Indoor vs. outdoor cats

Did you know that the average lifespan of an indoor cat is more than 10 years, while felines who reside outside survive for an average of only 2 years? The Great Outdoors isn't so great for domestic cats, who are more likely to be exposed to infectious diseases than their indoors-only counterparts. Felines who live outside may also encounter rabid wildlife and off-leash neighborhood dogs, and many cats get hit by cars. Life is a lot cozier, and safer, inside!

Turning Indoor Cats into Outdoor Cats

There are options for owners who wish to introduce their companion felines to the outside world. If you have a backyard, consider a screened-in enclosure for your pet. You can build your own by securing chicken wire or wire hardware cloth to a simple wood frame. Avoid using regular window screening, which is not as durable. Include shelves and furniture for climbing and resting, and make sure there's a shaded area to which your pet can retreat in warm weather. If you have a fenced-in yard, add cat-proof netting before allowing your feline the run of the place. It is recommended that you supervise your kitty when she is in her enclosure or roaming in your yard. If you cannot remain outside with her, keep her in the house. Harness training your feline to go for walks is another way to expand her horizons. You'll need an 8-foot lightweight leash or flexi-lead and a figure-8 or H-type harness. For a perfect fit, you should barely be able to get your finger between the harness.

Take Your Time with Indoor Cats Outside

When you feel that your cat is comfortable, make a brief trip outside. Felines need time to investigate their surroundings, so let your pet sniff and explore at her own pace. If she shows any signs of stress, however–such as defensive body postures, dilated pupils or diarrhea–pick her up and go home.

If you plan to take your cat outside, an up-to-date vaccination record is essential. So is a collar with ID tags and a microchip or tattoo. It's also a good idea to check your cat carefully after she's been outside during flea season.

Harness-walking and play sessions in a fenced-in yard can open up a new world for your cat, but these activities can be a bit too exciting for unneutered males, who may learn to spray indoors if they smell another cat's marking scent or a female in heat. This is yet another reason to make that appointment for spaying or neutering if you haven't already!