept exclusively indoors, allowed outside only on a leash or in a secure carrier or should these pets be allowed to roam outdoors. This question has opened more controversy among owners of house cats than any other topic. The basic conflict centres around the indoor-only life versus the indoor-outdoor life for cats. Advocates for the indoor-only life “believe outdoor life exposes cats to a shorter, more dangerous life.” (Seidman, 1994, 43) Cats living in the second group are “housed” indoor, but are allowed to circulate freely outdoors when the family lets them.” (Seidman, 1994, 43) By combining the best of both worlds, cats can experience the freedom of the outdoors with the safety of living inside.
Indoor-outdoor cats run many risks when roaming the neighbourhood. “Topping the list is the veterinary emergency known as H.B.C. (‘hit by a car’).” (Seidman, 1994, 43) Next on the list are fights with other cats, which result in bite and scratch wounds. These wounds may become infected or transmit feline leukemia or the feline immunodeficiency virus. Very commonly, cats are chased by dogs – most often dogs within packs. Not every chased cat is able to make it to a tree and escape the dog. Even though cats are often the hunters, they can also become the prey for larger mammals, such as great horned owls, eagles, coyotes and bears. (Seidman, 1994)
In rural area, indoor-outdoor cats may also fall prey to hunters who mistake the cats for rabbits. This populations of cats could also become trapped in steel-jawed leg hold traps, set out to catch wildlife. In more populated areas, indoor-outdoor cats may fall prey to angry homeowners who do not appreciate their garden beds or garbage bags ripped apart by wandering cats. They may be shot with a pellet gun or injured by mean-spirited or careless children. These cats can also be stolen and sold to disreputable medical labs or the fur trade. (Seidman, 1994)
There are also many physical obstacles and dangers the indoor-outdoor cat must avoid. Free-roaming cats can become trapped in a cellar or shed, fall into a swimming pool, become stranded up a tree or become caught inside a car motor when its’ owner turns the automobile on. A practice many cat owners employ, whether they own indoor or outdoor cats, is to bang on the car hood before starting up the automobile.
Indoor-outdoor cats may ingest toxins or poisons from pesticides on grass or ingest the toxins or poisons when licking their paws. More commonly, indoor-outdoor cats run the risk of licking sweet tasting antifreeze from leaking car radiators or spills from containers. Unfortunately, one-quarter of a teaspoon of antifreeze is enough to kill an adult cat and there is no antidote for this toxin.
Cats do not often hunt out of hunger but for the pleasure of the sport. “Even the best-fed cats enjoy hunting rodents, birds and the occasional reptile for sport.” (Seidman, 1994, 43) When they devour too much of their prey, the indoor-outdoor cat can become very ill. More commonly, cats that eat prey become infected with worms, intestinal parasites, along with ticks and fleas. Indoor cats are also prone to infestations of fleas, although the risk is certainly higher for the indoor-outdoor cat.
Ridding a cat of worms or parasites is simple compared to battling infestations of fleas. Fleas also carry the eggs of tapeworms, which can grow to several feet long inside a cat. (Seidman, 1994) Often, fleas cause an angry red rash to develop on the cat’s skin, which can be treated with a steroid preparation. Ticks, including the deer tick, which carries Lyme disease, are another threat to cats that prowl through brush and tall grass. (Seidman, 1994)
Lastly, indoor-outdoor cats run a different risk, that of uncontrollable breeding.
“Any unaltered cat allowed to circulate freely outdoors may add at least one litter
to the surplus of unwanted pets because many adolescent cats reach sexual maturity before their owners ever think about having them spayed or neutered.” (Seidman, 1994, 44)
Owners of indoor-outdoor cats cannot easily rebut these multiple dangers and risks their cats meet when allowed to explore the outdoors without restraints. One wonders if there are any benefits to an indoor-outdoor cat, yet there are many benefits. Cats prefer to do “their business” outdoors, as a result, the litter box is rarely utilized. This cuts down not only on the expense of purchasing litter but also on the strong odor that often rises from a well-used box. Indoor cats do not have the benefit of nature providing stimulation. These cats rely on humans to provide the entertainment. Indoor cats require toys, areas to climb and human contact to provide the play or they grow bored and restless. Toys and playtime add up to extra monetary and time costs, which some cat owners are unable to afford. All cats routinely scratch their claws. An owner of an indoor-only cat, who doesn’t want his/her furniture ruined by scratching must decide whether to purchase a scratching post or put out the expense to have their cat de-clawed.
Cats enjoy, by their nature, the stimulation of the outdoors. Cats enjoy hunting wildlife, chasing leaves and running after butterflies. Advocates of this lifestyle claim “fresh air aids in keeping the house cat physically fit and mentally alert.” (Seidman, 1994, 44) An indoor-outdoor cat rarely becomes bored, preferring to chase and play outdoors than sleep soundly inside.
Simple precautions can be undertaken if one prefers to let the cat explore outdoors. Examine carefully the cat’s environment for any obvious or constant dangers. Allow the cat outside during the daylight hours and bring the cat in at dusk. This protects the indoor-outdoor cat from nocturnal prowlers or being hit by a car (cats are harder to see at night). Combine this practice with feeding time and a cat is not so likely to wander very far from its neighbourhood, thus decrease the likelihood of becoming lost.
It is important to neuter or spay the cat before allowing him/her to roam outdoors. Not only does this cut down on overpopulation, it also decreases the cat’s need to wander away from the yard. For a male cat, neutering decreases the amount of fights he will engage in over female cats and/or territory.
Vaccinations should be kept current. All cats should be medicated for worms twice yearly – spring and fall – especially the indoor-outdoor cat. Indoor-outdoor cats should be checked on a regular basis for ticks, fleas, scratches, cuts and bites marks. Control fleas with sprays, combs, break-away collars or flea dip baths. Currently on the market are pills to control fleas, which can be obtained through the local veterinarian. Disinfect even the smallest cut or scratch then observe for signs of infection. It is advisable for a veterinarian to remove ticks or check over severe bite marks.
Trim indoor-outdoor cats’ claws long enough for self-defense and for climbing trees, in the event the cat has to run for safety. Provide identification on the cat, in the form of a breakaway collar and tag. Some cat owners feel collars are not safe for cats, believing the collar will not break if caught up and as a result, the cat will choke. Ensure the collar placed on the cat is a breakaway by testing prior to allowing your cat outdoors. An alternative to a collar is a tattoo (similar idea as branding) or a microchip placed on the inside of the ear. The downfall with a microchip is losing a cat is lost in an area where there are no equipment to read the chip. The difficulty with tattoos is similar, as many animal shelters or veterinarian offices do not have lists with registered tattoos, thus the cat would not be identified back to the owner.
Observe the indoor-outdoor cat for any unusual behaviours which could indicate ingestion of a toxin or poison. If one suspects her/his cat has swallowed a toxin or poison, either call the poison control centre for animals or take the cat immediately to the veterinary clinic. Owning an indoor-only cat does not necessarily mean the cat is safe from ingestion of toxins or poisons. Indoor-only cats are susceptible to ingesting poisons or toxins, through accidental ingestion of household cleaners and disinfectants. Ensure that all poisons or toxin spillages are immediately cleaned up – both indoors and outdoors. Avoid spraying pesticides on the lawn and wipe up all spills of antifreeze immediately.
Advocates of the indoor-outdoor lifestyle believe their cats are more physically fit and mentally alert than the indoor-only cat. Even though the dangers are very real, indoor-outdoor cats can lead a productive long life. By staying alert to constant dangers, using a common-sense approach and following basic practices consistently, most indoor-outdoor cats can enjoy their ventures outdoors to a very old age.
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Works Cited
Seidman, Susan. Indoors vs Outdoors. Cats Magazine. May 1994: 43-47
References
Nicholson, F.C. The Predator In Your Cat. Cats Magazine. September 1994: 44-47
Rosen, Barbara. Take Your Cat for a Walk. Cats Magazine. May 1994: 46
Seidman, Susan. Indoors vs Outdoors. Cats Magazine. May 1994: 43-47
© 1994 Beverley McInnis
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