I've just moved to the city from the suburbs with my husband and two cats. Our cats have never been allowed to go outside but our new neighbourhood is full of outdoor cats. Some are strays that are being fed by neighbours but most are pets that are simply let outside whenever they want. Should we allow our cats outside, too? They are neutered males, six and eight years old, very friendly and both have intact claws.
Kendra
Dear Kendra,
The subject of indoor/outdoor cats has been an ongoing argument for years and while everyone appears to be firmly committed to "yes" or "no," I'm glad you've taken the "what if" stance, weighing options, asking for opinions and keeping an open mind.
Let's start with the issue of various municipal codes regarding pets. In Toronto, Municipal Code 349-20 states the medical officer of health may take possession of and impound any cat found at large if the cat is deemed to be causing damage or creating a nuisance or is in distress, injured and/or unidentifiable.
In other words, in Toronto, cats can be outside as long as nobody complains about them and they're not in need of help.
Legal issues aside, let's think about the pros and cons of allowing outdoor access. The pro side: freedom, exercise, socialization. The con side: injury (vehicular, other animals, nasty people), poison, infectious diseases, parasites, getting lost, problems with neighbours (using gardens as litter boxes).
While visiting a local animal shelter recently, I was struck by the number of obese, declawed cats lolling around in cages while awaiting new homes.
This shelter is in the depths of the big city, surrounded by apartments and condos, so the majority of these cats came from homes that weren't set up for indoor/outdoor access.
My subsequent visit to a suburban shelter revealed an entirely different scene: their adoptable cats were, for the most part, slim and trim and none were declawed. This shelter was located in a neighbourhood of single homes where indoor/outdoor access was an easy option.
I've always chosen to live in communities that are relatively pet-safe as I have always allowed my cats to go outside.
We've lived in urban and suburban neighbourhoods as well as the wilds of Muskoka. No matter where we've lived, I've identified the possible dangers, from vehicular traffic to coyotes, prior to moving. Each cat has lived to a grand old age with only a minor bump or scrape that would have been avoided had they been strictly indoor cats.
My cats have all been neutered/spayed, vaccinated and on preventive products for fleas and other parasites. I've always chosen my homes with my pets' safety and happiness foremost in mind, which may seem a little obsessive but I've always found that if my home is suitable to my pets, it's most likely suitable to me, too.
Kendra, it's possible that, given your cats' ages, they may not be interested in going outside and it's probable that, as newbies, they'll be frightened at the prospect. But if they seem interested, a harness and leash will allow them to roam safely around your yard under your supervision. Or you can look into an enclosed "cat walk" structure that allows your cats access to the outside while ensconced in a safe environment (www.thecatsden.net).
Or you can choose to keep them indoors, provide them with lots of play time, regular grooming sessions and plenty of windowsills where they can enjoy the outdoors from the safety of your home.
In many areas of the world such as England, the majority of cat owners think it's cruel and unusual to keep a cat indoors. Here in North America, the opposite is true. In fact, some of our animal shelters and many rescue groups refuse to adopt their cats to people who will allow outdoor access. Who is right? In the end, I think the decision is best left up to the owner and cat. You know your cats well, Kendra, and you're in the best position to decide which route to take. Good luck in your new home!
E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.