Why should a cat be allowed to roam outside?Cats are born hunters, and this tendency is uncontrollable. They can watch anything that flies, runs, or crawls for hours at a time. We may not always approve of your cat's unwanted and unneeded hunting behavior, but it is a natural impulse that you have no control over. Put a small bell around your cat's neck to attract the prey's attention. Indoor cats, like outdoor cats, have a strong hunting instinct that must be sated. Provide adequate challenge and outlets for your cat's energy by providing a variety of activities.
A cat's physical and mental health benefits greatly from adequate exercise. Provide a variety of activities for your cat to engage in in order to provide ample challenge and outlets for its energy. Sufficient exercise is also essential for a cat's health since it helps to prevent both physical and mental problems. Outside, a cat enjoys complete freedom of movement, which might be difficult to achieve indoors.
PROS
The outdoors provides a far more conducive environment for your cat to obtain enough exercise. Additionally, spending time outside can help a cat's mental health by allowing them to explore and keep their minds occupied.
CONS
If you keep an outside cat, you'll have to be wary of fleas, both as a health risk for the cat and as a source of fleas in your home. It can be difficult to keep fleas off your cat even with a flea product (such as a collar) if the environment isn't treated. Even 'occasional' outdoor cats require particular attention and vaccinations to prevent themselves from the extremely contagious and deadly Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV).
In the city limits of Larimer County, all cats must be on a leash or enclosed in some way if they are outside.
Why should a cat be kept indoors?In addition to providing a variety of enjoyable challenges, the outside world also poses a threat to your cat. This includes traffic, bad actors, and the possibility of becoming disoriented. Another point in keeping your cat inside is a fight with your neighbors. This will cause no harm and will not deprive your cat of much, as long as it has been accustomed to being indoors since a young age and the indoor environment provides sufficient distraction. When your cat has been used to going outside but is no longer permitted to, a bigger problem arises. Expect a lot of whimpering in front of the door for a long time. Is it permissible for your cat to go outside but not on the street? Consider enclosing your garden to create a cat-friendly environment.
PROS
Indoor cats are wonderful house pets, however, there are a few considerations to keep in mind for cats in this circumstance. The most important factor to consider when determining whether to keep a cat indoors or let them go outside is safety. Indoor cats are obviously less likely to get into fights with other animals, be hit by cars or other risks, or catch fetal disorders like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). Your cat will want your assistance in getting enough exercise and maintaining a healthy physical condition, which means plenty of playtimes!
CONS
While a cat is kept indoors all of the time, it becomes very reliant on its humans for stimulation, which can lead to the cat being upset when the owner is away and to the cat being "clingy" when the owner is there. Furthermore, some cats are still destructive to furniture, even with sufficient environmental enrichment and scratching posts.