Indoor vs outdoor cats: what's right for you and your cat

Your cat is your world, so naturally you want the best life for them. But when it comes to keeping them inside or letting them roam outdoors, what’s the best option?

While some cats love to roam outside, others prefer to stay nestled up in your lap. Meanwhile, there are those felines who can’t be left to their own devices or they'll wander too far and potentially go missing.

But how do you know which camp your cat falls into without letting them roam free? Knowing whether your cat will be an indoor or outdoor type is a tricky debate and one that requires a bit of pre-thinking.

Explore the best option for your cat in our indoor vs outdoor cat guide.

This is personal to you and your cat. Many people think it is cruel to keep your cat confined to your house but there’s no harm in doing so if you keep them happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated. Some breeds such as ragdolls aren’t well suited to life outdoors and if you get your cat from a breeder, they may have a clause in your contract that they be kept as indoor cats only. 

There are definitely cases where cats should be kept indoors. These include on the occasion they’re unwell, scared, or haven’t had much experience in the area where you live. If your cat isn’t happy outside, or roams too far and goes missing for extended periods, then the best thing you can do is keep them safe and calm within the home.

Another consideration to make is your cat’s effect on the local wildlife population. Domestic cats will hunt and kill up to 10 times more wildlife in your area than other predators of a similar size according to research. This can have a detrimental impact on your local area. Not to mention that it’s very unpleasant to find a dead bird on your doorstep (or worse – in your slippers).

Something else to consider is whether you live in an area with lots of traffic. Cars and vehicles pose a big threat to cats – whether they get hit, hide in the hood of a car, or decide to take a taste of anti-freeze in the winter. The risks of letting your cat explore past your garden are important to consider.

Cats are individuals and each one has their own unique personality – that’s why we love them so much. This means that some cats will thrive inside, preferring the cosy warmth and comfy sleeping spots. While others need outdoor stimulation to remain calm and happy. The majority of cats do love to explore outdoors, but you’ll need to toss up whether their safety is being compromised.

There really is no right or wrong when it comes to what makes cats happier, so it’s recommended to get to know your cat and figure out which lifestyle suits them.

Yes, it has been done plenty of times. However, like anything with our precious cats, they might not make it easy.

If your cat has enjoyed an out-of-home lifestyle, they might struggle to stay inside for long periods so it’s best to ease them indoors slowly. Try to bring them in for longer periods and watch how they behave. You may notice that they make a mad dash for the door everytime you leave, or appear to be distressed or even annoyed at you.

If their energy is low, you may need to give them outdoor exercise to complement their new indoor life. This can be done on a leash if you’re not confident letting them roam freely.

Most cats will transition to an indoor life quite easily so long as all their needs are met. Those needs include food, water, shelter, warmth and lots of cuddles. (Or not, depending on their personality). 

Cats who live indoors actually live longer, thanks to a lowered risk of being hit by a car or getting lost and then ending up being euthanized, so don’t feel bad for bringing your cat indoors.

If you live in a busy city where your cat might be at risk of being hit by a car, keeping your cat indoors permanently can be a smart move and is nothing to worry about. It’s thought that their quality of life is equally as good as an outdoor car and they’re usually safer too.

There are plenty of options for indoor cats to enjoy being outside – building a catio will keep them secure and safe while offering lots of climbing opportunities and mental stimulation. Alternatively, you might want to consider making your entire garden cat proof – which involves installing climb-proof fences and blocking up escape routes. This means your cat can lounge in the sun without you worrying about them getting out.

It’s sometimes thought so, as it builds more of a dependence and bond with their owner. However, this will totally depend on the cat in question and those cats who don’t like the indoor life are certain to let you know about it.

If your cat hates being indoors they might withhold affection, paw at the door, meow to be let out, and even give you the odd dirty look. Generally though, your cat's affection levels won’t be determined by whether they’re indoors or outdoors, it mostly comes down to their personality.

There is something to be said for indoor cats living longer. The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 12-20 years while outdoor cats typically live 5-10 years. While many outdoor cats do live to see their late teens and 20s, the likelihood is a lot lower due to the risk of being hit by a car or involved in an accident.

Often, these incidents occur when outdoor cats aren’t as car-aware or street smart which is often when they are younger. These premature deaths bring the average lifespan of the outdoor cat down significantly.

Yes. In fact, many owners choose to keep their cat indoors before they have been spayed or neutered and then let them outdoors once they’re healed. It can also be good to let them settle in and get comfortable in your home before letting them outdoors, so that they associate your home with comfort and love and are happy to come back.

Most probably, yes. If they’re happy, healthy, and comfortable with the area, your cat should return home with ease. Many cats love an independent life and are more than happy to roam quite far from home and find their way back. They’re thought to have an amazing sense of direction, and can travel up to 10-20 miles over a couple of days and some cats have even roamed hundreds of miles to return to a previous home.

The biggest risk is them getting lost or heading for a previous home, so be sure to microchip them so they can be easily found if they get lost while out exploring.

While outdoor cats typically live 5-10 years, this is an approximate average. Many outdoor cats live to see their later years, especially if you live in a suburban or country area where the risk of being hit by a car is lower.

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