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The Big Social Media Debate: Should Cats be Indoor Pets or Outdoor

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
Published:  March 16th, 2026

(photo credit: Brain Storm / shutterstock.com)

With the ongoing social media debate heating up over whether cats should be kept indoors or allowed outdoors, it’s time to look at the flip side of the argument. While there’s no question of a safety factor – for both the pet and the area wildlife – as well as the illness and parasite issue, there are some benefits to your pet roaming around outside - including exercise and natural mental stimulation.


Here’s the problem for me. If you don’t live in an apartment where outdoor access is a non-starter, or you’ve adopted a kitten that hasn’t experienced the great outdoors and is content to be entertained through a window, it’s not easy to contain your feline to indoor living. I’ve tried.


My two cats are rescues, so they had already been outdoors, and they definitely knew what they were missing. And that’s where I’ve been able to create a compromise that works for all involved. When I’m home, they’re allowed out onto the back deck and yard. No roaming free around the neighbourhood, and treats are always on the ready to entice them in. For one, it’s the distinctly sharp click of me snapping his IAMS double-pack that instantly draws him in from the very back of my yard. But allowing them out prior to a meal period helps ensure they come back in. Hint: appropriate fencing makes a difference.


How to Keep an Outdoor Cat Safe?

Have him vaccinated by your vet. Even if you don’t live in a ‘hood known for wildlife, your pet can pick up a wide range of serious illnesses, including the obvious rabies and the lesser-known feline herpes virus (FHV), feline calcivirus (FCV) and feline parvovirus (FPV), also known as distemper. They can even bring some of these viruses indoors on their fur and paws.


Now, when it comes to things like fleas and ticks, I prefer a good quality collar versus the liquid drops that go between the shoulder blades. But that’s just me. Options like this vet-recommended flea and tick collar from Seresto start to work within 24 hours and are powerful enough to protect your cat for 8 months. And for those who swear by those pint-sized GPS tracker fobs it’s easy to attach to this type of collar.


Many felines are highly resistant to collars, and if your cat tends to “lose” collars every time they go out, it may make sense to go another route. This monthly flea and tick treatment from Frontline is applied between the shoulder blades and kills both adult fleas, their eggs and larvae. Easy peasy, right?


Creature Comforts

Although I never allow my cats out when I’m not home, for those who are comfortable letting their felines explore a little longer, there are a few steps you can take to keep them comfortable. Particularly when summer hits and temperatures rise. That includes providing a continual source of fresh water. Rather than an open bowl that can become contaminated with debris and bugs, a gravity-fed water dispenser ensures your pet has instant access to clean water throughout the day. When placed close to your door, it also allows you to keep track of your furry friend’s comings and goings.

Weather can change on a dime, and if your feline is out when rainy or snowy conditions move in, you want to ensure she has a safe space to retreat to if you’re not home. This heated outdoor cat house instantly puts your mind at ease. Elevated and waterproof, this cat shelter plugs into your GF outlet (or extension cord) and can be anchored to prevent movement during gusty days. Dual exits and a fun little peephole may result in your cat choosing this new pad over his old home! Just kidding!


Let’s face it, cats work to their own timeline, and unlike dogs that will come in on command, felines tend to be a little less cooperative – even when the treat bag is being vigorously shaken. That’s why I love this slider door cat flap insert from Ideal. Because it doesn’t require you to damage your screen or a pricey exterior door to provide your pet with in/out access. It’s an easy-to-assemble unit that, in a nutshell, wedges in between the frame for your door and the edge of your slider door. It runs the entire height of your door, and you can choose from between 10 inches and 20 inches in width, depending on the size of your pet. This is a perfect solution for apartment or rental units where pets seek continual access to the outdoors, and you’re unable to make alterations.


So, working with a cat that’s determined to gain some outdoor time doesn’t need to be daunting, just organized.

WOW
Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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When you prepare to leave the house, even for a few hours, you likely have a careful routine. You ensure your pets are fed, exercised, and that their environment is enriched to prevent boredom or accidents. You carefully put away anything they shouldn’t chew and ensure all necessary barriers are firmly closed, confident that your preparation will guarantee a safe and peaceful time while you are gone. But what happens when all that preparation goes out the window in a moment as your pets open the door, welcoming in some unlikely friends for an impromptu house party? That’s the very real, very hilarious scenario that recently unfolded for Australian politician Andrew Mackay. Mackay, who lives on a rural property, was out enjoying a quiet dinner with his partner when he decided to check his pet-cam feed, a common move for loving pet parents. However, he couldn’t have predicted what he would see! Moving across the screen of his indoor pet cam wasn’t just his two dogs, but the unmistakable head of a bull. The security cam footage, which Mackay shared on his Facebook page (and has since generated thousands of shares across platforms, with popular news outlets like CTV sharing the content on TikTok), captured the unlikely escapade. The primary culprits? His two dogs, with his resourceful mutt, Thunder, leading the charge.

3 Weird Cat Behaviors Explained

Cats are charming, mysterious, and sometimes puzzling companions. One moment they’re calm, and the next they’re up to something strange. However, most of these “odd” habits actually come from instinct, comfort, or communication. Understanding them can help you build a stronger connection with your feline friend.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Your Cat Still Scratches The Furniture—Even With a Scratching Post

If you’ve bought a scratching post but your cat still goes after your sofa or dining chairs, you’re not alone. Many cat owners are puzzled when their feline companion ignores a perfectly good post in favor of a favorite armchair. So why do cats scratch furniture, and what can you do to redirect those claws?Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Pedigree Foundation Rescue Dog of the Year Is a Senior Named Teddy

The PEDIGREE Foundation, a non-profit organization that’s on a mission to help end pet homelessness, has named their 2026 Rescue Dog of the Year, and it’s a senior dog named Teddy. He was adopted by a great family, and proves that senior dogs—who have lower adoption rates and are often overlooked—aren’t only super deserving of forever homes, but also make some of the very best companions.  

Are You Overfeeding Your Pet? Watch Out For These Signs

Showing love to our pets often involves food. An extra scoop here, a few treats there—but overdoing it is one of the most common (and most overlooked) health issues facing pets today. According to vets, excess weight can shorten a pet’s lifespan and increase the risk of serious health problems, from joint pain to diabetes. The tricky part? Overfeeding isn’t always obvious at first. Here’s how to tell if your pet might be getting more than they need and what you can do about it.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

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