Top 5 Reasons To Raise An Indoor Cat

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
The best way to keep your kitty safe is to keep him as an indoor cat – and here are just a few reasons why.


Your cat may enjoy frolicking in the great outdoors and then come inside for a bit to spend some time with you. Even though you may think it’s fine to have an indoor/outdoor cat or a strictly outdoor cat, there are certain things you should consider that may make you change your mind and bring your cat inside. Below are the top five reasons why you should consider raising your kitty to be an indoor cat.


1. Predators and Aggressive People


Outdoor cats are susceptible to predators and aggressive people who don’t like cats and who don’t think twice about abusing animals in the most heinous ways. Even though everyone around you may seem to love animals, there are always going to be people who don’t feel the same way and who would be willing to inflict harm on a cat, even if he is someone’s pet. By letting your cat roam outside freely, he will be exposed to other animals, especially wild animals that may see him as prey, as well as people who may steal him or hurt him. And a cat without a collar who is picked up even by people with the best intentions may end up in a shelter to be euthanized or in someone else’s home, leaving you in search of your beloved pet and your cat disconnected from the family he loves.


Related: TNR: What is It And How Does It Help Feral Cats?


2. Feline Diseases


If your cat is exposed to other feral cats, he may end up getting into fights with them, and these fights can result in serious injuries, including deep scratches and bite wounds that can become infected. On top of that, your cat may be exposed to other sick felines who haven’t been properly vaccinated or who don’t have homes. These cats may have fleas and other internal and external parasites that can latch onto your pet and make him sick. Or, worse yet, they may have communicable diseases that could be deadly, such as FIP, FIV, and feline leukemia.


Not all vaccinations are 100 percent effective and some can also cause side effects, especially when your cat receives booster shot after booster shot, so don’t rely upon vaccinations alone to keep your feline safe from deadly viruses. Instead, keep your cat inside and away from other cats who haven’t been vaccinated or examined by a vet.


Related: 4 Purrfect Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Cat


3. Car Accidents


No matter how careful your cat may be around cars in the street, far too many animals, both wild and domesticated, fall victim to speeding cars and careless drivers. Some drivers will even admit to not caring if they run over an animal in the road, and they may even make it a point to go faster to hit an animal they see in the street. The last thing that you would want for your cat is for him to be hit by a car and die a slow and painful death. Keep your cat indoors and train him to never run out the door in order to keep him safe.


4. Dangerous Plants


There are a variety of toxic plants that cats may be exposed to when they live outside or even when they spend a few hours outside every day, especially while wandering through other people’s yards. While you may be careful about what you plant in your garden, your neighbors may not be, and your cat may be exposed to toxic plants, such as lilies, that can cause everything from digestive upset to kidney failure and death.


5. Your Cat May Disrupt Local Wildlife


Local bird populations can be decimated by a colony of outdoor cats, and your cat will certainly hunt if given the opportunity. In fact, felines will hunt even if they’re being fed on a regular schedule by people. This is because they just love the thrill of the hunt and they feel that it’s a lot of fun to run after, pounce on, and take down birds and other small wildlife, such as squirrels. If you love all animals, including your local wildlife, it’s best to keep your cat inside, where he can view them from a window as they live out their lives peacefully. After all, they have enough to deal with when it comes to habitat loss and pollution caused by humans.


Put simply, raising an indoor cat, while providing him with plenty of toys and attention will ensure his health and happiness. It will give you peace of mind, knowing your cat is safe, and it will also allow local wildlife to thrive.

Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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