It has been said that, despite thousands of years of living in close relationship with humans, the cat has never been fully domesticated and is happiest when free to come and go. However, many cats do adapt to a life indoors provided their emotional and behavioural needs are met as well as the physical, through appropriate environmental enrichment strategies. This means living in a stress-free environment which is physically and mentally fulfilling and allows cats to run, play, scratch, climb, hide or be private, and exhibit other normal behaviours.
The argument for indoor cats
Cars and other vehicles are a number one killer and maimer of people, wildlife and cats, particularly at night in the case of cats and wildlife.
Dogs on the loose or in neighbouring yards can kill and/or inflict dreadful injuries on cats.
Cat fights. Although vaccination is now available, cats out at night are at particular risk of acquiring feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV or feline AIDS) from bites from other cats. Cat bite wounds are also very prone to serious infection and abscessation which can result in systemic illness. The noise of cat fights can cause major disturbance in a neighbourhood.
External parasites. Owned cats may pick up fleas from strays and other cats in the neighbourhood, but in bushland areas, the deadly paralysis (scrub) tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is a much greater worry. Free-roaming cats are more at risk, though confining cats will not totally protect them because seed ticks can be accidentally carried inside on clothing, people, other animals.
Predation on wildlife. The true impact of cats on wildlife is a controversial issue and the subject of many reports and much heated debate, both for and against cats. Cats do kill birds and other wildlife, but have also been made convenient scapegoats for human activities, particularly habitat destruction, a major cause of the widescale disappearance of wildlife species. Experts now predict that global warming could prove to be the greatest threat of all to species survival, especially birds1.
Cat haters. Some people really hate cats because of their real or perceived threat to birds, or simply because they cannot stand to see strange cats on their property, perhaps using the garden or children’s sandpit as a toilet. Cats have been injured and killed as a result, not to mention being the cause of bitter neighbourhood disputes.
Other reasons for confining cats include to prevent them straying or being stolen. The indiscriminate use of garden chemicals and poisons in suburban backyards can sometimes kill cats, and in colder climates, spilled antifreeze is deadly.
An indoor life is not totally risk-free. Accidents to cats in the home can range from falling off narrow ledges, room dividers etc (cats do not always land on their feet) to being stood on by heavy people. Other indoor hazards include string, thread, dental floss and plastic bags left lying around, and for kittens, falling in the bath or toilet. Irons can topple off ironing boards, slamming doors are killers, and electrical cords and cables are magnets for youngsters who might bite through them and electrocute themselves. Blind cords and slatted blinds like venetians can cause strangulation.
Happy indoor cats
General health considerations
· Adequate, good quality food and access to clean water at all times
· Comfortable sleeping area(s) where the cat feels secure
· Access to grass – cat grass in containers or an enclosed grassy area outdoors. Beware that grass-starved cats may chew indoor plants, some of which are toxic
· One or more litter trays in a quiet place which must be kept clean
· Perhaps provide a mate, especially for kittens or young cats. Older cats may resent a newcomer.
Outdoor enclosures
These are an excellent way to give confined cats a taste of the outdoors. Usually they are attached to the house with access via a cat flap in a door or window. They can also exist as an independent structure in the garden and the cats have to be carried to and from them, or access them by a netted tunnel from the house. Cat enclosure systems are available commercially and can be custom-built to suit individual situations (e.g. Catmax).
The best enclosure of all is the whole garden. If small, a smooth material like Colourbond fencing can be used, or attachments to the top of existing garden fencing. Various cat fencing systems have been developed (e.g. Cat Fence-In) the manufactures claim they can devise a system for any type of sound existing fence. They allow cats complete freedom to do what comes naturally within the confines of their own garden and in complete safety.
Other ways to enjoy the Great Outdoors
Leash training. Cats can be trained to walk on a leash attached to a chest harness, but be aware that some will absolutely panic, at least initially. For this reason they should never be walked in unfamiliar surroundings until they are well accustomed to the procedure.
Supervised outings. Many cats can be trained to enjoy a stroll in the garden with you without trying to escape. In fact, older cats often seem quite fearful of what might lie beyond their own garden fence, at least during daylight hours. Some cats will even walk further afield unrestrained with their owners in a known, safe environment.
Environmental enrichment
Provide scratching posts or pads, climbing posts, cat trees, cat/kitty condos. There is a huge range, some are very intricate. A good scratching post or pad is essential for the health and wellbeing of indoor cats, also it will discourage most of them from sharpening their claws on the furniture. Thankfully declawing, so accepted by the Americans, is illegal in Australia.
Cat toys. Many are available commercially or can be simply made. Ping-pong balls and screwed up paper dangled on string are favourites. Cats soon become bored with the predictable and much prefer toys that move erratically. Cat toys are often impregnated with catnip but not all cats have the genetic ability to respond to catnip.
Hidden treats. Small amounts of especially liked dry food can be left hidden throughout the house. Finding it gives cats something to do and having to search for food mimics their natural behaviour.
Vantage points. Cats like to watch the world go by from a window perch. Special cat sills and boxes can be bought or made for attachment to windows. Cats also like to climb or jump to high places, so walkways can be provided between high points in a room with access by a climbing post or conveniently placed shelves or furniture.
Boxes and paper bags. (NOTE paper bags only. Plastic bags can be death traps for cats.) Cats certainly love to get into cardboard boxes and paper bags. Boxes placed in quiet areas of the house are a favourite hiding place. Holes cut in them and small toys placed inside provide endless fun for kittens.
Indoor/outdoor cats
In situations where cats are free to come and go, animal protection agencies (e.g. RSPCA) recommend: –
Proper ID – microchip and perhaps a collar and ID tag. Ensure any collar used on cats is a breakaway type that will release if the cat becomes caught. Elastic inserts serve the same purpose but keep a close watch to ensure the insert does not lose its elasticity and/or that the collar itself does not become too tight, which can happen surprisingly quickly in young growing cats.
Confine your cat indoors from dusk to dawn for the reasons outlined earlier in the section “The argument for indoor cats”. Be aware that some night-confined cats will become more active during the day.
1. Bird species and climate change: the global status report
See also:
The indoor/outdoor cats debate