Q&A: Can the Cat go out?
Inside or outside, that is the question!
I got this question recently, and thought that it might be helpful to expand upon the topic a little bit for everyone.
Holly M inquired: "Would it be irresponsible to let me cat outside? He cries at the windows and obviously wants to go out, especially when the sun is shining. What would you do?"
Thanks so much for the prompt, Holly! This is a complex question, and there is no single right answer that will fit for everyone. What I can give is the thought process and some questions to ask to find out what the best solution is for your situation!
This is a very personal decision to make so don't be hard on yourself for whatever you decide. It has to be right for you and your cat!
The first question I'd ask is has the cat ever been outside? If the answer is no, then that doesn't mean the cat can't go out, but it will mean that it is probably a good idea to take things slowly and carefully so that the cat doesn't accidentally get frightened and run and hide.
If the answer is yes, then there are a few things I would consider before deciding to allow the cat outside where you are now.
What is the environment like?
Is there a safe place for the cat to roam without getting into trouble?
Are there any threats to the cat? Including things like other wildlife (coyotes are an issue in some places), other cats or dogs, cars or vehicles, or other dangers.
Are there neighbors that might take offense to your cat coming into their yard?
Are there noises or things that could scare the cat and cause them to run and hide? Like the trash truck or loud sounds from nearby things.
Evaluating the number of yeses vs nos on the list will help you determine if letting the cat go outside is a good idea. There are always risks in letting a cat roam, but some cats are much happier that way. My boyfriend's childhood cat lived to 18 and was a very happy indoor and outdoor cat (he would even climb up on their roof and go to his parent's window where his mom would let him back in the house!). My current cats are not allowed outside due to being very sick when they were kittens, and the house we lived at previously had barn cats that we did not want them to tangle with. The barn cats lived outside with only the shelter of the barn and stacked hay and were also very happy cats. The only time they saw the inside of anything was for an annual vet visit, and they weren't happy about it!
It's a very personal decision to let a cat roam outside or not. It is going to always depend on you and your cat and the environment outside. But in the right situation with the right cat, it can be a joy to allow your cat some freedom.
