In or Out?

Should cats live indoors?

Source: Feline Advisory Bureau Volume 39 (2) 2001
Starts Page 48, 3 pages long

The introduction of cat litter in the 1950s meant that cat owners now had a choice about whether to let their cats out or keep them indoors, but it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of both indoor and outdoor lifestyles, based on the individual cat and owner circumstances. Risks of outdoor life include road traffic accidents, poisoning, disease and loss, but such risks can be minimised by vaccination against infectious diseases, keeping the cat in at nighttime and neutering. On the other hand indoor cats do not have the same stimuli as outdoor cats and may display behavioural problems because of this, such as urine marking. They may also be unable to cope with changes in the confines of their indoor territory and may also become overweight due to lack of activity. So it is important to keep an indoor cat stimulated with toys and games, and a pair of cats would have the chance to interact unlike a lone cat. Purpose built enclosures or cat proof fencing would offer the best of both worlds, providing a safe outdoor environment without the risks associated with free roaming.
CA,FH