Indoor-Outdoor Cats

Expert opinion suggests that cats stay indoors, but some of the reasons aren’t always entirely thorough, or are based on myths. Having lived with multiple homes with multiple cats over the years, with added experience from my parents and grandparents, we have seen all sides and almost every situation imaginable.

Litter boxes are quite costly, especially if you have more than one. You have to clean them, even if you use a protective bag. Also sweep the litter, utilize gobs of plastic, getting the heavy litter containers around, cleaning the pooper scooper, and the list goes on.

While you should always keep a litter box handy, by letting the kitty go outside, you won’t deal with it nearly as much (cats usually prefer the outside rather than a contained litter box, leaving less work and materials for you). Just be aware, some cats simply refuse to go outside when it’s raining or cold. Having a litter box in the garage or other secluded area allows her to stay comfortable inside during those conditions.

When we brought a rescued kitten home, the older, lone resident cat got pretty agitated. The kitten desired companionship (and playtime) but our cat wanted none of it. In her frustration, she was able to go outside when she got too agitated.

Cats can be surprisingly human. Going outside gives a cat time to exert frustration and get away from issues inside, just as if we were going on a walk. When you have multiple cats, it allows the territory to expand. If you have fences, it helps control specific areas cats become aware of and territory feuds easier to settle between neighbors.

Cats that do go outside have an endless amount of activities to perform; even if it’s just pestering the local squirrel and bird population with her mere presence. She requires a little less attention indoors. Just be aware she’ll learn very quickly where the bird feeders are.

Indoor cats also have a higher tendency to get into everything because their territory boundaries are so small they must know more about the place. Even if that’s your fancy china dish cabinet. Cats able to go outdoors are also much more appreciative of the home if they are well taken care of. Even our indoor cats that get outside come back sweeter than ever. They know there is available food that doesn’t have to be hunted, warmth, treats, and worry-free protection. Strictly indoor cats are more spoiled.

Outside, cats face canine predators – Domestic cats are one of the most violent creatures in the city when it comes to self defense. Most dogs for example just bark and make noise, they have no intention of harming the cat. Though unlike a squirrel, cats will claw the most sensitive spot on a four-legged animal: the nose, for a whining, instant knock-out that gets canines running. Cats well settled into their territory have been known to shut dogs up. A coyote/wolf population won’t even stop your cat from going outside. Unless you live in the wilderness, cats won’t have much a problem. If you don’t get them declawed, they can climb trees from those they feel they can’t face.

Cats can get impregnated – Several cities nowadays actually set up fines for owning pets that aren’t neutered, spayed, or have their shots (be sure to check if you plan to have kittens, you never know who's watching). Getting your cat spayed or neutered easily fixes that and often keeps them away from each other as there's nothing attracting them to each other.

Cats can get hit by cars – This is true, but it’s a much rarer occurrence than you might think. Healthy animals are usually going to be smarter and realize passing cars are fast, have headlights, and make a loud sound. Cats that are hit most often are strays. Even cats that are strictly indoor avoid this fate fairly well.

Cats can get lost – Cats are known to have excellent navigational skills. When people move, and their cats get outside too early, they will find their way back home, travelling hundreds of miles. They are strictly territorial, unlike dogs who are natural roamers in the wild.

Outside, cats get very dirty – Yes, and it can be a hassle trying to bathe them. Except that unlike most dogs, cats clean themselves. It’s difficult to imagine, but cats and dogs have antibacterial saliva (hence, why dogs have cleaner mouths than humans). Letting your pet lick your wounds actually disinfects them. Thus, it's almost completely unnecessary to bathe a cat unless they are completely soaked in something possibly poisonous to lick off.

Cats can get fleas/ticks – Cats can bring in unwanted bugs into the house, but there’s an entire industry dedicated to reliable, cheap products for exactly that. Brushes and combs imbedded with special, safe, chemicals, and flea collars. Surprisingly, flea collars tend to work pretty well.

When you move or receive a new cat, it’s very important that they stay indoors for at least two weeks. This allows them to settle into their new territory and generally speaking, accept it. During this time, the cat will have to get adjusted and keeping watch of the doors and windows is important.

Cats are excellent hunters, no doubt. And to show appreciation to you, they will bring animals in the house. Sometimes they drop them by the back or front door when they’re dead, or just bring them inside. Other times they will put them in places of easy access (like in your pants—personal experience). Punishing them isn’t going to fix this; they don’t realize what they’re doing is wrong and won’t. Besides, most often these animals will be easy to catch or ignore like lizards, or eaten by your cat at some point.

But if you don't like it, try feeding them. When cats get hungry, they tend to hunt more, as their growling stomach sets off survival instincts. And with a variety of food outside, who needs to live off of the same old boring cat food all the time? Giving them treats constantly around meal times helps keep them from their hunting incentives, though if they are playful and young they may still attempt to catch a moving object, regardless of hunger.

Cats that are already declawed or you feel need to be declawed shouldn’t be outside. Part of being able to survive and remain effectively active outdoors means that the cats need their claws.

One of the biggest concerns you will need to consider is unwanted singing cats can perform when outside. When it sounds like a cat is yowling or crying out in lengthy tones, they’re warning invaders of their territory, usually neighborhood cats. Outdoor cats also know of the advantages of being inside, and if they are left outside, they can and will find your bedroom window and make noise, from singing, to batting, or scratching. If your bedroom is upstairs by a slanted roof, you aren’t exempt (personal experience).

Having a cat door leading to a garage that’s crack open enough for the cat but not a person allows you to place a litter box in the garage and give an entry for the cat to come in and out. This keeps the litter box out of the house, helps control temperature inside, and gives your cat a relatively safe area to come and go without bothering you.