There is much to be said for allowing cats to roam freely on the streets and many people feel that keeping a cat cooped up inside all the time is simply cruel. However, not only could you easily take a house cat for walks to ensure they get exercise and the chance to enjoy the outdoors regularly, but keeping your pet inside is also simply likely to ensure they live for a great deal longer.
So what should you take into account when deciding whether your pet should stay housebound or not?
Firstly, if your house is too small or you are unable to offer them plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, then you may indeed want to let your pets out. However, on the flip side of this, if there are busy roads or other external dangers lurking in close proximity to your home, it may well be far better to keep them indoors. Changing your home around regularly to offer new places for them to play and explore can be very beneficial for any cat that will be staying indoors and so long as you give them plenty to do, there is a good chance that they will have a very happy life, inside or out.
Are they a pedigree cat? If so, you may well risk people stealing your cat if they are particularly beautiful and, again, here, keeping them indoors may be the answer.
If you do decide to keep your cat as a house pet, then you will need to make sure they have plenty of exercise and the right diet. Buying food formulated for a house pet will help, as will ensuring that you spend plenty of time playing with them, preferably for at least half an hour every day. Not only will this allow them to get the exercise they need, but also the mental stimulation to keep them happy.
