I’m 100% behind having cats inside. The cats I’ve let out have died badly; the two litter mates I rescued at six months old sixteen years ago are alive and well.

a danger you missed is humans, Bondi vet covered an incident in which a family's cat was duct-taped and set on fire, and while that is certainly on the extreme end, a lot of people will think nothing of harshly dealing with a cat that is peeing in their gardens or destroying nests or killing birds on their property (I don't know if "a lot" of people would care about lizards/snakes killed as well but there certainly are some) Having an enclosed outside area and/or taking your cat on walks is a great compromise that allows a cat outdoors but limits both the potential harm they could come under, but also the environmental damage they inflict

I have six cats. They are all indoor cats. Your advice is absolutely spot on, Doctor Scott. We have placed shelves and window seats in our house, provide them with small portioned feedings, and have all and sundry of toys for them, automated and other wise. They are thriving.

I have had cats since 1989 and all of them have been indoors. I agree with you Dr Scott.

We moved from a house with a catio to an apartment so now we takes our cats on lead walks. They love it

I put a cat fence around my entire back yard. It has worked beautifully for almost 10 years. I'm happy, cats are happy. It cost a bit, but not nearly as much as a visit to the emergency vet, for one cat, before I put the fence up.

Other outdoor perils...humans, diseases, preditors, being stolen (don't laugh...a little kid took my cat one time), getting trapped in weird places...

I appreciate that you looked at both sides of the issue objectively. I grew up in California and our cats always had the freedom to go in or out as they pleased. With a big family, we really couldn't keep a cat exclusively indoors and we had many strays come to live in our cat friendly yard where they were safe. Now, living in Alaska, having an outdoor cat is not possible. Between wild predators, like foxes and owls, neighborhood dogs, traffic and arctic temperatures seven months out of the year, outdoor life is too risky. But my kitty enjoys an active, healthy indoor life with even the thrill of hunting the occasional invading vole or shrew. She doesn't eat them - she simply leaves their remains by the door for staff to dispose of (I am her staff 😂) Happily, none of my neighbors use poison as rodents are a staple for our resident owls, foxes, lynx, ermine etc. So everyone lives well.

I have two indoor-outdoor cats. They were born feral, to a colony mama who brought them to me and my family as kittens. I'm trying to make them into indoor cats. It is a slow process, but I think I will get there eventually! I've made great progress. Both of them use the litterbox now, are microchipped, and spend much of their days either in my yard, on my patio, or in my house. Friendly and sweet. They love being petted, taking naps on the furniture, and playing with their toys. One of them even snuggles me! Sadly, one of them recently got into a fight with another cat. We rushed him to the vet. The vet said that if we hadn't brought him in, he would have gone septic and died. He had a high fever and an abscess, among his other wounds. He was very unhappy at first at having to stay indoors, but near the end of his ten-day "quarantine" period, seemed ready to move in permanently! He went back for his follow-up and microchip today. Their sibling, who was reluctant to come inside, lost his life to a neighbor's pit bull. I found out about it after it happened. It was horrible, knowing that I had tried my best, but it wasn't good enough. Please, if you care about your cats, at least try to make them into indoor cats. Remember to have patience. You will need it. It is worth it in the end! No longer will you have to fear any threats to them such as coyotes, unfriendly dogs, cat-hating humans, birds of prey and much more! You can't keep them safe if you don't know where they are. It is a terrible feeling. Keep your kitties safe indoors with you!

I have two cats. One used to go out, but 20 minutes later, she'd be screaming to come back in, as if she's being abused, and then used the litter tray. Now she stays in, and having two cats definitely keeps them exercised and stimulated.

Someone I know lived in a heavily built up area, they had 2 cats and were worried about letting them in the garden. along one side of the garden they built a spacious run for the cats, with things to climb on plus a covered area. The cats were happy to use it, they had the benefits of going outside, and also it saved the smaller squeaky creatures from the cats being cats.

Ive had several cats over the years they have all been indoor cats, it’s not safe for them to be outdoors.

Please consider the impact on other people (neighbours) and wildlife. Im in Australia so, only indoor cats. Theyre way too destructive to just let loose. I live semi-rurally and feral cats are unfortunately a big pest too.

My cats have always been indoor cats but so the could enjoy some time outdoors I was fortunate enough in 4 of our homes (we moved a lot🤣🤣🤣) to be able to build safe play areas outside for them - so they got sunshine and fresh air but were safe at all times. Must say never had problems with overweight with any of them and they always seemed happy.

I got my first cat since moving out after not having a family cat for at least 12 years and he has been strictly indoors from day one. We live by two busy main roads, lot of foxes in the area, and also fighting with local cats can infect them diseases like FIV. Just too many hazards that aren't worth it and incredibly damaging to local wildlife as well, especially in Australia with unique wildlife, and can cause a lot of disputes/issues with the neighbors. Outdoor enrichment can be done with a cat proof cat run or with leash training if they're willing.

personally i think that it might be safer to supervise outdoor cats to some extent at least by having a certain area they can stay or by walking/watching them so theres no risks to other animals or to the cat itself since theres definitely a lot of things that can happen to them that they can hide from you or you might not notice

Legally in my area cats are not allowed to roam. They must stay on your property which is hard to do. My cat stays indoors and goes out on a harness and leash. He is also lazy and would rather snuggle than hunt.

The area I live in has urban coyotes. When I see a missing cat sign up in the neighbourhood, that is the first place my thoughts go. 😢

I like how the one kitty looked up at the Doctor....so adorable!

Wonderful advice. I have 5 indoor cats (four I rescued when they were 2 weeks old, and had the cat flu - with a lot of TLC and vet care they all survived) One kitty I rescued when he was a few weeks old. They have a spacious enclosure that is built from the house where they can access outdoors and indoors at their leisure, and a ceiling high cat gymnasium with loads of shelves, and scratch poles set up in my lounge room. I have had outdoor cats, but find that indoors cats have a longer life span.

Dear Scott your new channel is helping many people 😍😍😍

Where I live, it is against the law for cats to roam the neighborhood. My cats were not allowed to leave the yard. When they did escape, I was afraid till I found them.

I have one cat who is an indoor and outdoor cat, but there is a caveat to this. When he goes out, he is wearing a harness which has a leash attached to it. I am at the other end of the leash. My backyard is fenced in, nevertheless, I think he would successfully escape if he could. He doesn't go out every day, but when he does go out, we stay out for about 15 to 30 minutes. When indoors, he is the laziest cat on God's green earth. He does not like to play. His most favored form of recreation is sleeping. But at least when he goes outdoors with me, he does get some stimulation and a little bit of exercise.

I have two ginger cats that are indoors it's too dangerous outside as I live right next to a busy road

We enclosed one side of our home, & then the entire back yard, with catproof fencing, & pruned & used tree collars to prevent overhang & access to the roof & neighbouring yards. Our cats were so much happer & more active for having at will outdoor access. Once you see them outdoors, you discover how much they miss by being restricted.

I found it hard to concentrate on your advice due to those two sweethearts in your hands 😊

Thank you Dr Scott for giving cats more airtime! Another great educational video thank you.

Be considerate of your neighbors. Before you get a cat to let outdoors, figure out how to keep it in your own yard.

My cats were indoor out door cats they had a cat door they all made it to at least 17 years old my last furbaby made it to 20 years old she loved being outside in summer experiencing nature fresh etc inspecting the garden etc .

I have lost too many beloved cats to the great outdoors, and to me, the convenience of not having to regularly scoop a litter box is no compensation for losing a pet. Sure, I have to get the indoor diet cat food and I have to play with my cats every day, but this isn't a problem because indoor food costs the same as outdoor food, and as for play, I'm inclined to do that anyway.

Indoor or Outdoor Cat? Cinnabon says Yes. Like to agree! :D

Dr Scott, You are so warm and engaging! Whomever convinced you to make these educational videos knew a good spokesperson. What an asset

When my cat lived at my parents house it was an indoor/outdoor cat. I kept trying to put a collar on him with his vaccine tags, but he would go outside and within seconds that collar would be gone for all eternity. The current owners of the house must have found a dozen or more by now. I eventually gave up on the collars.

ALL cats have to be microchipped now.

In my childhood, my parents insisted on outdoor cats. We lived in the country, and that's just what you did. We had 3 cats killed by neighbours. One poisoned, one strangled with a cord and tossed in a ditch, and the third was shot. My last cat was hit by a car. All of those cats died before they were 6. As an adult I have only indoor cats, and all have them have lived until 14 or so. I would never put a cat outdoors. People are just too cruel and the world is too dangerous for them.

Outdoor domestic cats are one of the greatest threats to our diminishing songbird population. Outdoor runs, “caticos,” and leash walking can help give cats the best of both worlds. Barn/farm cats are another issue. They have important outside jobs on the farm.

These kittens are certainly very adorable ever so cute

The answer to "Should I have an indoor or outdoor cat?" is itself a question; Do you want to have an animal companion for a decade or two, or do you want to rid the Earth of cats?

On the farm, our cats were all outdoors until I was a mid-teen when my Dad allowed one in the house. After that, Mom always had one indoors. Mine are all supposed to be indoor cats but that can be a losing battle. I admire ppl who take their cats out on leashes. And for indoor cats that they set up things like high shelves and catios. Blessings!

Mine are 98% indoor by choice.

I have 4 cats and only one is indoor/outdoor as I trust him. In the process of closing in my patio so they and myself can enjoy the view and be warm,dry and safe

I would literally never have an outdoor cat. I did when I was growing up. My dad brought us home a tiny kitten when I was 7 and she was an inside/outside cat. When I turned 17 she got ran over and died. So after that all my cats have been inside cats.

Dr Scott once again great educational resource thanks ❤

I love these segments Dr. Scott. I am so glad you are doing these. I can relate to everything you say and do ❤️🐕🐈❤️

Moc dekuji za vasi lasku starost a peci o tyto nadherne ciste a chytre tvory❤❤❤❤❤

Loved it!More cat videos please.

A catio can offer both indoor and outdoor activities. A safer alternative than letting them into the dangerous human infested world.

My 15 yr kitty was dumped in snow and ice as a baby and she is terrified of the 'outside' it took me 6months to get her to come out to the garden with me and even now i have to be there and usually lasts 5/10 min, a couple of summer days she might go mad stay out an hour and travel the few feet to the neighbours door (to complain i have locked her out accidently) lol but thats it, now i'm glad cos sometimes when she gets a fright her back legs stop working(her back was broken when i got her and she still has nerve damage), not ideal if it was a dog chasing her obviously! but it also makes me sad that she is missing out because in general our local cats are pretty safe

I have a 12 year old "born in a barn" cat. He knows to stay in my yard when he goes out to eat grass. It's my black foofy boi that I have to watch out for, he likes to wander (had him since he was 1 month, think he was the runt). My baby ginger/orange tabby/moggie HATES going outside.

Indoor cats 4 me although my 4 do sprint around the house chasing each other, toys or me lol 😂

I chip my indoor cat in case it gets out due to storm or fire.

Thank you for inof.

Awww

My 3 cats are indoor only!!! If I had a cat that wanted to go outside it would only be in a catio!

My cat is indoor cat cuz we black birds 🐦‍⬛ around here in Denver but live in different city.. that’s why.

I don’t like how dirty they get outside, I’m less likely to cuddle them.

❤

They say you should always have cat food at the ready for whenever their hungry what food regimen would you have for an adult in door cat one is 4 years while the other is 12 years close to 13

My cats are both but when they stay out and then i feel sick but they will both come when i call them😢

Dr. Scott are the vaccination requirements different between indoor and outdoor cats?

Outdoor cats are a menace for birds and in some places this is a big concern. Growing up we had outdoor cats and all died by cars. So I would never have an outdoor cat. I have seen people who have built cat patios they look like an aviary for cats with everything they like need to climb and explore. The benefit of watching the wind, trees, and weather.

One of my cats has twitchy cat syndrome…any ideas?

Can someone tell me how can get my cat not be afraid of rain and snow ??

I was actually surprised when Dr. Scott mentioned outdoor cats as an option. I thought they had a real problem with the (feral) cat population in Australia. I would hate to have my cat subjected to whatever defenses people would put up to discourage feral cats from visiting their property. Anyway, I agree with other posters here that say catios (or other outdoor enclosures) and supervised (on leash) walks are much safer options. Not only will they keep cats safer from feral defense measures, but also from predators and other cats. They will also kill fewer animals themselves. This way they don't dangerously decrease the populations of other species of wildlife we might want to protect.

I respectfully disagree with the use of laser pointers. While they may seem stimulating at first, there's nothing the kitties can catch. Cats are predatory animals, they need something they can grab when "hunting." Also, the laser beam can damage their eyes but fortunately, that's easily preventable.

I have 5 cats that are allowed outside. They are all fixed and vacvinated. I live in a quiet suburban neighborhood. My two older cats are almost 14 and aren’t able to leave my fenced backyard. My other male cat is 2 and also can’t get out. My two female cats (4 & 2 years old) squeeze under the gate and scale the wooden privacy fence like its nothing. One doesn’t venture far, but Nutmeg loves to go on adventures around the neighborhood. She will bring back snakes, mice or dead rabbit parts 😅 The other cats only go out during the day, but Nutmeg is often out over night and especially during the warmer months spends 75% of her time outdoors. She will meow and scratch at the door to be let out. If I ignore her, she will put her claws in my leg to emphasize what she wants. Some of my other cats won’t go outside at all during the winter and maybe an hour a day when the weather is nice. I think it is necessary to take into account the cat’s personalities and the environment. I know lots of people have very strong opinions about cats not going outside. For some cats, it is really about quality of life and not quantity. Nutmeg may have a shorter life because she is outside so much, but better an engaging stimulating 4 years if life, then 20 being bored. My other cats would probably be fine being indoors, but they have the option.

Our cat is outdoor. But we live away from roads, people dogs etc. He also doesn't venture far from the house. So all is good for him. He doesn't even use an indoor litter box. We provided him with one for two years and he just wouldn't use it.

I've had cats most of my life and they love being outside. The cat I have now is allowed out during the day, via a cat door but she spends a lot of time inside. When outdoors, she loves climbing trees, chasing leaves and lying in the sun. I can't imagine her being kept inside all the time, even when she was a kitten. She is very energetic, and I think allowing a cat outdoors is best. Good for them to be out in the sun and fresh air. Obviously, an exception for apartment cats.

Please keep the cat indoor.

I think catios are a good idea! Cats roaming in rural areas seems fine to me, but I've known too many people who have lost cats on the roads where I live. You have to consider how good of a hunter your cat is when it comes to local wildlife - unless you're a farmer and the cat is helping keep the rat population down. Birds are a concern, but loads of things kill birds so 🤷‍♀️ If I had a cat I'd definitely keep it indoors - much safer from fights with other cats, dog attacks, traffic and even unpleasant humans who put out poison.

i got adopted by two strays from my local area. it seems cruel to forcefully keep them inside, but i have an airtag on both

Please consider the fact that cats are not native species for most areas of the world and have really negative impacts on the outdoor environment where they kill millions of birds each year. Catios are a great alternative.

I've had many puss cats over the years, sadly losing a few to RTAs - the last being almost 30 years ago, but I still believe that cats should be free to roam outside, feeling the grass under their paws, climbing trees, chasing butterflies and creepy crawlies ❤ I chose were I live because it is in a quiet cul de sac and away from the main roads so safer for my cat ❤

Rural and quiet environment is a yes for letting your cat outside, and it’s doubtless a betterblife for a cat.

To my mind, it's irresponsible to let your cat roam around the great outdoors, not knowing where they go. It's not fair to your neighbors either that may not want to deal with a wandering cat. There are more negatives than positives.

I have 2 strays that decided i could feed & care for them. They are mainly outdoor but stay close to the house. One becomes a housecat in the winter by its choice. Do I worry, yes. But a depression comes over them when they are trapped indoors. Which has happened during a brutal cold snap when I would not let them out for a week.

The biggest danger to outside cats is humans. The wrong person crosses paths with a cat and the cat is in trouble. There are some very cruel people out there.

I believe felines love their freedom just as we do. But of course it depends on where you life if your cat should be an indoor/cateo cat, or outdoor kitty. So A tracker might be also a good idea ... I also believe that playing with your cats and spending time as well as cat walks thoughout the apartment shouldn't be only for indoor cats, but also for outdoor kitties! They also love to be stimulated, and have quality time with their owners. It's a widely spread misunderstanding that cats wanna be by themselves and need their humans only as a can opener!

I have 2 cats - but they were originally stray street cats. Keeping them as inside cats is not for them. Over the years I have had them they wander less and less and as they are females, they never went very far anyway. Now as they get older, they hardly ever stray out of the garden. It's a dilemma really. And it's a losing battle if they were originally street cats. I am located away from traffic, there are no dogs around me and so in general, the environment is safe. I am never 100% comfortable when they are outside but keeping them inside is not really an option. I think if I had had them since they were kittens, things would have been different. But they love sitting in the garden and watching the world go by. I do have a catio and one of them uses it, the other one will not. I think we have to compromise according to our cats' needs and the same solution does not suit every cat. But clearly, life is safer as an indoor cat, but not every cat is suited to an indoor life

I think with a cat, the owner doesn't make the decision, the cat does.

outdoor cat life expectancy-2 -5 yrs, indoor cat -up to 20yrs possible, outdoor cats deal with -dogs, cars ,preditors and vile evil ppl, and other hazzards that could end thier life sooner, indoor cats deal with- being safe, lack of threats to thier safety, positive reenforcement from owners constant food source, less chance of catching diseases like FIP, FEV FIV FEL... and you can also give INdoor cats enrichment with cat trees, shelving, catifying your home and even a playmate as in another cat!.. a responsiable cat owner would keep thier cats safe and indoors(plus Indoor cats DO NOT Supposedl;y impact the wildlife as so many "ppl" insinuate outdoor cats do and indoor cats do not add to the over population of kittens and ferals and strays if you are a responsiable pet owner and get them spayed/neutered) :P

My cats are both indoor/outdoor cats. They come in when they want to and go out when they want to. However, there are some exceptions to this. When I know I am going to be away around 12 hours plus I will make sure they are inside. Also, when there are holidays like Halloween, Independence Day, or any other day like that I will make sure I have them inside as well. Or if I know there are construction going on, I will make sure they are inside as well.