Should I let my cat outside?

For many cat owners, the question of whether to let your feline friend outside isn’t a simple one. On one hand, we want our cats to experience freedom, exercise and the right to express their natural behaviours. On the other hand, dangers like road traffic accidents can have us questioning our decision.

Deciding if, when and how to give your cat outdoor access involves weighing up their potential safety, happiness and health. Here we’ve examined some of the benefits, dangers, and the alternatives - helping you to make an informed choice that works for your pet and your household.

Benefits to outdoor cats

Freedom - To express natural behaviours is the number one reason to allow cats to spend time outdoors. Cats are naturally curious, intelligent animals that thrive on being able to explore their environment, as well as finding sunny spots to snooze the day away.
Natural instincts - Outdoor cats are able to express their natural instincts, such as scent marking, scratching trees and other surfaces, and establishing territory.
Hunting is another important expression of cat behaviour. The act of stalking, pouncing and chasing provides mental and physical stimulation, and can also help to control rodent populations.
Exercise is important to reduce the risk of obesity and health conditions related to being overweight, such as joint problems. Outdoor cats will naturally roam, jump, run and climb, helping to keep themselves fit.
Preventing stress by allowing them to express natural preferences and behaviours. In busy households with lots of comings and goings, the choice to escape outdoors when things get too much (and to choose their preferred quiet toileting spot!) helps to reduce stress levels and destructive behaviours in the house.

Risks to outdoor cats

Car accidents are sadly the leading cause of death in young cats - nearly half of all cats that die before the age of are eight are killed in road traffic accidents.
Conflict with other cats. When a new cat enters and attempts to establish territory, it can disrupt the existing balance, forcing resident cats - who would typically avoid conflict by keeping their distance - to stand their ground and engage in fights. This can result in wounds and cat bite abscesses. Feeling intimidated or bullied by another cat can cause a reluctance to go outside and may lead to stress-related behavious, such as inappropriate toileting.
Infectious diseases like feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can be contracted by outdoor cats. They can also pick up parasites like fleas, ticks and worms.
Threat of injury from some pet dogs, who may present a risk to outdoor cats because of their prey drive. This can result in cats being chased, hurt or sadly killed.
Poisoning from substances found outdoors like antifreeze, pesticides and herbicides, slug bait and rat poison, as well as toxic plants such as lilies.
Getting lost either by roaming and finding themselves a new home, being accidentally shut in garages or sheds, or in rare cases - entering vehicles and being transported away from home. They can also be stolen - pedigree cats can be especially applealing to thieves.

How outdoor access can be made safer

Check that your pet’s microchip contact details are up to date. It’s been a legal requirement since June 2024 to have cats microchipped, and it’s the best way to ensure that you can be reunited if your cat becomes lost. Collars and tags are often lost when your cat is exploring or climbing – if you use a collar, choose one with a quick-release opening or elastic section so your cat can’t become trapped by it.
Ensure your cat is neutered. Entire cats are more likely to roam and fight in search of a mate, and entire females are at a very high risk of unwanted pregnancy.
Consider keeping your cat indoors after dark. Cats are harder for drivers to see at night, increasing the risk of accidents. In addition, small mammals are more active during these hours, so keeping your cat inside can also help reduce hunting.
Ensure that your cat’s vaccinations against infectious disease are up to date and use regular flea, tick and worm treatments.
If you feed garden birds, ensure that bird tables and feeders are high up and well away from any fences or trees that cats can use to hide and hunt from. Clean up thoroughly under feeders to deter rodents.
Ensure that your garden is appealing for your cat, with places to climb, sleep and sharpen claws, and a separate area for toileting with inviting soft soil to dig in. Cats are more likely to stick to their own patch if it’s a fulfilling place to be.

Providing an outdoor environment

It’s possible to DIY build or purchase a ‘catio’ – that is, an enclosed outdoor space or patio for cats. Catios are typically built from wood and wire mesh and attached to your home. They can be as small as a window box or take up the whole garden, and often include perches, places to climb and shelters to sleep in. These allow cats to experience some of the benefits of the great outdoors, but don’t allow free exploration and roaming.

Cat-safe fencing systems are also available. These can include angled brackets attached to fence posts, and strips of wire or plastic mesh, while other types involve installing rollers on top of fence panels. These prevent cats from climbing over the fence and leaving the safety of your own garden.

Some owners have success training their cat to use a harness and lead, either to roam the garden safely or even to take them out for a walk. However, most cats do not enjoy being restrained and will find this approach unacceptably stressful.

Keeping indoor cats responsibly

Sometimes, keeping cats wholly indoors can be the right choice to make. The risks of being allowed outside may outweigh the benefits in cats who are elderly, have chronic illnesses or transmissible diseases, or for those owners who live too near very busy roads.

Some cats can live happily indoors if they are given the right environment and enrichment. Maximising opportunities to perform natural behaviours is key to keeping them fulfilled.

Cats enjoy having access to private, high up places to rest, and climbing is a natural form of exercise for them. Make sure to provide opportunities for climbing, jumping and perching. Consider how your cat can use vertical space - cat trees, secure shelving, or access to private places like the top of a wardrobe can help meet their needs.

All cats have a natural hunting instinct which you can help them express by providing toys and opportunities for play. Regular play sessions can also help them burn calories and keep their muscles and joints active. Consider regularly changing your cat’s toys to maintain their interest.

Offer areas where scratching can take place – this isn’t just for sharpening claws but also for stretching muscles, and a form of scent and territory marking. Providing a variety of appropriate scratching surfaces like carpet, and cardboard means your furniture is less likely to be targeted instead.

When it comes to toileting, indoor cats need clean trays and privacy. Some prefer open litter trays and others the additional privacy of an enclosed tray. Providing one litter tray per cat, plus an extra, and placing them well apart and away from food and water bowls, gives the cat the choice and privacy they need.

If you have a multi cat household, it’s important to have plenty of these resources like litter trays and water bowls, and spaces that cats can be away from each other if they need time apart. Most cats are solitary creatures and being able to get away from a housemate can reduce potential stress.

Ultimately, the decision to keep your cat indoors or allow outdoor access is deeply personal and depends on your cat’s individual needs, your living environment, and your assessment of the risks and benefits. For further advice and support with your cat’s behaviour, reach out to your local Cat Friendly Clinic accredited veterinary practice.

Disclaimer

Please note that the content made available on this webpage is for general information purposes only. Whilst we try to ensure that at the time of writing all material is up to date and reflects industry standards, we make no representation, warranties or guarantees that the information made available is up to date, accurate or complete. Any reliance placed by yourselves is done so at your own risk.