{"id":26596,"date":"2025-09-17T11:22:49","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T11:22:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cats.com\/?p=26596"},"modified":"2025-09-17T11:22:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T11:22:49","slug":"should-i-let-my-cat-outside","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cats.com\/should-i-let-my-cat-outside","title":{"rendered":"Should I Let My Cat Outside?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-26605\" src=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCatFeature.jpg\" alt=\"Cat outdoors\" width=\"1200\" height=\"801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCatFeature.jpg 700w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCatFeature-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCatFeature-624x416.jpg 624w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCatFeature-540x360.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Many experts recommend keeping cats indoors to protect them from the dangers of the outdoors. Staying inside may help to keep cats safe, but some cat owners worry that an indoor-only lifestyle might be too restrictive. Let\u2019s examine the pros and cons of letting your cat outside, and why staying inside is the safest option for most cats.<\/p>\n<h2>Outdoor Risks for Cats<\/h2>\n<p>The outside world poses many dangers to cats, whether related to human activity, other animals, or the environment. Outdoor cats even have a shorter life span than their indoor-only counterparts.<\/p>\n<p>Some common<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>hazards for outdoor cats include:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Predators\/wild animals (coyotes, wolves, hawks, owls, and other dangerous wildlife)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/poisoning-in-cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Poisoning<\/a> (slug and snail bait, rodenticides, herbicides, fertilizer, antifreeze, and other poisons)<\/li>\n<li>Animal traps<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/what-to-do-if-your-cat-is-hit-by-a-car\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hit by car<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Theft by humans<\/li>\n<li>Being harassed or abused by humans or other animals<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Cat fights<\/li>\n<li>Injuries (falls, eye injuries, torn nails, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Wandering off or becoming lost<\/li>\n<li>Parasites like fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Infectious disease from other cats or wildlife, including <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/feline-leukemia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">feline leukemia virus<\/a> (FeLV), <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/feline-infectious-peritonitis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">feline infectious peritonitis<\/a> (FIP), <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/feline-distemper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">feline distemper<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/feline-aids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">feline immunodeficiency virus<\/a> (FIV) and <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/rabies-in-cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rabies<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Exposure to bad weather and temperature extremes (heat stroke and hypothermia)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" data-cliversesrc=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HDFs-bWggPA?si=EDfd498ycn-OPmWA\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Impact on Wildlife<\/h2>\n<p>Letting cats roam outdoors puts them at risk of injury, illness, and even death, but there&#8217;s another cost to letting cats outside: wildlife predation. Although most pet cats have little need to hunt for food, many domestic cats will hunt for fun or exercise, which can have a devastating effect on local wildlife populations. According to one <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/ncomms2380\">study<\/a>, free-ranging domestic cats were estimated to kill 1.3 to 4 billion birds and 6.3 to 22.3 billion mammals (mice, shrews, voles, squirrels and rabbits) every year.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/what-to-do-if-your-indoor-cat-gets-outside\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What To Do If Your Indoor Cat Gets Outside<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Cons of Keeping Cats Indoors<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_26600\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26600\" class=\"wp-image-26600\" src=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat2.jpg\" alt=\"Orange cat climbing on fence\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat2-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat2-624x416.jpg 624w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat2-540x360.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-26600\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cats that go outdoors naturally get more exercise as they explore, but you must weigh the benefits against the risks of roaming outside.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>After reading that long list of potential outdoor dangers, it might seem like a no-brainer to keep your cat strictly indoors so you can keep them safe.<\/p>\n<p>But a life entirely inside can bring hardships to cats, including the following: <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Boredom<\/li>\n<li>Lack of exercise<\/li>\n<li>Weight gain or obesity<\/li>\n<li>Inability to express natural behaviors like hunting, climbing, scratching<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Lack of mental stimulation<\/li>\n<li>Excessive meowing\/yowling<\/li>\n<li>Stress, anxiety, or depression<\/li>\n<li>Behavior problems (urine marking, little box avoidance, destructive scratching)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Fighting amongst household cats<\/li>\n<li>Aggression toward humans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The biggest issues for indoor-only cats are lack of mental stimulation, lack of exercise, and the inability to express the natural behaviors that make a cat a cat. This can cause cats to become bored, stressed, and depressed.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Bored cats often lie around much of the day, and the most exciting thing to do is visit the food bowl over and over for a snack. Inactivity and overeating lead to weight gain, which can contribute to health problems like <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/feline-diabetes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">diabetes<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/arthritis-in-cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">arthritis<\/a>.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Stressed and depressed cats might develop behavioral issues like litter box issues, destructive scratching, fighting with other family pets, or even aggression toward humans.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/signs-of-stress-in-cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5 Visual Signs of a Stressed Cat and How to Help<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Pros of Letting Cats Outside<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_26601\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26601\" class=\"wp-image-26601\" src=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat3.jpg\" alt=\"Cat pouncing outside\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat3.jpg 700w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat3-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat3-624x416.jpg 624w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat3-540x360.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-26601\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cats that go outside enjoy the freedom to express natural behaviors, but it&#8217;s best to let cats enjoy the outdoors from a safely enclosed area or harness and leash.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The American Association of Feline Practitioners maintains a position statement regarding the indoor\/outdoor debate, recognizing that although inside is safer, allowing your cat to explore outside can provide some pretty significant benefits to their physical and mental health.<\/p>\n<p>Some of those benefits include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Exercise:<\/strong> Cats that go outside run, climb, scratch, and play. This means they get more exercise, which provides lots of healthy physical stimulation, and also wards off unwanted weight gain.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Expressing natural behaviors:<\/strong> Although owned cats don\u2019t need to hunt for their food, being outside with leaves blowing in the wind triggers your cat\u2019s instincts to stalk, pounce, and chase. Cats also do a lot more climbing, scratching, and exploring.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Mental stimulation:<\/strong> Being outside is just plain interesting! Cats find so much to see, smell, hear and touch, from grass to children playing to birds flying overhead and squirrels running through the yard. Even simply dozing in the sun and feeling the breeze ruffling their fur is more stimulating for your cat than resting inside.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Overall reduction of stress and behavior problems:<\/strong> When a cat is active, stimulated, and allowed to express her natural instincts, they are happier and more content, which leads to fewer stress-related behavior problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Best of Both Worlds<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_26602\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26602\" class=\"wp-image-26602\" src=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat4.jpg\" alt=\"Cat in cat tree\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat4-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat4-624x416.jpg 624w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat4-540x360.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-26602\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Give your cat lots of places to climb, perch and hide to enrich their indoor environment.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The bottom line: Staying indoors is safer for your cat. Luckily, there are many ways to keep an indoor-only cat both happy and safe. Environmental enrichment can encourage your cat to exercise and explore inside your home. Try cat trees for climbing and perching. Put them in front of windows so your cat can climb up and watch the goings-on outside.<\/p>\n<p>Some cat owners install wall ramps for cats to traverse and climb. Introduce different types of scratchers so your cat has plenty of opportunities for \u201capproved\u201d scratching. For variety, offer both horizontal and vertical scratching posts of different materials (carpet, sisal, and cardboard).<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Engaging your indoor cat in playtime is an excellent way to provide mental stimulation and exercise. Try playing with cat toys like feather wands, tossing jingle bell balls or catnip-filled toy mice, or having a chase and pounce session with a laser pointer (just be sure not to aim the beam near your cat\u2019s eyes). Automatic toys that spin or roll can entice almost any cat to play.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/puzzle-feeders-for-cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Puzzle toys<\/a> that require your cat to work and use their brain to get to the treats inside are highly stimulating. Treat-dispensing toys that must be batted around to release their goodies provide both exercise and mental stimulation.<\/p>\n<p>Feeding your cat meals from puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys can help mimic the hunting and foraging behaviors they don&#8217;t usually get to express. Plant some cat grass so your cat can enjoy nibbling.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/best-cat-slow-feeders-puzzle-feeders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The 10 Best Cat Slow Feeders &amp; Puzzle Feeders<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>How to Let Your Cat Safely Enjoy the Outdoors<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_26603\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26603\" class=\"wp-image-26603\" src=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat5.jpg\" alt=\"Cat in outdoor catio\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat5.jpg 700w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat5-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat5-624x416.jpg 624w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat5-540x360.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-26603\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A &#8220;catio&#8221; is an enclosure that allows your cat to safely enjoy being outside.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>There are ways to allow your cat to spend time outside while staying safe. Consider these ideas for cats to experience outdoor time without any risk to their safety:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Buy or build a \u201ccatio\u201d:<\/strong> A secure enclosure in your yard or on your patio can allow cats to get some fresh air and see, smell and hear the great outdoors while protecting them from harm. Catios may be large and elaborate, with many different perches, or as simple as a large wire dog crate. Be sure your cat always has access to shade and water when they are hanging out in a catio.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Let your cat explore your safely fenced yard:<\/strong> A tall fence can keep your cat in your yard and deter predators from gaining access. To keep a better eye on them and to deter hunting birds and other wildlife, stay outside with your cat while they&#8217;re outside.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Try leash walks or stroller walks:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/how-to-train-a-cat-to-walk-on-a-leash\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Many cats can learn to wear a harness and go for leashed walks<\/a> in your neighborhood. Make sure your cat is comfortable and happy with this arrangement\u2014walks should not be stressful. Ensure the harness fits snugly so your cat can\u2019t slip out, and keep your eye open for loose dogs or stray cats that might approach (pick your cat up if you see any danger). Some cats hate harnesses but enjoy walks in an enclosed <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/cat-stroller\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cat stroller<\/a>. They can take in the sights while remaining safe and snug inside.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Safety First<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_26604\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-26604\" class=\"wp-image-26604\" src=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat6.jpg\" alt=\"Cat wearing collar and tag\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat6.jpg 700w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat6-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat6-624x416.jpg 624w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IndoorVsOutdoorCat6-540x360.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-26604\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">All cats should be microchipped and wear a collar and ID tag in case they ever get outside.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Most indoor-only cats will occasionally make it outside, so take some precautions to ensure your cat stays safe.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Identification:<\/strong> Make sure your cat has a microchip and is always wearing a collar and ID tag with up-to-date contact information. GPS collars are an outstanding tech gadget that allows you to keep tabs on your cat if they escape.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Preventive care:<\/strong> Keep your cat on year-round broad-spectrum parasite prevention that treats and controls fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites. Also, make sure your cat stays up to date on all their vaccinations (let your veterinarian know if your cat goes outside).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shelter:<\/strong> If your cat will be outdoors alone in a catio, make sure they have access to shade, shelter from rain and other weather, food, and water, or ensure that they can enter the house through a pet door.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n            <style>\n                .cliverse-post-faq h3{\n                    position: relative;\n                    background: #FFFFFF;\n                    box-shadow: 0px 9px 26px rgba(198, 198, 198, 0.25);\n                    border-radius: 15px;\n                    padding: 24px 110px 24px 110px;\n                    margin-bottom: 30px;\n                    transition: all 0.4s ease;\n\n                    font-weight: 700!important;\n                    font-size: 20px!important;\n                    line-height: 105.8%!important;\n                    color: #373737;\n                    cursor: pointer;\n                }\n                .cliverse-post-faq h3.active{\n                    background: #EDF1F7;\n                }\n                .cliverse-post-faq h3 .question-angle{\n                    display: flex;\n                    width: 24px;\n                    height: 24px;\n                    justify-content: center;\n                    align-items: center;\n                    position: absolute;\n                    top: calc(50% - 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9px);\n                    }\n                }\n            <\/style>\n            <script>\n                document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function(event) {\n                    $ = jQuery;\n                    $(this).on('click', '.cliverse-post-faq h3', function () {\n                        var title = $(this),\n                            info = title.next();\n                        if (title.hasClass('active')) {\n                            title.removeClass('active');\n                            info.stop().slideUp(400);\n                        } else {\n                            title.addClass('active');\n                            info.stop().slideDown(400);\n                        }\n                        return false;\n                    });\n                });\n            <\/script>\n        \n            <div itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\" class=\"cliverse-post-faq\">\n                <h2 class=\"cliverse-faq-title\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n                        <h3 itemprop=\"name\">\n                            <div class=\"question-mark\">\n                                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path d=\"M23.3438 31.1562C23.3438 31.6198 23.2063 32.0729 22.9488 32.4584C22.6912 32.8438 22.3252 33.1442 21.8969 33.3216C21.4687 33.499 20.9974 33.5454 20.5428 33.455C20.0881 33.3645 19.6705 33.1413 19.3427 32.8135C19.0149 32.4858 18.7917 32.0681 18.7013 31.6135C18.6109 31.1588 18.6573 30.6876 18.8347 30.2593C19.0121 29.8311 19.3125 29.465 19.6979 29.2075C20.0833 28.95 20.5365 28.8125 21 28.8125C21.6216 28.8125 22.2178 29.0594 22.6573 29.499C23.0968 29.9385 23.3438 30.5346 23.3438 31.1562ZM21 10.0625C16.6914 10.0625 13.1875 13.2168 13.1875 17.0938V17.875C13.1875 18.2894 13.3521 18.6868 13.6452 18.9799C13.9382 19.2729 14.3356 19.4375 14.75 19.4375C15.1644 19.4375 15.5618 19.2729 15.8549 18.9799C16.1479 18.6868 16.3125 18.2894 16.3125 17.875V17.0938C16.3125 14.9453 18.416 13.1875 21 13.1875C23.584 13.1875 25.6875 14.9453 25.6875 17.0938C25.6875 19.2422 23.584 21 21 21C20.5856 21 20.1882 21.1646 19.8952 21.4576C19.6021 21.7507 19.4375 22.1481 19.4375 22.5625V24.125C19.4375 24.5394 19.6021 24.9368 19.8952 25.2299C20.1882 25.5229 20.5856 25.6875 21 25.6875C21.4144 25.6875 21.8118 25.5229 22.1049 25.2299C22.3979 24.9368 22.5625 24.5394 22.5625 24.125V23.9844C26.125 23.3301 28.8125 20.4883 28.8125 17.0938C28.8125 13.2168 25.3086 10.0625 21 10.0625ZM41.3125 21C41.3125 25.0174 40.1212 28.9446 37.8892 32.285C35.6573 35.6254 32.4849 38.2289 28.7733 39.7663C25.0616 41.3037 20.9775 41.706 17.0372 40.9222C13.097 40.1384 9.47766 38.2039 6.6369 35.3631C3.79615 32.5224 1.86157 28.903 1.07781 24.9628C0.294046 21.0225 0.696301 16.9384 2.23371 13.2267C3.77111 9.51512 6.37462 6.34274 9.71499 4.11077C13.0554 1.87881 16.9826 0.6875 21 0.6875C26.3855 0.693187 31.5487 2.83507 35.3568 6.64317C39.1649 10.4513 41.3068 15.6145 41.3125 21ZM38.1875 21C38.1875 17.6006 37.1795 14.2776 35.2909 11.4511C33.4023 8.62467 30.718 6.4217 27.5774 5.12082C24.4368 3.81994 20.9809 3.47957 17.6469 4.14275C14.3128 4.80594 11.2503 6.44289 8.84661 8.8466C6.4429 11.2503 4.80595 14.3128 4.14276 17.6469C3.47958 20.9809 3.81995 24.4368 5.12083 27.5774C6.42171 30.718 8.62468 33.4023 11.4511 35.2909C14.2776 37.1795 17.6006 38.1875 21 38.1875C25.5568 38.1823 29.9255 36.3699 33.1477 33.1477C36.3699 29.9255 38.1823 25.5568 38.1875 21Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            Is it bad to let my indoor cat outside?                            <div class=\"question-angle\">\n                                <svg width=\"35\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M34.1269 0.504921C35.1752 1.25869 35.2967 2.58264 34.3981 3.46205L17.5 20L0.601898 3.46205C-0.296654 2.58264 -0.175251 1.25869 0.873062 0.504921C1.92138 -0.248853 3.49962 -0.147011 4.39817 0.732392L17.5 13.555L30.6018 0.732392C31.5004 -0.147011 33.0786 -0.248853 34.1269 0.504921Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/h3>\n                        <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" class=\"cliverse-post-faq-answer\">\n                            <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                <p>Although the indoors is safest for cats, going outside can provide some mental and physical health benefits. To make time outdoors safer, stay with your cat in a fenced-in yard to keep them safely on your property and deter predators from entering your yard. You can also buy or build an outdoor \u201ccatio,\u201d an enclosure that allows your cat to enjoy being outside safely.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n                        <h3 itemprop=\"name\">\n                            <div class=\"question-mark\">\n                                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path d=\"M23.3438 31.1562C23.3438 31.6198 23.2063 32.0729 22.9488 32.4584C22.6912 32.8438 22.3252 33.1442 21.8969 33.3216C21.4687 33.499 20.9974 33.5454 20.5428 33.455C20.0881 33.3645 19.6705 33.1413 19.3427 32.8135C19.0149 32.4858 18.7917 32.0681 18.7013 31.6135C18.6109 31.1588 18.6573 30.6876 18.8347 30.2593C19.0121 29.8311 19.3125 29.465 19.6979 29.2075C20.0833 28.95 20.5365 28.8125 21 28.8125C21.6216 28.8125 22.2178 29.0594 22.6573 29.499C23.0968 29.9385 23.3438 30.5346 23.3438 31.1562ZM21 10.0625C16.6914 10.0625 13.1875 13.2168 13.1875 17.0938V17.875C13.1875 18.2894 13.3521 18.6868 13.6452 18.9799C13.9382 19.2729 14.3356 19.4375 14.75 19.4375C15.1644 19.4375 15.5618 19.2729 15.8549 18.9799C16.1479 18.6868 16.3125 18.2894 16.3125 17.875V17.0938C16.3125 14.9453 18.416 13.1875 21 13.1875C23.584 13.1875 25.6875 14.9453 25.6875 17.0938C25.6875 19.2422 23.584 21 21 21C20.5856 21 20.1882 21.1646 19.8952 21.4576C19.6021 21.7507 19.4375 22.1481 19.4375 22.5625V24.125C19.4375 24.5394 19.6021 24.9368 19.8952 25.2299C20.1882 25.5229 20.5856 25.6875 21 25.6875C21.4144 25.6875 21.8118 25.5229 22.1049 25.2299C22.3979 24.9368 22.5625 24.5394 22.5625 24.125V23.9844C26.125 23.3301 28.8125 20.4883 28.8125 17.0938C28.8125 13.2168 25.3086 10.0625 21 10.0625ZM41.3125 21C41.3125 25.0174 40.1212 28.9446 37.8892 32.285C35.6573 35.6254 32.4849 38.2289 28.7733 39.7663C25.0616 41.3037 20.9775 41.706 17.0372 40.9222C13.097 40.1384 9.47766 38.2039 6.6369 35.3631C3.79615 32.5224 1.86157 28.903 1.07781 24.9628C0.294046 21.0225 0.696301 16.9384 2.23371 13.2267C3.77111 9.51512 6.37462 6.34274 9.71499 4.11077C13.0554 1.87881 16.9826 0.6875 21 0.6875C26.3855 0.693187 31.5487 2.83507 35.3568 6.64317C39.1649 10.4513 41.3068 15.6145 41.3125 21ZM38.1875 21C38.1875 17.6006 37.1795 14.2776 35.2909 11.4511C33.4023 8.62467 30.718 6.4217 27.5774 5.12082C24.4368 3.81994 20.9809 3.47957 17.6469 4.14275C14.3128 4.80594 11.2503 6.44289 8.84661 8.8466C6.4429 11.2503 4.80595 14.3128 4.14276 17.6469C3.47958 20.9809 3.81995 24.4368 5.12083 27.5774C6.42171 30.718 8.62468 33.4023 11.4511 35.2909C14.2776 37.1795 17.6006 38.1875 21 38.1875C25.5568 38.1823 29.9255 36.3699 33.1477 33.1477C36.3699 29.9255 38.1823 25.5568 38.1875 21Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            Is it better to keep cats indoors or outdoors?                            <div class=\"question-angle\">\n                                <svg width=\"35\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M34.1269 0.504921C35.1752 1.25869 35.2967 2.58264 34.3981 3.46205L17.5 20L0.601898 3.46205C-0.296654 2.58264 -0.175251 1.25869 0.873062 0.504921C1.92138 -0.248853 3.49962 -0.147011 4.39817 0.732392L17.5 13.555L30.6018 0.732392C31.5004 -0.147011 33.0786 -0.248853 34.1269 0.504921Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/h3>\n                        <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" class=\"cliverse-post-faq-answer\">\n                            <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                <p>Keeping cats inside is the safest option, but indoor-only cats can become bored and stressed if not provided enough mental and physical stimulation. Make sure your indoor cat has plenty of toys to play with and things to climb and perch on. There are also many ways to safely let your cat explore the outdoors for a change of scenery, including \"catio\" enclosures, walks on a leash and harness, and staying with your cat in your fenced-in yard.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n                        <h3 itemprop=\"name\">\n                            <div class=\"question-mark\">\n                                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path d=\"M23.3438 31.1562C23.3438 31.6198 23.2063 32.0729 22.9488 32.4584C22.6912 32.8438 22.3252 33.1442 21.8969 33.3216C21.4687 33.499 20.9974 33.5454 20.5428 33.455C20.0881 33.3645 19.6705 33.1413 19.3427 32.8135C19.0149 32.4858 18.7917 32.0681 18.7013 31.6135C18.6109 31.1588 18.6573 30.6876 18.8347 30.2593C19.0121 29.8311 19.3125 29.465 19.6979 29.2075C20.0833 28.95 20.5365 28.8125 21 28.8125C21.6216 28.8125 22.2178 29.0594 22.6573 29.499C23.0968 29.9385 23.3438 30.5346 23.3438 31.1562ZM21 10.0625C16.6914 10.0625 13.1875 13.2168 13.1875 17.0938V17.875C13.1875 18.2894 13.3521 18.6868 13.6452 18.9799C13.9382 19.2729 14.3356 19.4375 14.75 19.4375C15.1644 19.4375 15.5618 19.2729 15.8549 18.9799C16.1479 18.6868 16.3125 18.2894 16.3125 17.875V17.0938C16.3125 14.9453 18.416 13.1875 21 13.1875C23.584 13.1875 25.6875 14.9453 25.6875 17.0938C25.6875 19.2422 23.584 21 21 21C20.5856 21 20.1882 21.1646 19.8952 21.4576C19.6021 21.7507 19.4375 22.1481 19.4375 22.5625V24.125C19.4375 24.5394 19.6021 24.9368 19.8952 25.2299C20.1882 25.5229 20.5856 25.6875 21 25.6875C21.4144 25.6875 21.8118 25.5229 22.1049 25.2299C22.3979 24.9368 22.5625 24.5394 22.5625 24.125V23.9844C26.125 23.3301 28.8125 20.4883 28.8125 17.0938C28.8125 13.2168 25.3086 10.0625 21 10.0625ZM41.3125 21C41.3125 25.0174 40.1212 28.9446 37.8892 32.285C35.6573 35.6254 32.4849 38.2289 28.7733 39.7663C25.0616 41.3037 20.9775 41.706 17.0372 40.9222C13.097 40.1384 9.47766 38.2039 6.6369 35.3631C3.79615 32.5224 1.86157 28.903 1.07781 24.9628C0.294046 21.0225 0.696301 16.9384 2.23371 13.2267C3.77111 9.51512 6.37462 6.34274 9.71499 4.11077C13.0554 1.87881 16.9826 0.6875 21 0.6875C26.3855 0.693187 31.5487 2.83507 35.3568 6.64317C39.1649 10.4513 41.3068 15.6145 41.3125 21ZM38.1875 21C38.1875 17.6006 37.1795 14.2776 35.2909 11.4511C33.4023 8.62467 30.718 6.4217 27.5774 5.12082C24.4368 3.81994 20.9809 3.47957 17.6469 4.14275C14.3128 4.80594 11.2503 6.44289 8.84661 8.8466C6.4429 11.2503 4.80595 14.3128 4.14276 17.6469C3.47958 20.9809 3.81995 24.4368 5.12083 27.5774C6.42171 30.718 8.62468 33.4023 11.4511 35.2909C14.2776 37.1795 17.6006 38.1875 21 38.1875C25.5568 38.1823 29.9255 36.3699 33.1477 33.1477C36.3699 29.9255 38.1823 25.5568 38.1875 21Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            Is it cruel to make an outdoor cat an indoor cat?                            <div class=\"question-angle\">\n                                <svg width=\"35\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M34.1269 0.504921C35.1752 1.25869 35.2967 2.58264 34.3981 3.46205L17.5 20L0.601898 3.46205C-0.296654 2.58264 -0.175251 1.25869 0.873062 0.504921C1.92138 -0.248853 3.49962 -0.147011 4.39817 0.732392L17.5 13.555L30.6018 0.732392C31.5004 -0.147011 33.0786 -0.248853 34.1269 0.504921Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/h3>\n                        <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" class=\"cliverse-post-faq-answer\">\n                            <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                <p>Cats that are used to spending much of their day outdoors might find indoor-only living a hard adjustment. However, it\u2019s possible to transition an outdoor cat to an indoor lifestyle by providing lots of environmental enrichment indoors and letting the cat enjoy the outside via a fenced-in yard or enclosed \u201ccatio.\u201d<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n                        <h3 itemprop=\"name\">\n                            <div class=\"question-mark\">\n                                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path d=\"M23.3438 31.1562C23.3438 31.6198 23.2063 32.0729 22.9488 32.4584C22.6912 32.8438 22.3252 33.1442 21.8969 33.3216C21.4687 33.499 20.9974 33.5454 20.5428 33.455C20.0881 33.3645 19.6705 33.1413 19.3427 32.8135C19.0149 32.4858 18.7917 32.0681 18.7013 31.6135C18.6109 31.1588 18.6573 30.6876 18.8347 30.2593C19.0121 29.8311 19.3125 29.465 19.6979 29.2075C20.0833 28.95 20.5365 28.8125 21 28.8125C21.6216 28.8125 22.2178 29.0594 22.6573 29.499C23.0968 29.9385 23.3438 30.5346 23.3438 31.1562ZM21 10.0625C16.6914 10.0625 13.1875 13.2168 13.1875 17.0938V17.875C13.1875 18.2894 13.3521 18.6868 13.6452 18.9799C13.9382 19.2729 14.3356 19.4375 14.75 19.4375C15.1644 19.4375 15.5618 19.2729 15.8549 18.9799C16.1479 18.6868 16.3125 18.2894 16.3125 17.875V17.0938C16.3125 14.9453 18.416 13.1875 21 13.1875C23.584 13.1875 25.6875 14.9453 25.6875 17.0938C25.6875 19.2422 23.584 21 21 21C20.5856 21 20.1882 21.1646 19.8952 21.4576C19.6021 21.7507 19.4375 22.1481 19.4375 22.5625V24.125C19.4375 24.5394 19.6021 24.9368 19.8952 25.2299C20.1882 25.5229 20.5856 25.6875 21 25.6875C21.4144 25.6875 21.8118 25.5229 22.1049 25.2299C22.3979 24.9368 22.5625 24.5394 22.5625 24.125V23.9844C26.125 23.3301 28.8125 20.4883 28.8125 17.0938C28.8125 13.2168 25.3086 10.0625 21 10.0625ZM41.3125 21C41.3125 25.0174 40.1212 28.9446 37.8892 32.285C35.6573 35.6254 32.4849 38.2289 28.7733 39.7663C25.0616 41.3037 20.9775 41.706 17.0372 40.9222C13.097 40.1384 9.47766 38.2039 6.6369 35.3631C3.79615 32.5224 1.86157 28.903 1.07781 24.9628C0.294046 21.0225 0.696301 16.9384 2.23371 13.2267C3.77111 9.51512 6.37462 6.34274 9.71499 4.11077C13.0554 1.87881 16.9826 0.6875 21 0.6875C26.3855 0.693187 31.5487 2.83507 35.3568 6.64317C39.1649 10.4513 41.3068 15.6145 41.3125 21ZM38.1875 21C38.1875 17.6006 37.1795 14.2776 35.2909 11.4511C33.4023 8.62467 30.718 6.4217 27.5774 5.12082C24.4368 3.81994 20.9809 3.47957 17.6469 4.14275C14.3128 4.80594 11.2503 6.44289 8.84661 8.8466C6.4429 11.2503 4.80595 14.3128 4.14276 17.6469C3.47958 20.9809 3.81995 24.4368 5.12083 27.5774C6.42171 30.718 8.62468 33.4023 11.4511 35.2909C14.2776 37.1795 17.6006 38.1875 21 38.1875C25.5568 38.1823 29.9255 36.3699 33.1477 33.1477C36.3699 29.9255 38.1823 25.5568 38.1875 21Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            Why does my cat want to go outside?                            <div class=\"question-angle\">\n                                <svg width=\"35\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M34.1269 0.504921C35.1752 1.25869 35.2967 2.58264 34.3981 3.46205L17.5 20L0.601898 3.46205C-0.296654 2.58264 -0.175251 1.25869 0.873062 0.504921C1.92138 -0.248853 3.49962 -0.147011 4.39817 0.732392L17.5 13.555L30.6018 0.732392C31.5004 -0.147011 33.0786 -0.248853 34.1269 0.504921Z\" fill=\"#828FA1\"\/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/h3>\n                        <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" class=\"cliverse-post-faq-answer\">\n                            <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                <p>Before they were domesticated, cats were used to spending much of their day outdoors, and the outdoors is very interesting to cats. It's possible to let you cat enjoy being outside safely by using a \"catio\" enclosures, taking them for a walk on a harness and leash, or staying with them to supervise in your fenced yard.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n            ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many experts recommend keeping cats indoors to protect them from the dangers of the outdoors. Staying inside may help to keep cats safe, but some cat owners worry that an&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/should-i-let-my-cat-outside\">Read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":26605,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[228,47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26596","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cat-safety-advice","category-most-popular"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Should I Let My Cat Outside? (Indoor Vs. 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