Indoors vs. Outdoors

Hey there, fellow cat lovers! Today we're going to talk about one of the most important things that every cat owner should know - how to keep your feline friend safe, happy, and healthy. But first things first, let's address the elephant in the room: should you keep your cats indoors or let them roam free outside?

Well, here's the deal - while it's true that cats allowed roaming outside have a significantly shorter lifespan than their indoor counterparts, we're not going to make that one of our five steps. Why? Because keeping your cat indoors to ensure their safety and longevity is more of a fundamental fact that really lies at the very bottom of all the skills you want to build as a cat parent.

But before you start writing comments bashing us for condemning cat guardians who let their cats roam outside, let's take a step back. Are cats allowed to play outside healthier, behaviorally speaking? Yes, they generally are. Hunting is so important to cats, and having access to this activity can keep them active both mentally and physically. Plus, who doesn't love seeing their kitty bask in the sun and frolic in the grass?

Now, does this mean that all cat guardians who let their cats free-roam are un-caring people who don't give a toss if their cats live long, happy lives? Of course not! We know that some outdoor situations can be safer than others and that there are plenty of responsible cat owners who take all the necessary precautions to keep their furry friends safe.

Now, I get it. We all want our cats to be happy and have the freedom to explore and hunt like they were born to do. And yes, cats are pretty magical creatures, aren't they? I mean, I may be a little biased, but I think they're the best.

But here's the thing: as much as we want to believe that our cats have an inner wisdom that will protect them from harm, the truth is they don't stand a chance against some of the dangers out there. And unfortunately, some of those dangers are things that we put in front of them without even realizing it.

Let me give you an example. Do you know those pretty lilies that your neighbor grows in their garden? Yeah, they're beautiful, but did you know that they can actually be deadly to cats if ingested? And that's just one of many common plants that can be harmful to our furry friends.

And what about antifreeze? It's something we all use in our cars during the winter months, but did you know that it's also extremely toxic to cats? And it's not just antifreeze - there are plenty of other chemicals and substances out there that can be dangerous if our cats come into contact with them.

So, as much as we want our cats to be happy and free, it's important to remember that their safety should always come first. If you do want to let your cat outside, make sure you supervise them or consider getting them a safe and secure outdoor enclosure. And of course, always make sure your home and yard are free of any potential hazards.

Now, I'm not just saying this because I've seen some truly terrible things happen to cats when they're left to wander outside on their own. I've lived in places where strays were shot, tortured, dumped in the desert, hit by cars, and so much more. It's heartbreaking to witness, and I firmly believe that we can do better for our pets.

The truth is, keeping your cats indoors is just plain safer. You can provide them with entertainment and stimulation to make up for the lack of outdoor adventures, but you can't ensure their safety once they're out of sight. It's just not worth the risk.

But here's the good news - providing a safe and stimulating environment for indoor cats is totally doable. Yes, it might take a bit more effort and investment, but it's worth it to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. You can get plenty of toys, scratching posts, and other environmental enrichment items to keep your cat entertained and stimulated. Plus, you won't have to worry about them getting into fights with other cats or getting injured by cars or predators.

In fact, there are many ways to provide entertainment and stimulation for indoor cats who may be missing the excitement of the outdoors. It may take a little extra effort, but trust me, it's worth it.

And guess what? I'm here to help! I offer many ways, strategies, and techniques to help you and your cat live your best lives together. One of these ways is through my affordable membership program, the Holistic Cat Club, which is opening up later this year. If you're interested in learning more, be sure to check out the waitlist in the description below.

Now, I know that some people may think that indoor cats are more prone to becoming neurotic or unhappy, but that's simply not true. Just because a cat is kept inside doesn't automatically mean it'll be miserable. Some cats have quiet, shy personality that thrives in an indoor environment, while others may need a bit more attention and enrichment to keep them happy.

There is an overwhelming amount of information available on the internet, and it can be difficult to sift through all the noise. However, my goal is not to add to that noise, but rather to offer a fresh perspective. I want to validate your desire to provide the best possible care for your cats and help you elevate your skills as a cat parent.

Adopting a cat is a serious, long-term commitment, and it requires integrity and responsibility. As a responsible cat guardian, it's important to be open-minded and willing to learn better ways to care for your furry companions. This means taking the time to understand your cat's needs and seeking alternative options when the standard advice doesn't seem to be working.

Just as we have a responsibility to care for and protect our children, we also have a responsibility to care for and protect our cats. While cats have their own unique needs, it's important to approach cat ownership with a sense of duty and care. Just as we wouldn't allow a child to cross a busy street alone, we shouldn't allow our cats to run the risk of harm by letting them roam outside without supervision. As responsible cat guardians, it's our responsibility to provide a safe and fulfilling environment for our feline companions. 

Here is the list of dangers of free-roaming cats:

1. RTAs
2. Getting poisoned
3. Getting lost or trapped
4. Getting stolen
5. Getting hurt by other animals (whether they are predators or simply dogs on the loose)
6. Getting hurt by other humans: remember that some people are nasty
7. Getting injured or contracting diseases by fighting with other cats (indoor cats don’t need so many vaccinations, and can live much longer just because of this)
8. Getting out of your control completely when it comes to feeding, toilet habits, symptoms of feeling unwell, and behavior changes.

This point is the last on the list, but it is also a very significant one. Not many people seem to discuss it, but having some control over the way your cats live can extend their lifespan by many years. Of course, every situation is different and requires individual assessment. There are various ways to enhance your cat's life in a way that works for you. However, it bothers me when people celebrate not needing a litter box in their home because their cats go outside. Every cat deserves the comfort of a clean toilet in a cozy spot, just like we do. They are members of our family, and sometimes the weather is too harsh outside. As cats get older, they might not be able to jump as high or maneuver as well, making it difficult for them to access a toilet. Additionally, cats might hold their pee for too long, causing health problems. What cats do in their litter box can provide crucial clues about how they feel, which is why providing a comfortable and accessible place for them to do their business is crucial.

It is important to appreciate that cats adapt to using a litter box indoors, and this behavior can provide valuable insights into their health and well-being. I am always happy to assist cat owners who are looking to address health or behavior issues with their outdoor cats. However, it is generally easier to implement remedies and behavioral modification techniques with indoor cats due to the greater degree of control you have over their environment. For instance, if a client consults me for a nutrition plan to help their cat lose weight, it would be more effective if their cat did not have access to well-intentioned bowls of kibble put out by their neighbors every day, under the assumption that the cat is starving.

As responsible cat owners, it's important to prioritize our feline friends' welfare instead of convenience. Let's strive to do better. When taking care of your cats, consider your unique situation, and always keep in mind that you want to be the best cat parent possible, providing the care they deserve.

Of course, I understand that every cat and every environment is different. There is a vast difference between cats roaming in a high-traffic area versus those living in the countryside. It's possible that you might be facing individual challenges in caring for your cats. If you decide to let your cats outside without supervision, there are some things you should consider.

If you decide to let your cats roam outside without supervision, there are several things you should do to ensure their safety:

1. Make sure they have updated microchips and tags since only 2% of non-microchipped cats are able to find their way home when lost.
2. Use breakaway collars to prevent accidental strangulation.
3. Keep your cats on a schedule, avoid free-feeding, and train them for recall.
4. Use a radio tracker as it tends to pick up a more accurate signal than GPS trackers, especially when cats hide under cars or bushes.
5. Ensure you have great pictures of your cats.
6. Make sure you have great pictures of your cat's story

IF YOU KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS, GIVING THEM CONTROLLED ACCESS TO GOING OUTSIDE CAN BE A FABULOUS WAY TO KEEP THEM HAPPY AND ENTERTAINED BUT ALSO SAFE AT THE SAME TIME.

Tips to keep your cats happy with controlled access to the outdoors are:

1. Use a catio or cat-proofed fence: These options allow your cats to freely move in and out of the house without the worry of them getting lost or injured. Catio and cat-proofed fences can be great solutions to keep your cats safe. If you're interested in these options, I have links below to companies I personally recommend.
2. If you can't build a catio or have a cat-proofed garden, take your cat for a walk on a leash once a day. You can also consider using backpacks or pet buggies, depending on your cat's temperament.
3. Create space for window perches to allow your cats to enjoy some "cat TV." This can help satisfy their curiosity about the outdoors while still keeping them safe.

And if your cats are indoor only:

1. Make sure to play with them at regular intervals to keep them active and engaged.
2. Use food puzzles to feed your cats to keep them mentally stimulated and promote healthy eating habits.
3. Provide scented toys for your cats to play with while you're not actively playing with them to keep them entertained.

By giving your cats controlled access to the outdoors or providing stimulating activities for indoor cats, you can help them be their true selves while staying safe and healthy. This way, your feline friends can enjoy the best of both worlds!

As I always say... REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE YOUR CATS’ SPECIAL PERSON, AND YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE THE CHOICES THAT SHAPE THEIR LIFE.

So.. Make wise choices.