The great indoor cat debate

This became a topic of fascination for me a few years ago. When I was younger I’d have categorically stated I felt keeping cats as an indoor animal was cruel.

Over the years, various situations have pushed me to reassess my views on this matter.

More homes are being built, this means that most homes are potentially going to be on some form of main road. I think most people will agree that’s not ideal for a cat. And then of course, there are the cats that are special needs. How practical is it in a built up area, to allow a blind or deaf cat free roaming privileges, for instance?

These are the sort of issues that have become very much a point of reference when I think about cats being indoor only. I do not assume, as I did previously, that it’s cruel to the cat as there are traits in their nature that will thrive when being out and about. I recognise that because of these things, cats are a lot safer being kept as indoor only companions.

If you are in a situation where your cat will be solely kept indoors, what DOES matter is that you provide extra stimulus to help hone the instincts they will not get to use outside. Recognise that nature plays a large part in giving a cat the chance to hunt, or climb and because of this it is important to adapt your home accordingly. To expect a cat to just fit into a home designed purely for human habitation is, to me, unrealistic. In short, you have to think like a cat.  Consider things your cat would find fun that they won’t get as much chance to do because they aren’t allowed out and strive to ensure it is compensated for. I believe a cat can be happy kept indoors; but only if the person caring for them is prepared to step up and ensure the level of activity the cat would experience outside is recreated inside.

Rescue cats, Isis and Izzy proving indoor only cats can be content.