This week: Dr Magdoline Awad addresses the debate on indoor versus outdoor cats
Despite good enrichment options for indoor cats, many people still believe a confined life for our felines is cruel. Tell us what you think.
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There has been a lot of debate about indoor versus outdoor cats.
Roaming, hunting, fighting and spreading feline diseases are all good reasons to keep cats confined to your property line but many argue this goes against the nature of the animals. SMARTdaily’s pet columnist and chief veterinary officer at Greencross The Pet Company, Dr Magdoline Awad, says there are reasonable solutions.
Dear Dr Mags,
Despite the good enrichment tips you outlined previously, I have always had a problem with animals living indoors only.
Anyone or anything confined indoors will end up with “cabin fever” and long- term problems. It is not natural.
My suggestion is to allow some time outdoors daily in a safe manner. Please discuss.
– Sheryl
Thank you for your great question. The pros and cons of keeping cats indoors are certainly part of a topic that has attracted lots of discussion. When we talk about cats being indoors, we refer to them either being 100 per cent indoors in an apartment high rise or home, outside under supervision, or in a cat enclosure.
It can also include cats outside on a lead or harness too. We see more cats exercised outside now.
We know wandering cats are more prone to trauma such as being hit by cars, injuring or impaling themselves on fences and being involved in cat fights.
Fighting cats also spread feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and outdoor cats generally have shorter lifespans. We also know wandering undesexed cats will breed, thereby contributing to unwanted litters which in return contribute to animal shelters such as the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League being overwhelmed.
Cats have an instinct to hunt and kill and even domestic cats that are fed well will hunt when given the opportunity so this predatory behaviour threatens native wildlife species.
The good thing is that cats can be outside and in the back yard supervised. There are several companies that make secure outdoor enclosures for cats. They can be as big as the entire yard or suit smaller courtyards.
Fences can be easily modified to include a “lean-to” – this sits parallel to the fence line and each time the cat jumps up and places its front feet, the “lean-to” tilts towards the yard, preventing escape.
Cat doors allow free travel between the home and the secured yard outside.
Behavioural enrichment can be provided to indoor cats not only for mental stimulation but also physical activity.
Outdoor enclosures allow cats to be just that, outdoors in a safe manner. I hope this helps.
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