Should I Let My Cat Go Out?

Pros, Cons, and Safety Concerns For Your Cat

We all know it too well...

 "Meow, meow, rowrrrrr, rowrrrrrr, woooooooooowwwwwwwwwoooooooooowwwo...."

 ... the cry to go out.

Some cats cry to go out, others let us know the indoors is not their place by defiling the couch, carpets, the baby's room, or scratching anything they can get their claws into.  This is not necessarily a problem, but a potentially correctable situation... just ask your cat.

Outdoor Cats - These cats are active little creatures who live to explore, play, hunt, and be curious.  They are athletes.  They are adventurers.  They are independent.

Indoor Cats - These cats find it just as suitable to be pampered, doted upon, brushed, kept indoors out of harms way and any other living creatures way.  They are content with a sedentary life of luxury and usually keep a human slave to tend to their every whim.  These cats are also independent, you could even go so far as to call them manipulative, in their own charming subtle way.

Then you have the cats who live indoors yet seek to go outdoors...

These cats drive us crazy!  This article is about these cats; these adorable, lovable, can't live with them but can't live without them cats.

Troublesome behavior issues with cats range from soiling outside a litterbox for non-medical reasons, to clawing and scratching furniture, bolting out the door whenever given the opportunity, meowing at all hours of the night for no apparent reason (usually while pacing the room closest to where the owner is sleeping), and spraying, or, marking territory.  There are many symptoms of "bad" cat behavior, but most often, there is one solution.  When all else fails, simply, let the cat go out.

We are not saying to put the cat outside to fend for itself, but some cats do need the outdoors, and, even in limited doses, it can be enough to establish balance to a cat's life.  There are many things to consider before the decision to open the door is made.  A behavior counselor will be able to help you through this process, if letting your cat outside is truly the last option.  First, you should consider a physical examination with your veterinarian to rule out any possible medical reasons for your cat's behavior (bladder infections and kidney problems are the most common cause of inappropriate urination in cats, which is often confused for behavior problems).  Second, ask your veterinarian if they offer behavior counseling, or can refer you to a behavior counselor for more help.  If you live on a busy street or in an apartment, you should really explore these options before deciding to let your cat out.

Once you have decided to let your cat go out.....

    Safety is the first concern.

Brief, supervised outings are recommended at first, even leash walking is better than nothing.  If you live on a busy street, leash walking may be the only way to let your cat enjoy the outdoors.  Cats are excellent navigators, so exploring the general area around your home is a good idea.  In case your cat does escape, it will be familiar with its area.  Most cats who "run away" are just scared and hunkered down in a bush nearby, usually within 50ft of the home.  Practicing your cats call is a good game to play in the house, as well as outside.  If your cat is used to answering you when you call, they will be more likely to answer you if they are lost outside.

It is believed that most cats are nocturnal, but not all.  Cats who are involved in the schedule of a family can adapt their sleeping and eating habits to those of the family.  In many successful cases, cats who are let out during the day, return to the indoors at night to sleep with the family (some actually sleep with the family in their beds).  The important thing to remember is that they are in at night, safe from night creatures such as raccoons, stray cats, and other unknowns.

Cats sleep a lot more than they are awake.  For a kitty who has a cat door or open access to a home, it is not surprising to find them inside, asleep on the couch, during the hot hours of the day.  If the cat does not have open access to its home, it can usually be found slumbering in a nearby bush or under a car.  Either way, when the owners return, the cat usually greets them and walks into the home for a brief visit before leaving or begging to be let out again.  This process continues until bedtime.

At bedtime, there are a few options:

In - With no more access to the outside, the cat settles in for the evening, weary from its long day outside.  These cats are in for the night, and they are safe.

Out- With no more access to the inside, the cat roams off for adventure, or settles in for the night in a nearby bush or under a car.  The total outdoor cat does not have the safe haven of home in the face of danger.

In/Out - These cats have unlimited doggy-door access to the indoor world of beds, couches, and pillows; as well as outdoor access to full moon hunting, chilly night chasing, and cat things we will never know about.  They also have a safe place to go if faced with danger... home.

If your cat is exhibiting signs of bad behavior, and you have seen a veterinarian to rule out any medical causes for it, then letting your cat go outside may be an option.  Again, even brief outings once or twice a day may be enough to satisfy your cat, and you both can return to happier, healthier lives.

Above all, cats who go outside should be protected against contagious diseases such as Rabies, Feline Leukemia, Feline Distemper (FVRCP) and fleas and heartworm. Visit our Cat Health Page to learn more about these diseases.

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