While the decision whether to have an indoor cat or an outdoor cat is a personal one, here’s one of the facts to consider. It affects lifespan. A cat’s life expectancy has greatly increased over the years, but there is still a large gap between that of an indoor cat and that of an outdoor cat.
An indoor kitty’s life expectancy mirrors that of a small dog. Most cats that have been kept inside live on average about 10-15 years. On the other hand, the average lifespan of an outdoor cat drops significantly to about 4-5 years. Despite the association, there are a number of variables at play: level of vet care, quality of diet, exposure to diseases, and trauma deaths such as getting hit by a car or attacked by another animal.
There are some cats that are insistent on going outdoors. It is possible to leash train kitties who incessantly beg to be outdoors. Another option to try is to buy or build an outdoor cat enclosure, also called a “catio”. This will give the cat fresh air and the feeling of being outside while keeping them safe.
Source:
Are Outdoor Cats Happier? [Internet] available from: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/news/are-outdoor-cats-happier
Taylor E, Adams C, Neville R. Some nutritional aspects of ageing in dogs and cats. Proceedings of the Nutritional Society. 54: 645-656.
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