When you have decided to get a cat, you need to decide how you are going to raise it. One of the biggest questions for cat owners (and one that has sparked a great deal of debate over the past several decades) is whether you should raise an indoor cat or an outdoor cat. Each of these options has its own benefits and weaknesses, and whichever option you choose will have serious implications for the health and wellness of your cat, as well as how your pet plays a role in your household.

Keeping an Indoor Cat

For many years, it was believed that keeping your cat indoors was cruel to your pet. Cats, by their very nature, are roaming, active creatures that enjoy the freedom of exploring the outdoors. Like most animals, they also need a great deal of exercise – much more than they receive if they are indoors all day.

However, over the past several years this belief has shifted. For most cat owners these days, raising an indoor cat appears to have more benefits than weaknesses, making it the preferred option for recent pet owners.

Benefits of Keeping an Indoor Cat

• Less risk of disease.
• Less risk of fleas or ticks.
• Less risk of injury from cats and dogs.
• Less risk of injury or death from motorists.
• Less risk of foraging for unhealthy food.
• Less risk of running away.

As you can see, there are far fewer health risks for your indoor cat. Cats that roam are more at risk for injuries, diseases, and even death, and when they are indoors you can control their diet as well their health. You will also save money on veterinary costs, and, if nothing else, you can enjoy the companionship that you would not get if your cat was constantly outdoors.

As far as weaknesses, indoor cats do not often get enough exercise, and most cats enjoy the outdoors – laying in the sun and exploring their surroundings.

Keeping an Outdoor Cat

The other option, of course, is to raise an outdoor cat. Unlike indoor cats, outdoor cats easily get the exercise they need, and are able to explore their surroundings at their leisure. Indoor cats tend to be lazy, but outdoor cats seem to always find something to do to occupy their time.

Unlike dogs, however, cats are less prone to serious psychological problems that result from a lack of physical stimulation. So while it is important to exercise any pet, your cat will still be able to maintain its mental faculties even if it is not outside receiving constant mental stimulation.

In addition, being outdoors puts your cat at risk for a variety of different dangers, including:

• Diseases such as FIP, FIV, and FeLV.
• Ringworms, ticks and more.
• Fighting with other cats, even while spayed or neutered.
• Dogs and children that may seek to injure your cat.
• Cars and other automobiles.
• Various food borne illnesses that result from scavenging.

Though your cat may be able to receive a greater amount of exercise, the dangers of allowing your cat to be outdoors may be too much to handle. Your cat will be constantly at risk for injury and illness, while indoors they are safe from nearly all danger.

The Debate Rages On

Despite the serious health risks that occur when you have an outdoor cat, many people still prefer to keep their cats outdoors in order to provide them with greater freedom. However, if you are interacting with your cat on a regular basis and providing it with items to stimulate its mind and body while inside your home, an indoor cat is going to be at far less risk for illness, injury, and death, which makes the indoors a better option for keeping your pet healthy.

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Hi, my name is Lisa Illman and KrittersthatTwitter.com is my Blog.  My cat babies are Madison and Abigail.   They inspired me to invent an outdoor kitty cat enclosure product line called the Kritter Kondo as well as develop a social media network specific to pets and animals.  I love my kitties, animals, social media and Pilates.  These are the topics you are likely to read about when you stop by.   Leave a comment, we love them and will write back!