Easy to Grow Indoor Plant That Are Safe for Cats

Cat owners have two options when it comes to their new pets' lifestyles: will they be indoor kitties or outdoor cats? At first glance, this question might seem a bit complicated. Odds are you know at least one person who lets their cat roam around freely outside, but you also know that most domesticated cats are indoor critters almost exclusively.

So, which should you choose for your cat? Let's break down some facts and precautions to keep in mind when deciding whether to let your cat go outside or keep them inside.

The Inherent Risks of Letting Your Cat Stay Outside

While cats like to go outside, at least when they're young, there are several things you should be aware of before letting them scamper out of the house. In fact, there are lots of risks to letting your cat roam outdoors.

Predators

For starters, house cats are far from the biggest creatures in the neighborhood. Even if you live in a very domesticated or metropolitan area, dogs (particularly stray dogs) can be a threat to your cat if they're of an aggressive temperament.

If you live in certain climates, such as the mountains, your cat may also be vulnerable to other types of predators, including hawks, coyotes, and wolves. Domesticated house cats are not always equipped with the instincts or knowledge necessary to escape these predators.

Cars

Additionally, outdoor cats need to quickly learn to avoid cars, both on the road and in driveways. Cats don't always understand that parked cars can move at a moment's notice, which puts them at risk of being hit, severely injured, or killed if they hide inside the hood of a car while it is turned off.

This hazard is especially prevalent in winter when many outdoor cats will cuddle up next to a car engine that was turned off for heat, only to not be given a warning when the car's owner sits in the driver's seat and turns the engine on.

Toxins/Poisons

There are many toxins and poisons that your cat could get into if you let them run around outside without supervision. For example, certain types of flowers and plants, while appealing to felines who like to chew on grass to assist with digestion, can be toxic to cats if they ingest even a single flower or bit of stem.

Furthermore, many people put pesticides or other chemicals on their plants or grass. If your cat rolls around in the grass or eats grass with pesticides, they could become sick or seriously injured as a result.

Fights with Other Cats

Naturally, outdoor cats have to be aware of the territory of other feline patrollers. Cats can be fiercely territorial, especially when it comes to their neighborhood or the local area around their house. Stray cats can be very aggressive, in particular. Domesticated cats, who aren't recognized by a stray or outdoor-exclusive cat, might be injured or bullied.

Other Injuries

Aside from all of these specific concerns, your cat could become injured in any other number of ways, such as by construction equipment, by people, and by the weather.

All in all, your cat may want to go outside, but there are a lot of dangers they aren't aware of. Responsible pet owners need to keep these things in mind when deciding whether to let their feline friend have some fun in the sun.

Are There Advantages To Letting Your Cat Go Outside?

While there are downsides to outdoor play for your cat, there are some potential advantages as well.

For example, outdoor cats usually get more exercise than indoor kitties. They move around more and may spend their time chasing bugs or birds, allowing them to exercise their muscles much more rigorously than they would inside.

Additionally, cats may experience a more enriched life if they get to explore the outdoors. Although cats aren't as novelty-seeking as most people, they do need new experiences and some variety in their day-to-day activities to feel fulfilled and emotionally content.

Your cat could very well become stir crazy if they are cooped up inside all the time, particularly if you live in a small house or apartment. Younger cats are typically more interested in going outside than older cats, as well; you might find it harder to keep a kitten indoors than it is to keep an old cat inside.

The Benefits of Keeping Your Cat Indoors

Many cat owners keep their kitties indoors for several important reasons. In addition, many veterinarians or pet professionals will recommend that your cat stay indoors whenever possible for many of the same factors.

Safer for Them

For one, it's much safer for cats to stay inside all the time than it is to let them go outside, especially during the night. Inside, you'll always know that your cat is in a few places, and you'll always be able to call them to your side if you want to check on them, give them medicine, or just make sure they are well fed.

In contrast, outdoor cats can range far enough away from their homes that it's impossible to call them back when it's time for dinner. While it's unlikely that your cat will ever truly get lost, letting them outside means that you're on their timetable, not your own.

Easier To Control Their Diet

For another, it's much easier to ensure that your cat gets adequate nutrition if they are indoor exclusive. If your cat is always inside, you can rest assured that they aren't eating plants that they aren't supposed to, small animals like mice or birds, or eating anything else that could upset the digestive systems or make their diet balanced.

This aspect is much more important if you want your cat to avoid becoming too chubby, but it's crucial for all kitties since they tend to have more sensitive digestive systems than dogs or humans. Naturally, if your cat requires a special diet for a medical condition, keeping them indoors is the only responsible option.

No Chance of Unwanted Kittens

Lastly, keeping your cat indoors guarantees that you won't have any unwanted kittens in the near future. While it's always a better idea to spay or neuter your cat, most felines have to be a certain age before they can have these procedures. Therefore, keeping them inside is very wise before they are fixed.

Risks of Indoor Living for Your Cat

Although keeping your cat inside is usually the smarter idea, there are some risks to be aware of as well. For example:

Your cat could become bored with its environment, losing interest in physical activity as a result. This makes it more likely that your cat could become overweight.
Lower quality of life is a possibility. As mentioned, cats do need novelty and interesting experiences to enjoy their lives. Cat owners who never introduce anything interesting into their environments can unintentionally cause their pets to suffer.
Some indoor cats are very shy, which can make it hard to become their friends or introduce them to new people.

Because of these potential downsides, many people decide to let their cats outside once in a while or under strict supervision. Furthermore, the risks to leaving your cat outside might be diminished depending on where exactly you live.

Ways To Ensure a Good Indoor Life for Your Cat

If you do decide to keep your cat inside, there are ways to make sure that they have a great life.

For example, you could:

Buy them new toys regularly. Toys are a great way to ensure that your cat keeps up with their exercise and that they have something to challenge their minds from time to time. Puzzle games are particularly good if your cat is brighter than average.
Mix up their food variety every once in a while. Cats can become picky and inflexible in their old age, but you can prevent this and give your cat a novel experience by giving them some new food or even new treats every once in a while.
Let your cat go outside under supervision. Putting your cat on a leash and taking them for a walk, or letting your cat go on a secluded porch or patio, can be good ways to compromise on your "no outside" rule while keeping your cat safe from most hazards. You can even put them in a backpack or cat carrier to go on adventures.

The Cat Walk

All in all, indoor cats are usually safer than outdoor cats, although letting your cat outside from time to time does have its benefits. As a pet owner, it's up to you to decide which of the two lifestyles you'll choose and what balance you'll strike between keeping your cat safe and ensuring they have a great life.

Sources:

Are outdoor cats happier? | Animal Humane Society

Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats | American Humane

Indoor Vs. Outdoor Cats: Health and Safety | PetMD

Poisonous Plants, Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List | ASPCA

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