Cat owners today generally don't let their pets run wild and catch mice for a living. Most owners have these pets as family members and an essential part of their livers. They receive the very best of veterinary attention. Domestic cats live long, healthy lives. Some estimates that the average life span of an indoor cat is about 14 years. But if that cat is an outside cat, the lifespan is reduced by 4 years. These pets are allowed to roam free and this wandering has risks. They are exposed to the hazards of life. In rural areas of America, coyotes and other wildlife often kill cats. The urban pets are often in danger of being in a traffic accident. These accidents happen because most cat owners spend long hours away from home.
Cats are considered to be independent with little need for supervision. However, even a vaccinated pet is in danger of catching diseases. No vaccine is 100 percent effective at preventing diseases. There are risks posed by exposure to other cats. The #1 disease of outdoor cats is an abscess resulting from a bite wound. In some instances these bite wounds become infected. The cat will have large volumes of pus accumulate beneath its skin. The cat will have a heightened temperature and feel miserable. Antibiotics and sometimes surgery are often necessary to cure the infection. In addition, the cat is in danger from stray cats. Feline AIDS and distemper, are transmitted from unvaccinated cats. The pet owner must consider the risk of rabies from these strays, not to mention the coyotes mentioned above.
There are a few benefits for an outside cat. Some pets that have experienced being outdoors may want to continue going out. They may consider being inside all of the time a boring period of incarceration. Sometimes indoor pets may develop neurotic habits, such as wool sucking and psychogenic alopecia, while others become reclusive.
Which is the best choice? Neither, it is best to consider a compromise. If your cat is constantly looking out the window longingly, take him out for a walk or build an enclosure. If you take the cat out, you may make a 'fashion" statement by placing the cat on a leash. However, If your cat is in danger you can quickly retrieve the cat, and return home. If you chose to build an enclosure, the cat should be able to come and go as they please. A cat enclosure could simply be an area on your deck with a cover to keep the cat on the deck. Your choice will have a significant impact on your cat's life.
