By Dr. I Elizabeth Borgmann.

This is one of the questions that creates enormous controversy and people usually sit squarely in one or the other camp. I can see both sides of debate quite clearly and both have some very good points. Let’s look at some of the arguments on each side of the fence. And then let’s see if we can find a happy compromise.
Indoor only cats live longer than outdoor cats.

Indoor cats have an average life span of 15-17 years. Cats that are both indoor and outdoor have an average life span of 5-7 years.

There are several reasons for this. If cats are strictly indoor, they are less likely to be exposed too infectious illness or to common hazards (predators, cars, falls). Their owners are also more likely to notice if the cats are not eating, drinking, urinating or defecating and will get them to the vet sooner.

If you want your cat to be an indoor/outdoor cat, choose a quiet cat friendly neighbourhood and check on them frequently. Get them indoors after dark when the predators come out. A busy street with a cat hating neighbour on the edge of a farm that coyotes frequent is not a good location to have an indoor/outdoor cat.

Outdoor cats are happier.

Most of the time, the above statement is true. Some cats will prefer to stay inside and will shy away from any exposure to outside. But most cats like it outside. Think about yourself – would you be happier if you were always in your house and never left those walls, or would you be happier experiencing weather, smells and sounds associated with the outside (ok…some smells in a farming community are a bit unpleasant…but you chose to live here!).

If you are going to keep your cat indoor, you must compensate for the imprisonment. You need to sacrifice your perfect decor for some cat scratch posts and towers and an abundance of toys. You need to provide the intellectual stimulation a highly intelligent creature requires. Check out “The Indoor Cat Initiative” on line. The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine have put together an excellent site loaded with information for the indoor cat.

Neighbours hate someone else’s cat using their gardens as litter boxes.

Okay, that one is a no brainer! So what can you do to lessen the likelihood that your cats will use the neighbour’s yard? For starters, provide a nice cat friendly litter area in your yard. Fluffy, loamy soil or a sand patch works great. Rake it clean often. No, it won’t prevent your cats from going over to the neighbours but it will happen less frequently. And yes, you will have more of the neighbourhood cats in your yard. It’s not a big deal! Just rake out the poop so it’s a cat friendly area!
And…keep your cats on a routine parasite control program so your neighbours don’t complain about that!

If we didn’t have cats that go outside, we would be overrun by vermin.

This is absolutely true! We live in a farming community. What could possibly be a better place for mice, voles, moles and rats to live? Without outdoor hunters the population would be uncontrolled. Cats are much safer than pesticides.

Indoor cats are more likely to develop hyperthyroidism.

Well, the verdict is still out on that one! Regardless, I do recommend an area with an indoor UV light. After we installed one for our hospital cat we noticed her personality improve. We can often find her ‘sunbathing’ under her light.
Indoor cats are more likely to be fat.

Yes,that is true. After all, if you are running for your life, you are getting more exercise! Outdoor cats are less bored. Outdoor cats don’t have food in front of them at all times.

Indoor cats must get adequate exercise through play and climbing. Owners need to more actively interact with their indoor cats. And they need to restrict the feed.

So is there a compromise?

There is always a compromise if you can be creative! It is possible to build an indoor/outdoor cat run and get the best of both worlds. I have had clients bring me photos of some amazing runs! The cats have pet doors so they can go outside whenever they want. The runs are usually the size of a standard room and have netting or wire on all sides and on top. Some of the runs encircle actual trees allowing the cats to climb at least part way up the tree. There are runways and perches along the sides. Cat runs need areas for the cats to ‘hide’. Some creative clients have turned these into beautiful gardens with garden chairs so the human companions can visit with the cats and at the same time not feel they are sacrificing their yards for their cats enjoyment.

These types of runs are not possible for all clients. Ultimately, you need to make a choice. Regardless of which choice you make, you need to understand the risks and your obligation to mitigate those risks as much as possible.

Dr. I Elizabeth Borgmann

Dr. Borgmann has been practicing in the Fraser Valley for over 11 years and can be reached at the Whatcom Road Veterinary Clinic