What lifestyle is better for your cat?

Naturally, cats are found outdoors in the wild in hot countries like South Africa, India and many other places around the world. There, they will have to hunt to survive, protect their cubs and defend their territories.

But what about our domestic feline friends?

Being an outdoor cat, they can have the ability to hunt wildlife – like birds, rabbits and wood mice. To be able to use their natural behaviour, exercise and rodent control.

Having a bigger territory. This allows your cat to increase the space they have available to them, but also explore a variety of environments to have access to.

Giving your cat the option to escape when necessary. There will be times when your cat needs to escape. To prevent being stressed or threatened. This could include any conflict with other pets within your household, building work in the home or unfamiliarity with visitors in your house. Having a cat flap nearby is always good for your cat.

If you are thinking of letting your cat outside. Please ensure your cat is microchipped. For extra safety, you can have a collar with a bell.

However, there are always risks of having your cat outdoors. Approximately 1,600 cats were found critically injured or dead. Studies have shown that these injuries happen at night. They can also happen on quiet country roads, as there are fewer cars to appear. This might catch a cat off guard.

Your cat can be exposed to catching more diseases or illnesses from other cats they may cross paths or fight with one another. It is always good to keep your cats’ vaccinations up to date.

Being lost. Cats can go missing for a variety of reasons, getting trapped in a garden shed or garage or having recently moved house, or exploring an unknown environment. This is when cats get mistaken for strays and are handed into animal charities.

But an indoor cat can also do that in conformity with our own homes. Where they can have more interactions with their owners, chasing feathers, and hiding in igloos or cat trees.

Being indoors will protect you from outside traffic, predators and fights with animals that may be carrying diseases.

Have a longer lifespan, which studies have suggested indoor cats tend to live longer, with average lifespans of 15-20 years compared to 10-15 years for outdoor cats.

With that in mind, having your cat stuck indoors all the time will lead to the following health problems –

Obesity – not being able to have the right amount of exercise, and overeating

Indoor hazards – getting stuck under washing machines, tumble driers and toilet lids.

Houseplants – there are common houseplants that are toxic to cats, for example, Lilies, Philodendrons, Pothos, Dieffenbachia and Sago Palms. Just to name a couple. These plants can cause kidney failure, vomiting and diarrhoea, heart problems and many more. If your cat does come across any of these plants. Please contact your local veterinarian to get them in urgently. As this can lead to life or death.

Write down in the comments what you think is the best lifestyle for cats?