It's a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with a cat and providing their entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. It also keeps local wildlife safe!
Cats are happier and healthier when they're safe, which means living indoors. If they're eager to explore outdoors, you can give them opportunities to do so under supervision. Cats should be allowed outdoors only for walks on leashes that are attached to well-fitting harnesses designed for cats.
Some people believe that letting cats go outside gives them a better quality of life. But most experts agree that staying indoors is the healthier choice for cats. If you want to give your cat the best of both worlds, you can try leash-training your kitty with a specially designed cat harness to help keep them safe.
Do cats naturally want to go outside? Cats have a natural instinct to hunt and explore, and going outside is how they fulfill that desire. That being said, every kitty is different, and there are plenty of ways to help your fur baby get her wildcat fix without letting her outdoors.
Secondly, there is no “right” or “wrong” side of the outdoor /indoor debate. Both outdoor and indoor cats can live full, satisfying, happy lives, provided you take some practical steps to make your cat's outdoor or indoor environments as safe and stimulating as possible for your cat.
As long as your cat has the space and resources to express all of their natural behaviours and isn't frustrated when they can't go outside, there's no reason they can't live a perfectly happy life as a house cat. However, cats used to having outdoor access find it difficult to make the adjustment as adults.
There is a belief that indoor cats aren't as happy as outdoor cats, but this is not true. Your cat may look happy outside as they're roaming through nature, but in reality, they could be getting exposed to life-threatening hazards.
Yes, surprisingly cats do get bored. If a cat is left at home alone for hours, with no interaction or stimulation, then the chances are they will get bored. Cats are highly intelligent animals, thus needing a certain level of stimulation. If they go too long without stimulation, boredom occurs.
Benefits of life indoors
Indoor cats are usually healthier, too, which saves on veterinary bills for treatment of contagious diseases, parasites, and abscesses from fights with other animals. While it is true that cats enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and exercise, they do not need to go outside to be satisfied.
It is best not to leave your kitten outside alone until it is 6 months old and it is essential that it is neutered (from 4 months of age) before allowing it unsupervised access. If you have adopted an adult cat you probably will have been advised to keep it in for 2-3 weeks to settle into its new home.
Most indoor cats are not sad that they can't go outside, because outside is not their territory. A cat's sense of safety and well-being has a lot to do with territory—its home space, where it feels safe and comfortable. When a cat lives indoors-only, its home space is the areas of the house that the cat has claimed.
Turns out, it depends on the cat. Some cats are socialized as kittens to be held and kissed, while others haven't had that exposure and might be put off by a kiss as an expression of love. So, some cats like it and some cats don't—but there are ways of detecting the category into which your feline friend falls.
The answer is clear when you realize that the average lifespan of an indoor cat ranges from 10 to 20 years, whereas cats who go outdoors typically live only 2 to 5 years. Cats who are allowed to roam outdoors face huge safety and health risks, and sadly, some pay for that freedom with their lives.
Yes, cats can get lonely. For all their solitary behaviour, cats are social creatures that need stimuli and interaction as much as humans do. Companionship, whether with humans or other cats, is an important part of any healthy feline's life. Leaving your cat at home while you go to work should not prove problematic.
Research shows that cats can recognise their owners, and their owner's voice, even after they've been apart for a while.
Your cat's personality
If your kitty is bold, outgoing, and not easily spooked, she may be a good candidate for walks. If your kitty is more of a wallflower, the stimulation of the outdoors could be too much. For these kitties it might be worth exploring how you can create more stimulation within your home.
So, cats have the ability to feel whenever their owner is sad. Beyond sadness, domestic cats are also able to feel whenever their owner has switched moods and emotions. Studies show that cats are conscious of the emotions and sensations of the people with whom they are close or in constant contact.
Some common cues that your cat may be depressed include: Lack of appetite, which can lead to weight loss. Sleeping at times they'd normally be awake. Not seeking out physical contact, for instance, they may stop brushing your legs, head bumping, or jumping in your lap for a cuddle.
Because cats enjoy roaming and exploring, keeping them inside can lead to boredom. Some indoor cats also experience depression and separation anxiety. To prevent these issues, you must take steps to meet your cat's needs.
In most cases, if you get your kitten at about 8-9 weeks, they will be ready to go out by about 13-14 weeks. However, if your kitten is quite timid you may want to wait until they are a bit older. This just allows them to build up their confidence.
Leaving your cat home alone for one or two days
Many cats will be fine on their own for up to two days. However, you need to ensure they have access to fresh food and water at all times.
When can I let my cat out? Kittens need to be at least five months old before they go outside on their own. This gives them time to have all their vaccinations and they'll be almost fully grown. Adult cats will need at least two weeks to settle in so they have a chance to get used to their new surroundings.