There’s a cat that visits my patio from time to time. It has no collar and it hisses at me if I approach it. I nicknamed it Smokey, and I know what you’re thinking: Smokey is a stray. I thought so too, at first, but it’s fat with a clean coat. The strays I’m used to seeing in my area are usually skinny, so I have a feeling Smokey belongs to someone, and that Smokey’s owner lets it roam outside.
Every time I see Smokey, I always wonder why the owner lets it be outside. In fact, why does anyone allow their cat to go outside? I am not talking about enclosed patios or fenced backyards. I’m talking about opening the front door, watching your cat leave, and then shutting the door behind them. I’ve seen social media posts of cat parents saying it's good for cats to be outside. I’ll admit, I judged them. I judged them hard. I even thought they were lying.
I did some digging and as it turns out, they might be telling the truth. Nothing is concrete, but it's been suggested that cats who have access to the outdoors can benefit from more exercise and are able to indulge in natural behaviors. This includes hunting, exploring, and climbing (Tan et al.). A cat may also benefit from the stimulation they receive while outdoors. They can take in the sights, smells, and sounds, and entertain themselves with what nature has to offer (“Outdoor Cats: Pros & Cons of Outdoor Life | Purina”). There’s also the possibility that cats who remain indoors could develop issues such as indoor spraying and scratching due to stress, or engaging in destructive behavior due to boredom. (“Pros & cons: Indoor or outdoor cats”). I suppose it makes sense that some cats might thrive being outside if these benefits are proven to be true.
I also can’t forget the cons. Take my area, for example. We have coyotes here, and they aren’t afraid to jump over walls and fences to get to small animals. A cat walking down the street is easy pickings, so that is the number one reason why I don’t let my own cat outside. Not to mention the other risks outdoor cats face: moving cars, diseases, parasites, and humans with very ill intentions. To this day, I carry the haunting memory of seeing a dead cat lying in the middle of the street. You just never know what might happen.
Alas, I can’t control what other people do with their pets. So, if you are thinking about letting your cat explore the great outdoors, use common sense. Consider the pros and cons, and acknowledge the risks. The Purina article takes it a step further and advises owners to have their cats microchipped and neutered before letting them out, which I whole-heartedly agree with. If your cat gets lost or goes too far, a microchip will go a long way in letting people know who your kitty belongs to when they are found. Getting your cat fixed should go without saying, but it's especially important if they are going to be let out. For one, you don’t want to add to the already high cat population, and two, unneutered males are more territorial and may get into fights with other cats.
As I finish writing this post, my mind goes back to Smokey. I know some may be thinking that I should just bring Smokey indoors, but it's not my place to do so and Chunky would not appreciate it. All I can do is hope that the next time I see Smokey, it won’t be lying dead in the street.
Sources
“Outdoor Cats: Pros & Cons of Outdoor Life | Purina.” Purina UK, https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/kitten/welcoming/outdoor-cats. Accessed 23 July 2024.
“Pros & cons: Indoor or outdoor cats.” Banfield Pet Hospital, https://www.banfield.com/en/Wellness-at-banfield/kitten-hub/indoor-vs-outdoor-cats. Accessed 23 July 2024.
Tan, Sarah M.L., et al. “Uncontrolled Outdoor Access for Cats: An Assessment of Risks and Benefits.” NCBI, 6 February 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070728/. Accessed 23 July 2024.
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