June 2006 - The Parklander Magazine

On average, indoor cats livefor 14 years while the lifeexpectancy of an outdoorcat is only about threeto five years.meow!photos: Cherise GeeIn or Out —What’s Best?By Dr. Penny KupferbergQ: I have just adopted a cat and wonder if it is better tokeep it inside or allow it to go outside?A: Congratulations on the new addition to your family!Cats are wonderful pets! Inside or outside—there’s plentyof points to argue for keeping your cat on either side ofthe fence.In general, cats tend to live longer if they stay inside.On average, indoor cats live for 14 years whilethe life expectancy of an outdoor cat is only about threeto five years.Cats raised indoors do not have the same temperaturerisks and discomfort (especially in our Florida heat) that cats dowhen they’re on their own. Due to the extreme weather conditions,outdoor cats are exposed to harsher elements (like rain and wind) thatyour inside cat doesn’t have to experience.When the outdoor cat is away from home he may be at risk becauseof predators and he’ll be put in situations that may require him to defendhimself. Even our local wildlife can be aggressive towards a domesticfeline and cause harm. And his natural curiosity could get him intomany a dangerous predicament that an indoor cat avoids.If you’re considering letting your cat enjoy the great outdoors aswell as the comforts of home you should know that this maynot be the best of both worlds. A de-clawed cat would be atgreat risk if allowed to go beyond the boundaries of ascreened patio.On the outside, your cat could pick up parasites andbring them back into the family home. Hookworms,roundworms, ticks and fleas can travel from cats to humansand cause the same trouble for you as they do for your cat!If you choose to keep your cat inside, you’ll have toincorporate him into your family. This means that your familymust accept the responsibility of caring for your pet. Whilecats are quite self sufficient they do require someattention. Making sure your cat is fed and well caredfor is the most basic requirement for meeting hisneeds. If you travel, you will have to make arrangements with aneighbor, friend or relative to feed your cats and tend the litter box,or you can board them at a proper facility.Overall, the points for safety from predicaments andpredators, enjoying a comfortable temperature and having along life expectancy stack up on the side of keeping your catindoors. Inside or outside—you’ll have to make the final choiceon where to draw the boundaries for your cat, so be aware of allassociated risks and benefits.The owner and chief of staff at the Coral Springs Pet Resort and MedicalCenter, Dr. Penny Kupferberg has practiced veterinary medicine for over15 years. This Parkland resident owns several animals, including twodogs and a bird. Email her at pettalk@theparklander.com.