Inside versus Outside Living
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Cats going outside can impact their behavior when they come back in
There is some debate in the cat owner universe regarding keeping cats inside only, inside outside hybrid, or outside only. We keep all our cats inside only. We based this decision on multiple factors. The primary factor has to do with safety. The average lifespan for an inside only cat is around 14 years. We have had multiple cats live past 20. The average lifespan of a cat who spends time wandering around outdoors is only 2-5 years. This is quite a difference.
Keep in mind nearly ALL of our cats are strays from out on the streets. Many of these rescues are younger, but several are older adults used to surviving outside. We have seen dozens of times where a newly rescued cat will gradually calm down in their private sequestered room once they realize they can’t get out. Usually within a matter of a few days the new cat begins to relax even more and at this point is where we will see them just sleep for about 2-3 days. I think this is because they are no longer “on guard” 24-7.
Cats that go outdoors even for a little while are at great risk. The list of hazards includes: humans, cars, stray/loose dogs, other cats, large birds, some reptiles and insects, and potential exposure to toxins like pesticides and weed killers. Where I live coyotes can be a big problem for cats. Other predators from nature can be a cat’s worst nightmare. Other cats can expose your kitty to a variety of diseases, not to mention serious wounds from fights.
My wife and I started our rescue path by volunteering at the local Humane Society. Everyday folks would come in looking for their lost outside cat. It was so sad to see how they were in a panic and upset. It was even worse when they had children with them who were even more distressed looking for their beloved cat.
Inside only cats do need to have something to do. We are blessed with a large number of large windows. Nearly every window in our house is set up with furniture or cat towers so that our cats can enjoy the outdoors from the safety of the inside of their home. When weather allows all windows are open too. They have toys, other cat friends, and even dog friends. Sometimes they even have human friends if we have behaved.
Other options for inside only cats are the use of a screened in porch or sun room. We are looking into converting our deck or patio into a cattery. These are outdoor like settings with indoor safety. Some cats can wear a harness and walked outside like a dog. This still carries some risk however.
Our philosophy is better safe than sorry. Often people make the mistake of allowing their cats to go out thinking they are doing them a favor or making them happy. You must keep in mind it only takes one moment for disaster to strike and you can never go back. I’ve seen it many times…that look on the owners face, that look in their eyes of panic, dismay, fear, and desperation. I would not wish those moments on anyone. It’s awful.
Now there are certain situations where there is an outside stray cat that for a variety of reasons we are not able to catch them. Some cats are too smart to get trapped. Others only like dry food and won’t go for tuna or wet food. Sometimes they are really struggling and we to just get some food in them.
In these types of situations we get them plenty of food, clean water, and try to offer them some kind of shelter outside. We will still try to engage with them and attempt to get them inside, but we have had some cats that we were unsuccessful. We just do the best we can.
