Yes, some breeders allow their cats outside. However, many breeders require that their cats be kept indoors only, or that they have access to a secure outdoor enclosure. This is because breeders want to ensure the safety and well-being of their kittens, and they know that letting cats roam freely outdoors can pose a number of risks.
Opinions on Letting Cats Roam Outside
Breeders’ Perspective
Many breeders have strong opinions on the issue of letting cats roam outside. They often have first-hand experience with the dangers that cats can face outdoors, and they know that even the most cautious cat can be injured or killed if allowed to roam freely. As a result, many breeders require that their kittens be kept indoors only, or that they have access to a secure outdoor enclosure.
Veterinary Professionals’ Perspective
Veterinary professionals also have concerns about the safety of cats that are allowed to roam outside. They know that cats that roam freely are at an increased risk of being hit by cars, attacked by other animals, or contracting diseases. As a result, many veterinarians recommend that cats be kept indoors only.
Readers’ Perspective
Readers have a variety of opinions on the issue of letting cats roam outside. Some readers believe that cats are natural outdoor creatures and that they should be allowed to roam freely. Others are concerned about the risks that cats face outdoors, and they believe that cats should be kept indoors only.
Pros and Cons of Letting Cats Roam Outside
Benefits for the Cats
There are some potential benefits to letting cats roam outside. Cats that are allowed to roam freely may have more opportunities to exercise and socialize. They may also be less likely to develop behavioral problems, such as scratching and spraying.
Risks and Dangers
A number of dangers are connected to the practice of allowing cats to roam freely outside. Those cats that are allowed to wander freely are in a greater danger of being struck by vehicles, being attacked by other animals, or becoming infected with diseases. It is also possible that they are more likely to be misplaced or stolen.
Breeder’s Responsibility for Their Cats’ Safety
Breeders have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their kittens. This includes educating potential buyers about the risks of letting cats roam outside and making recommendations about how to keep cats safe.
Contracts that Restrict Outdoor Access
Many breeders include a clause in their adoption contracts that restricts outdoor access. This clause may require that the cat be kept indoors only, or that it have access to a secure outdoor enclosure.
Steps to Take to Ensure Outdoor Safety
If you do decide to let your cat outside, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure its safety. These steps include:
- Creating a safe outdoor space. This could be a fenced-in yard or a catio (a screened-in enclosure that attaches to your house).
- Supervising your cat when it is outdoors.
- Keeping your cat up-to-date on vaccinations.
- Microchipping your cat.
Alternatives to Letting Cats Roam Outside
There are a number of alternatives to letting cats roam outside. These alternatives include:
- Facilitating enrichment within the building. For example, toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures could fall into this category.
- Utilizing a harness and a leash to walk your cat’s body.
- Putting together a catio.
Conclusion
Everyone has their own opinion on the matter of letting their cat outside. But before you make a choice, be sure you consider all of the potential outcomes. Make sure your cat is safe before letting it outside.
