Should I Let My Cat Outside?

No. Letting cats outdoors unsupervised is not the best idea, given the dangers free-roaming kitties face.

To support a cat’s overall well-being, “it’s better that they’re [kept] indoors, just to decrease the amount of risks that they’re exposed to,” says Michael Kearley, DVM. 

An outdoor cat regularly faces dangers such as: 

• Traffic
• Animals, including dogs, coyotes, or other cats
• Parasites, such as worms, fleas and ticks
• Extreme temperatures 
• Getting lost
• Exposure to diseases, such as feline leukemia 

In addition to the risks outdoor cats face, there’s also the danger of your pet causing harm. 

Cats are natural predators. It’s not unusual for an outdoor kitty to hunt birds or rabbits, or even fight other cats.

“I’m not a fan of just opening the door and letting your cat out,” says Ingrid Johnson, CCBC, owner of Fundamentally Feline in Atlanta. She says your cat could become aggressive and attack other cats. 

On average, an outdoor cat only lives about two to five years, while indoor-only cats have an average lifespan of 12 years. This significantly lower lifespan is due to the many dangers that cats face outside.

If your cat is spending any time outside, such as on a leash and harness, it’s important to take preventative care seriously. Talk to your vet to make sure your cat is up to date on routine vaccinations, parasite prevention, and regular blood tests.

“Heartworm prevention and flea control is an absolute must,” Johnson says.

Sequestering your cat in a safe, cozy indoor life doesn’t mean they’ll miss out on all the joys that outdoor life has to offer. In fact, a cat can be just as happy living inside as they would be roaming outside. 

“If we really ramp it up and make the indoors just as fun as the outdoors, then they’re really not missing much,” Johnson says.

With the right tools, routines, and resources, pet parents can give their indoor cats a life that is fun, stimulating, and engaging.

Cats are smart, curious creatures who love to explore. To keep them happy and entertained, your home should provide plenty of opportunities for scratching, hiding, and perching up high with a great view. 

“All of that helps with their natural instinct behaviors of climbing and taking care of their claws,” Dr. Kearley says. 

Indoor cats can get their adventure kicks by climbing cat trees, scratching posts, and window perches, and by hanging out in hiding places. Dr. Kearley says these hiding places could be as simple as a cardboard box.

It’s important to play with your cat every day. Typically, two or three 10– to 15–minute play sessions spaced throughout the day will keep your cat happy. 

Pet parents can engage their cat’s natural hunting instinct through interactive play with wand toys and laser pointers, and by providing crinkle balls or plush mice to chase.

Johnson also recommends simulating hunting with food puzzles, growing cat-safe plants, and experimenting with clicker training. 

While unsupervised outside time isn’t recommended, you can still find safe ways to let your cat explore the outdoors. Taking an indoor cat outside under supervision is a great way to let them enjoy the stimulating scents, sights, and sounds without the high risk of a full-blown outdoor life. 

“I’m a big fan of supervised outdoor enrichment,” Johnson says. “Anything from screened porches and patios, to stroller walks, to leash and harness walks.”

A catio is also an increasingly popular way to have an indoor cat spend time outdoors. A catio, or cat patio, is a screened outdoor space designed for cats. You can buy one already made or build it yourself for safe, outdoor playtime without the major dangers.

Just remember to speak with your vet about preventative care measures. Cats can catch dangerous parasites even from the safety of an enclosed porch. 

But with all the right safety measures in place, your indoor cat can get a happy, healthy dose of the outdoors and still live plenty of years to enjoy it.