In recent years, various experts have come to the conclusion that cats can be happy with an indoor lifestyle, as long as the environment provides everything the cat needs to fulfill his wild urges.
Animal behaviour specialists have only recently begun to study cat psychology. In the past, little was known about the psychological needs of cats, and this lack of knowledge has led to a number of misconceptions:
A Cat Can’t Follow His True Nature Unless He’s Free to Roam
Cats spend the bulk of their time sleeping, grooming, hunting, scratching, and observing the world. A cat sleeping indoors enjoys his snooze just as much, but he’s far less likely to pick up fleas and ticks or be attacked by another animal while he sleeps. And a cat that has access to window perches or a screened balcony or porch can enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and outdoor scenery.
Cats do need to hunt, but this can be easily done indoors by providing toys and engaging in interactive play activities that simulate the hunt. Cats without an outlet for their hunting urges often make mad dashes around the house or engage in other drive-frustration activities, so it’s important to provide plenty of outlets for this urge.
Providing cat trees or other perches, hiding places, and cat-safe plants helps to simulate the outdoor environment as well. And of course, a good scratch post is a must. For those who want to provide a more natural scratching experience, most cats enjoy scratching tree bark. A tree stump that’s tall enough for the cat to stand upright and scratch is usually appreciated, though most cats are happy enough scratching a manufactured post covered with carpet or wrapped in sisal twine.
A Cat Won’t Be Happy Unless He Can Kill and Eat Small Animals
Cats are perfectly happy to eat the food their owners provide, and when well fed, often don’t even eat the animals they capture. Because they’re carnivorous, cats do require a high protein diet, but premium cat foods that have meat as their first ingredient can provide this without the risk of picking up diseases from the carcases of infected rodents and birds.
Cats do need to engage in hunting behaviours, but the urge to stalk and pounce is separate from the huger drive. Providing prey-like toys such as catnip mice or feathers attached to a string and playing with the cat each day can fulfill these hunting urges.
Cats Are Independent and Antisocial; They Need to Go off on Their Own
Contrary to the image of the solitary, independent cat, feral cats live in colonies, form friendships with other cats, and work collaboratively to rear and protect kittens. And most domestic cats are happy to incorporate humans and other pets into their social groups. The reason cats hunt on their own is that they catch prey that is only large enough to feed one cat – not because they want to be off on their own.
Cats Should Be Allowed to Hunt Outdoors Because They Fill a Critical Ecological Niche as Predators
Domestic cats are the descendants of African wild cats. Early domesticated cats were brought along on cargo ships to catch rodents and then deposited at ports in various countries. Cats are not a natural element in most ecosystems where they now reside, and can deplete the supply of prey needed by native predators such as owls and hawks, as well as decimating local bird populations when allowed to roam freely.
Indoor Cats Are Missing Out on Something Vital
Many people argue that it’s natural for a cat to go outside – after all, that’s how wild cats live. But the majority of wild cats suffer frequently from hunger, parasite infestations, diseases, and other natural dangers. Domestic cats with outdoor access have far shorter lives on average than indoor cats – many experts assert that the average lifespan of an indoor cat is 10 years longer than that of a free roaming cat.
Outdoor cats are far more likely to suffer injuries as a result of car accidents or attacks by other animals. They are also more likely to ingest poison, contract communicable diseases, and transmit diseases to humans. Some outdoor cats beat the odds and live for a long time without incident, but many are killed by cars or other hazards while still very young.
Letting Cats Outdoors Saves Time and Money Because There’s No Litter Box to Deal With
Owners who let their cats out may avoid litter box duties and kitty litter costs, but they’re far more likely to incur exorbitant veterinary expenses due to the many hazards facing outdoor cats. In addition to injuries, ticks, and diseases, owners of outdoor cats risk having to wash substances or cut burrs out of fur, remove porcupine quills, deal with skunk spray, and have their homes infested with fleas.
Outdoor cats may also sow ill will among neighbours if they use gardens or children’s sandboxes as litter boxes or attack birds at neighbours' bird feeders.
Further Reading
See What Indoor Cats Need to Be Happy for Information on providing an enriched, fulfilling lifestyle for inside cats.
For tips on the best way to simulate hunting for indoor cats, see How to Play with a Cat and Best Cat Toys.
References:
- Christensen, Wendy. (2002). The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Cat Care. New York: St. Martin’s Press.
- Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2009). “Indoor Cat Initiative.”
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