Should I be Keeping my Cat Indoors?

Cats allowed to roam outdoors

Cats allowed to roam outdoors are exposed to an increased risk of injury and disease including:

• Cat fight wounds
• Contracting Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) via a bite from an infected cat
• Dog attacks
• Road accidents
• Paralysis tick toxicity
• Snake bites
• Exposure to toxins
• Unwanted breeding

The most pressing argument for advocating that cats should live indoors is one simple fact:

To learn more about the risk that cats pose for our native wildlife, have a look at The Invasive Species Council website.

Cat Ownership

One in four Australian house holds own cats – that is 5.3 million cats! Only 1.5 million of those cats are kept indoors. Statistics show 78% of free-roaming cats will actively hunt (even if their pet-parent believes otherwise) and will kill 3 or more native animals per week.

Turramurra Veterinary Hospital regularly treats injured native birds and mammals that have been attacked by cats.

These numbers do not include feral cats. Feral cat populations can range from 1.4 to 5.6 million depending on the season.

It is vital that as owners of domestic pets that we understand the impact that pet ownership has on our native wildlife and seek to minimise that impact to the best of our abilities.

‘The goal is to reduce the impact on our local wildlife while improving pet welfare.’

Keeping Both Cats and Wildlife Safe and Happy

So, how do we house our cats to keep them safe and happy while mitigating the impact on our local wildlife?

Here are some options:

• Keep your cat exclusively indoors
• Keep your cat indoors with access to an outdoor enclosure
• Allow your cat to access an outdoor area with an escape-proof fence

Exclusive indoor living

Cats can certainly lead very satisfying lives exclusively indoors. For tips on how to keep your cat happy while indoors, follow this link to our article on ‘Indoor Enrichment: 6 Simple Steps to a Happy Cat!’.

Outdoor enclosures

With the rise in indoor cat popularity there are more and more options available for creating safe outdoor enclosures. These allow your cat to experience the outdoors while remaining safe.

1. Veranda or balcony nets – a simple choice where cat-nets are installed from the floor to rooftop. You can build this yourself or hire a specialist.
2. Enclosures that can be free-standing or connected to your home – there are many suppliers of these runs. They can range in size and location on your property. You can also build these yourself or buy a pre-built or custom run from a supplier.

Your outdoor enclosure should be attractive and comfortable for your cat, including food, water, a litter tray, ideally a variety of platforms at different heights, and protection from the weather.

Escape-proof fencing

1. Modify an existing fence – by fitting a rolling cylinder, smooth metal or plastic sheeting, or inward-inclining wire. You will need to fit these on both sides of the fence to stop other cats from getting into your backyard and getting trapped there.
2. Build a new fence – use an escape-proof top or use netting to create an escape-proof space.

Cats contained in backyards can still harm wildlife.

To reduce the risk of this:

1. Fit two bells to your cat’s collar when allowing them into the fenced yard – cats are very clever predators and can sometimes learn to keep one bell quiet when hunting.
2. Only allow them outside during hours when wildlife is less active – Australian wildlife is most active between dawn and dusk, and of course our nocturnal species are out and about during the night. Allow your cat outside exclusively during daylight hours to avoid encountering and disturbing them.
3. Avoid placing wildlife attracting plants and food sources within your fenced area.

Cats are sensitive animals. They should be protected from seeing other animals such as dogs and other cats that could frighten them.

Ultimately, it is a pet owner’s responsibility to keep their cat safe from outdoor hazards and additionally prevent their cat from being a hazard to our native wildlife.

If you would like further guidance, or are concerned for your cat, phone us on 9988 0198 to book a veterinary consultation.