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Ed Boks addresses why we should keep our feline companions indoors and provides tips for enriching their lives at home.


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Ask Me Anything #1: Keeping Cats Indoors
From Ed Boks, Animal Politics with Ed Boks, AnimalPolitics.substack.com
March 2025

cat
Photo from Canva


Introduction

Welcome to the inaugural edition of "Ask Me Anything," a new feature on Animal Politics where I invite you to submit your questions about animal welfare, conservation, and related topics. This feature is designed to provide a platform for open dialogue and to address your concerns and curiosities directly.

In this first edition, we tackle a common query about keeping cats indoors. Many of us love our feline friends and want to ensure they live happy, healthy lives while also protecting local wildlife. Below, you'll find a thoughtful response to a reader's question about why cats should be kept indoors.

But I want to hear from you! Whether you're a seasoned animal advocate or just starting to explore the world of animal welfare, I encourage you to submit your questions. Your input will help shape future editions of "Ask Me Anything" and ensure that we cover topics that matter most to you.

How to Participate:

Let's start with a question that makes a life or death difference for our feline friends!


Question:

Hi Ed,

I currently live in Ottawa, Canada (I used to live in Los Angeles and San Francisco). I’m finding there’s a huge push to keep cats indoors in Ottawa. I feel the notion that cats are decimating the bird population is so misleading. If owners have spayed/neutered, chipped/registered and well-cared for cats, why not let them go outdoors safely.

Any insights or pointers to resources to let cats be cats, would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

A.L.


Answer:

Dear A.L.,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your thoughts on keeping cats indoors. I appreciate your perspective, especially given your experience in Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, I'd like to emphasize the importance of keeping cats indoors, a practice that is crucial for their safety and well-being, as well as for protecting local wildlife. In Ottawa, Canada, where you currently reside, this is particularly relevant due to the numerous risks associated with the great outdoors. I'd like to provide some insights and resources that support keeping cats indoors.


Health and Safety of Cats

  • Disease Prevention: Outdoor cats are exposed to various diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which can be transmitted through fights with other cats. Keeping them indoors reduces this risk significantly.

  • Parasites and Injuries: Outdoor cats are more likely to encounter parasites like roundworms and suffer from injuries due to fights or accidents.

  • Traffic Accidents: One of the most significant risks to outdoor cats is being hit by a car, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Environmental Impact

  • Wildlife Protection: Cats, even if spayed/neutered, are natural predators and can significantly impact local wildlife, including birds and small mammals. In Canada, outdoor cats are estimated to kill millions of birds annually.

  • Biodiversity: The predation by domestic cats can lead to a decline in native species populations, affecting biodiversity.

Indoor Alternatives

  • Catios and Enclosures: Consider building a "catio" or enclosed outdoor area where your cat can safely experience the outdoors while protecting local wildlife.

  • Indoor Enrichment: Provide a stimulating indoor environment with toys, climbing structures, and window perches to keep your cat engaged and happy.

Life Expectancy

Indoor cats generally live significantly longer than outdoor cats. On average, indoor cats can live between 12 to 18 years, with some living into their early 20s. In contrast, outdoor cats typically have a much shorter lifespan, averaging between 2 to 5 years. This difference in lifespan is primarily due to the numerous dangers outdoor cats face, such as traffic accidents, diseases, and predators. Therefore, indoor cats can live approximately 10 to 15 years longer than outdoor cats on average.


Resources

  • Vet Voice: Offers insights into the benefits of keeping cats indoors for their health and the environment.

  • PAWS: Provides tips on keeping cats happy indoors.

  • Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance: Discusses the importance of keeping cats indoors for wildlife conservation.

While it's understandable to want to let cats be their natural selves, the risks associated with outdoor access are significant. By keeping them indoors or using enclosed outdoor spaces, we can ensure their safety and well-being while also protecting local ecosystems.

Thank you for your interest in this important topic.

Warm regards,

Ed


References:

The Benefits of Keeping Your Cats Indoors

Research Spotlight: Indoor Versus Outdoor Cats

Why Keeping Cats Inside Is Better For Them - And The Environment

Keep Your Cat Inside for the Sake of their Health and Local Ecosystem

10 Tips to Keep Your Cat Happy and Entertained Indoors

Keep Cats Indoors

Keeping Your Cat Happy Indoors

How Long Do Cats Live? Aging and Your Feline

How Long Do Outdoor Cats Live? Indoors vs. Outdoor Cats

How Long Do Cats Live? Average Lifespan of House Cat

Posted on All-Creatures.org: April 2, 2025
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