Let me start by saying that I’m a proud cat parent of two adorable felines, Binx and Luna. They have been indoor cats ever since they were kittens. Recently, however, both of them seem to be showing interest in the world beyond our apartment window. Luna, in particular, dashes towards the door whenever it opens, obviously intrigued by the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors. I’ve even caught Binx trying to pry open a slightly ajar window, clever little rascal!

I’ve read several differing opinions concerning indoor cat’s occasional trips outside - some pet owners believe it’s beneficial for the cat’s natural instincts and overall well-being, while others argue that the outdoors is riddled with potential hazards and unfamiliar circumstances that a house cat is simply not equipped to handle.

So I’m curious, fellow animal lovers: what’s your take on letting indoor cats experience the great outdoors? Do you let your cat out under certain circumstances or using safety measures like cat harnesses and enclosures? Or do you prefer to keep your fluffy pals indoors at all times, equipped with stimulating toys and cat trees?

I’d love to know. It’s always interesting to hear what other pet parents think and it’s beneficial to make informed decisions for our little furballs. Let’s start a conversation!

In my experience, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It greatly depends on your cats and their personality. Some cats are content being indoors all day while others crave outdoor exploration. For Binx and Luna, since they’re showing an interest, you might consider supervised outdoor visits with a harness. This lets them explore our complex world, but keeps them safe.

One alternative could be a “Catio” - essentially a patio for cats, allowing them to experience the outdoors without the risks. If that’s too ambitious, even small changes like bird feeders by the window can give them a feel of the outdoors. Just ensure that their indoor environment remains rich and stimulating regardless of what method you decide on.

If it’s safe to do so, cats will get a lot of benefit from outside and in my experience it’s difficult to change that. One my cats loved the outdoors, and would beg and beg if he couldn’t go out. We moved, closer to a busier road and it would have been cruel to make him an indoor cat. Unfortunately he was hit and killed but although devastating he had a fantastic, natural life outdoors that made him very happy and the years he did have were the right ones for him.

On reflection now, and after that loss we have two other cats who could make the adjustment easier from outdoors to indoors because they didn’t really care much. Because of the road, we’re keeping them in - but also the older one who used to spend a few hours outside very few days we take out on a harness and he mostly enjoys walking around the garden. So it’s the best of both worlds really and the safest option for us now.

We’re seriously considering building a catio as well linked to a window which means they can safely choose to go outside.

Sam Agree, it’s natural for cats to go out but also I understand the need for protection.

I completely get where you’re coming from. It’s always a matter of balancing what’s instinctive for the cat and what’s safe for them. You might want to consider a catio if you have outdoor space, it gives your cat the freedom to roam about and get fresh air without the risks of them getting lost or injured. Or perhaps supervised outdoor play dates. That way, they still get a taste of the outside world under your watchful eye.

I agree with you about employing a catio for outdoor safety. It can certainly provide the best of both worlds -familiarity with home surroundings and experiencing the outside world. However, I would also like to add that microchipping your pet is an additional security measure, especially if they are prone to escaping. It makes tracking a lot easier in case they do venture too far. Also, regular veterinary check-ups are important to ensure they’re adequately protected from parasites and diseases that could be present outdoors. Balancing safety and adventure for our fur buddies is indeed a challenge but entirely worth it.

It’s awesome that you're considering what's best for Binx and Luna! I've been in a similar situation with my cat, and I found a happy medium by using a cat harness and leash for supervised outdoor adventures. It lets them safely explore without the risks of free-roaming. Some cats take to it right away, while others need a bit of time to adjust. You could also try a catio if you have space; it’s like a little outdoor haven for them!

Keeping them entertained indoors is crucial too. Rotate their toys and maybe introduce some puzzle feeders or interactive toys to keep their minds engaged. Every cat is different, so it’s all about finding what works best for your fur babies. 😊