For many cat owners, one decision looms larger than most: should their pet be allowed to explore the outdoors, or remain inside where the risks are easier to control?
The question has long split animal lovers. Some argue that keeping cats indoors restricts their natural instincts, while others point to dangers such as traffic, predators, disease and injury.
Now, researchers have taken a closer look at the issue in an effort to understand how outdoor access may affect feline behaviour.
Their findings indicate that cats given the chance to roam outside may be less prone to certain problem behaviours at home, including some of the habits owners find most frustrating.
In a study published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, scientists found that cats allowed unsupervised outdoor time showed lower levels of disruptive behaviour compared with those kept indoors.
The researchers noted that the picture is not entirely straightforward, with factors such as the number of cats in a household also influencing behaviour. Even so, cats with outdoor access appeared far less likely to damage furniture through scratching.
Lead author Dr Lee Neil, a behavioural biologist at the University of Guelph, told Our News Outlet: “One possibility is that cats who scratch household items have not been provided with their preferred options for scratching indoors.
“Cats with outdoor access have more opportunities to find these preferred options when outside, which might give them an outlet that prevents the behaviour indoors.”
Scientists say that letting your cat roam outside can make it less destructive and less disruptive at night (stock image)
As Dr Neil acknowledges, uncontrolled outdoor access for cats is a ‘controversial topic’.
Recent studies suggest that 31 per cent of cats in the UK are exclusively kept indoors, but owners are divided over whether this is healthy.
One one hand, many cat owners point out that the life expectancy of indoor cats is significantly higher than for outdoor cats, due to the risk of injury and illness.
The lifespan of an indoor cat is 15 to 17 years, while an outdoor cat’s lifespan is two to 5 years, according to researchers at the University of California-Davis.
In a post on TikTok, one user said: ‘I don’t want to answer the door to someone telling me he’s been run over.’
‘My baby has always been indoors as she’s safe and happy. I think people who let their cat free roam unsupervised are the neglectful and irresponsible ones,’ added another commenter.
While one cat owner posted: ‘I can’t help but feel bad for having so much control over him but I’ve taken the responsibility to make sure he is safe.’
However, recent research suggests that exclusive indoor cats have higher rates of bad behaviour.
Recent studies suggest that 31 per cent of cats in the UK are exclusively kept indoors, but owners are divided over whether this is healthy
One Spanish study found that indoor cats had a higher risk for owner-reported aggression and were more likely to go to the bathroom outside of the litter tray.
Likewise, many pet owners on social media complain that it is ‘cruel’ or ‘unnatural’ to keep cats indoors.
In this new study, scientist surveyed 7,793 cat owners in America and Canada about their pets habits and behaviour.
Overall, indoor cats had the highest rates of scratching, with 48.5 per cent of owners reporting that their cat scratched the furniture.
According to Dr Neil, this is likely because indoor cats aren’t finding the right places to work out their natural scratching behaviours.
Dr Neil says: ‘We know that cats need to scratch to condition their nails, to stretch and to leave markings for communication.’
Cats with uncontrolled outdoor access, by contrast, had the lowest reports of scratching and nighttime activity, such as running around, and excessive vocalisations, such as yowling.
However, the researchers caution that outdoor access isn’t a ‘fix-all’ for behaviour issues.
Research found that uncontrolled outdoor access reduced scratching and yowling, but experts warn this is not a ‘fix all’ for bad behaviour
Dr Neil says: ‘Our data does not support the idea that cats with outdoor access are necessarily better behaved.’
Some negative behaviours decrease as cats spend more time outdoors but other can increase in some situations.
These effects also usually occur through interactions with other factors, such as type of outdoor access, sex of the cat, number of cats in the home and medical issues.
‘The general consensus amongst cat behaviour experts is that cats have numerous opportunities for natural behaviours when outdoors – but many of these opportunities can also be offered indoors through appropriate enrichment,’ says Dr Neil.
‘It might be easier to meet cats’ needs through outdoor access, but we can also create appropriate indoor spaces and allow controlled outdoor access to meet their needs.’
The researchers, therefore, advise that cat owners try to understand their pets individual needs and find ways to meet them.
That could be through letting them roam outside, if the area is safe, or by providing play and exploration opportunities indoors.
Dr Neil concludes: ‘Uncontrolled outdoor access for cats is a controversial topic with lots of differing opinions and no clear solution, and this study is just one more part of the puzzle.’
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR CAT? THE 13 SECRET SIGNALS FELINES GIVE THEIR OWNERS
Cats are often branded aloof and solitary creatures who spend their days plotting their human owner’s demise, but such characterisations could not be further from the truth.
In fact, our feline friends constantly communicate their feelings of affection to us, whether it be through their whiskers, tail, face or body language.
In her eye-opening new book Kitty Language: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Your Cat, author Lili Chin – with the help of animal behaviourists – explains how to interpret your pet’s movements.
Below are some of the most common behaviours and what they could signal.
Our feline friends constantly communicate their feelings of affection to us, whether it be through their whiskers, tail, face or body language
