Creating a safe, enriching indoor environment not only keeps them healthier but also strengthens your bond.
When you picture a happy cat, what comes to mind? A cozy bed, favourite toys, warm sunshine streaming in as her tail taps gently on the floor—maybe even a few curious glances out the window? Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? While those glances and excited “chatter” at birds might seem to suggest that outdoor life appeals to our feline friends, indoor life is safer, healthier, and ultimately more satisfying for cats and their humans.
Bringing a cat into your life means doing what’s best for them—and for the community and environment around us. Here’s why indoor life is truly a win-win for everyone, and how you can make it the best decision for your companion.
Health and Safety: Indoor Cats Live Longer, Healthier Lives
Keeping cats indoors promotes longevity and good health. The outdoors may seem exciting, but it’s also filled with hazards that can seriously impact a cat’s well-being.
Traffic Hazards
One of the biggest dangers cats face outdoors is traffic, which can be unpredictable and especially risky at night or in busy areas. Local Facebook groups dedicated to missing and found cats frequently share heartbreaking posts about cats hit by vehicles. Personally, I’ve come across two myself and had to call emergency animal services. It’s horrifying to imagine how scared a cat must feel when faced with a blaring, speeding object. Even if they survive, they might suffer severe injuries—broken limbs, spinal trauma, or internal injuries that can mean a lifetime of vet bills. Indoor cats are safely away from streets, sparing them from accidents and reducing emergency vet expenses.
Diseases and Parasites
Outdoor cats face a greater risk of infectious diseases and parasites, including Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) - click on each to learn more!
FeLV spreads through close contact, such as grooming, while FIV is transmitted primarily through bite wounds. Cats are territorial and may fight with other cats outside, putting them at even higher risk.
URIs are another concern; they can spread through crowded feral colonies, causing symptoms from sneezing and coughing to eye ulcers and lethargy. Diseases like rabies from encounters with wildlife are also a risk, and while vaccinations are protective, indoor cats are much less likely to encounter these diseases in the first place.
Along with infections, outdoor cats are more likely to pick up parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, leading to skin issues, allergies, and even internal parasites like tapeworms. Parasites impact a cat’s health in ways that range from anemia to weight loss and respiratory distress. While indoor cats still need regular check-ups, keeping them inside significantly reduces exposure to these risks. For more on cat health, Cornell University’s Feline Health Center is a valuable resource.
You can learn more about these and more by clicking the links above or visiting: Cornell University’s Feline Health Center.
Helping Manitoba’s Environment by Keeping Cats Inside
Cats are natural hunters, driven to chase and capture even when well-fed. Outdoor cats, though, are estimated to kill billions of birds and small mammals each year worldwide. In rural areas, farm cats may help control rodent populations, but in urban and suburban areas, outdoor cats can impact local ecosystems negatively, harming native species.
While bird feeding stations can be fortified to prevent easy access for outdoor cats, the fact remains that cats are skilled predators, and their instinct to hunt is constant. Studies show that both pet and feral cats play a significant role in reducing small wildlife populations. Keeping your cat indoors helps preserve local wildlife and contributes positively to Manitoba’s environment.
Several studies have been done that talk about the impact cats have on the environment, including this one if you’d like to read more: Uncontrolled Outdoor Access for Cats: An Assessment of Risks and Benefits - PMC.
Benefits for Cat Guardians
At Cats Manitoba, we prefer the term “guardian” over “owner,” reflecting the bond we share with our cats as family members. Guardianship means not just providing shelter but ensuring the well-being of our feline friends. Keeping cats indoors isn’t only beneficial for their health and the environment—it also makes life easier for you!
Indoor cats tend to have fewer medical issues and, consequently, fewer surprise vet visits. While I advocate for regular vet care for all cats, some guardians find their indoor cats need fewer appointments simply because they’re not exposed to as many risks. With a balanced diet and regular play, indoor cats can enjoy excellent health.
Peace of mind is another benefit. Knowing your cat is safe, warm, and nearby reduces anxiety and allows you to enjoy your time together more fully. Studies show that indoor-only cats exhibit lower stress levels, leading to a more relaxed and content cat—and happier guardians.
How to Transition an Outdoor Cat to Indoor Living
Transitioning an outdoor or indoor/outdoor cat to a fully indoor lifestyle can be challenging, especially as cats are creatures of routine. But with patience and planning, it’s completely doable! Here are some tips to ease the process:
Start Slow: If your cat lives mainly outside, bring them in gradually, increasing their indoor time bit by bit. For indoor/outdoor cats, limit their outdoor time, perhaps starting with letting them out only in the morning and eventually phasing out those trips altogether.
Enrich Their Environment: Window perches are fantastic for cats, allowing them to watch the world safely. Cat trees, scratching posts, and cat-safe plants add interest and appeal, creating a stimulating indoor environment. For a list of toxic plants, check out this link: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats | ASPCA
Interactive Play: Use toys that mimic hunting, like feather wands or bouncing balls. When playing with wands, mimic prey behaviour by moving the toy away from the cat. Puzzle feeders and rotating toys add extra fun and mental stimulation. These are my favourite toys for playing hunt with my cats: Cat Charmer - Cat Dancer Products & Cat Dancer - Cat Dancer Products (p.s. This is not an ad and I do not get anything if you click on those links - I just love these toys and think all cats should have them!)
If you still want your cat to experience outdoor time, consider harness training or installing a catio, a safe outdoor enclosure. Catios give cats a taste of the outdoors with none of the hazards.
Common Concerns: "But My Cat Loves Being Outside!"
Many cats enjoy the outdoors, and while rural barn cats have a role, urban and suburban cats face too many risks. Historically, cats have been outdoor animals, but the shift toward indoor living began in the 1940s with the invention of litter boxes. Today, with catios and leash training, your cat can safely enjoy the outdoors without free-roaming risks.
Cats can thrive indoors with dedicated playtime and enrichment. For those facing initial resistance, create a cozy space with their favourite blankets, beds, and toys, and consider a pheromone diffuser to reduce anxiety.
Cats can be fully engaged and happy inside, especially when given regular playtime to satisfy their hunting needs. As a bonus, after an active play session and a meal, they’re more likely to sleep peacefully through the night.
Check out Jackson Galaxy’s tips for creating an enriching indoor environment for your cat.
Pledge to Keep Cats Safe Indoors
Are you ready to make a difference for your cat and for Manitoba? Join us in pledging to keep cats indoors and help create a safer, healthier environment for all. Indoor life means more time together and fewer worries for you. Share this article to spread the word or send it to a friend!
By educating and supporting responsible pet guardianship, we’re making Manitoba a safer place for cats, wildlife, and the community as a whole. Thank you for considering indoor living as the best option for your beloved feline! Let’s work together to make a positive change, one cat at a time.
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