The debate over whether to allow your cat to go outdoors or remain indoors has continued unabated for many years, and there is no end in sight. Conventional wisdom holds that cats are free spirits that thrive on being outdoors and deserve the opportunity to enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and all of the other joys of being outside. More and more, though, cat lovers and animal experts are recommending that cats be kept primarily indoors, especially at night, and only allowed outside when on a leash. For cats that are already accustomed to spending all or part of their time outdoors this can be a tough transition, but if you follow these guidelines from the very start when you bring a new kitten home, he or she will easily adapt to the boundaries you set. Characteristics of an outdoor-only cat An outdoor-only cat will typically have several common characteristics, including shyness, fear of people, and constant scanning for danger. Even if you provide food for an outdoor cat, he or she will likely go after other food in the environment, such as birds and mice. And you can count on the cat choosing its own favorite places for eliminations, often in your garden, a child’s sandbox, or other place where finding their waste will be an unhappy surprise. The younger the cat, the larger their territory will tend to be. A youngster is curious and adventurous, not yet having learned about some of the common dangers of being outdoors. As the cat grows older and gains experience, the size of their territory will tend to become smaller. Characteristics of an indoor-outdoor cat A cat that spends time both indoors and outdoors will generally be less shy, more people friendly, and less attuned to the dangers of their surroundings. Their territory will tend to be smaller, as they will stay closer to their home, and most will want to spend more time indoors during inclement weather and outdoors during pleasant weather. Indoor-outdoor cats may develop a strong preference for relieving themselves in a particular location. Whether that preference is indoors in the litter box or outdoors in the garden will vary depending on the cat, but in general the more time the cat spends outdoors the more likely they are to prefer going outside. Dangers faced by outdoor cats Any cat that spends time outdoors will face some common dangers, regardless of whether you live in the city, the suburbs or the country, as well as dangers that are specific to the area in which you live. Some of these dangers include: Motor vehicles – Cars, buses and other vehicles are especially dangerous in urban environments, but even in the country, they present a risk because they may be traveling at higher speeds and cats may be harder for the driver to spot. Predators – Dogs are of course a common predator for outdoor cats, but so are coyotes, hawks, and even other cats. An outdoor cat can be injured or killed by any of these predators. Human beings – Unfortunately, not all human beings treat cats and other animals with kindness. There are some very nasty people out there who may injury, chase, abuse, poison, or otherwise harm a cat that they come across outdoors. Health risks – There are a number of health risks faced by outdoor cats, both from other outdoor cats and the environment. Examples include feline AIDS, feline infectious peritonitis, heartworm, toxoplasmosis, ringworm, fleas, ticks, mites, hanging or choking on a collar, or even antifreeze poisoning. Reduced lifespan – According to animal experts, the average lifespan of an outdoor-only cat is less than two years, compared to ten or more years for an indoor cat. Safe options for a cat to go outdoors If your cat is already accustomed to spending time outdoors or you truly want your cat to have the option of being outside, then you should take some precautions. Some of the things you can do to make the outdoors safer for your cat include: Safe enclosure – Create a safe outdoor enclosure for your cat that allows freedom of movement as well as protection. Remember that you want to keep your cat in as well as keep predators out. One of the most common safe enclosures cat owners use is a screened porch or patio area. Collar/harness and leash – Most cats will easily adapt to walking on a leash with either a collar or a harness. This allows you to take your cat a variety of places while still maintaining control and safety. Car ride – Some cats love to ride along in the car, while others absolutely hate it. Start with a short trip around the block to see how your cat reacts, and lengthen gradually if you cat seems to enjoy the ride. Never leave you cat in a car during warm weather or freezing weather, and teach your cat to ride in a way that does not distract or disturb you while you are driving.