Over the course of human history, domesticated cats have nearly always been allowed outdoors to explore, hunt, and roam free. In fact, cats were originally domesticated in ancient Egypt specifically to hunt and control rodent populations. However, in more recent decades, there has been a trend towards keeping cats indoors for their safety and health. While an outdoor life may seem ideal and natural for cats, outdoor domestic cats face many dangers and hazards. Their life expectancy drops considerably when left to brave the elements. This article will provide an overview of how long house cats can survive when left outside, the dangers they face, their innate skills and behaviors, and tips for keeping them safe and healthy.
Indoor vs Outdoor Cats
Most veterinarians recommend keeping cats indoors for their safety and health. According to the American Humane Society, indoor cats live on average 10-15 years, while outdoor cats live on average 2-5 years [1]. There are several benefits to keeping cats indoors:
- Indoor cats are protected from common outdoor dangers like cars, predators, diseases, parasites, and cruel people.
- Indoor cats have decreased risk of injury and illness.
- Owners have more opportunities to play with and bond with indoor cats.
- Indoor cats do not hunt wildlife or transfer diseases to other cats.
However, some argue that outdoor access provides enrichment. Potential benefits of supervised outdoor time include:
- Opportunities to climb, scratch, run, and experience smells and sounds.
- Preventing boredom and behavior issues.
- Closer bonding with owners through walks on a leash.
Overall, veterinarians overwhelmingly recommend keeping cats indoors or only allowing supervised outdoor access via a catio or leash walk. With proper enrichment, indoor cats can live long, happy, and healthy lives [2].
Dangers Outside
Outdoor cats face many dangers from cars, other animals, weather, and disease. One of the biggest risks is being hit by a car. According to a source, outdoor and stray cats have much higher rates of injury and death from automobiles compared to indoor cats.
Outdoor cats also frequently get into fights with other cats, dogs, coyotes, and wildlife, often resulting in injury or transmission of disease. Extreme hot or cold weather can also be dangerous for cats without adequate shelter.
Additionally, outdoor cats are at higher risk of contracting infectious diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) through encounters with infected cats. They also have much higher rates of parasitic infections like ticks and fleas.
Hunting Skills
Although domestic cats are not born in the wild, most retain strong hunting instincts and abilities that serve them well if they end up outside. According to one source, “Any cat will hunt what could be meat. They are obligate carnivores.” Even cats born indoors have an innate drive to hunt that does not depend on being taught by a mother cat. Their senses, agility, stealth, and quick reflexes equip them for capturing prey (source).
Common prey for outdoor domestic cats includes small rodents like mice and voles, birds, rabbits, lizards, and insects. With their excellent night vision and ability to stalk noiselessly, cats can ambush prey even in the dark. Keen senses of hearing, smell, and taste also aid cats in hunting success. So while domestic cats may lack some survival skills needed to live entirely in the wild, their innate hunting prowess gives them an advantage at finding food if they end up outside (source).
Finding Food
Feral cats are skilled at finding food and water outside. They often seek out human populated areas like towns and cities where food waste is more abundant. Feral cats can survive by hunting small rodents and birds, but they also know how to scavenge for leftover food scraps. A study by Cyprus Wildspace found that feral cats in seaside towns would congregate near cafes and restaurants to find scraps left behind by diners. They are resourceful in utilizing manmade structures as well, often finding shelter and water sources near churches, apartment buildings, parks, etc. Feral cats are adept survivalists that can utilize their keen senses and adaptability to thrive outdoors.
Weather Extremes
Outdoor cats face a variety of weather conditions throughout the year that can pose serious dangers if they are unable to find proper shelter. In extreme heat, cats are at risk for heat stroke and dehydration. Access to clean, cool water is essential for their survival. They will seek out shaded areas to rest during the hottest parts of the day. In bitter cold winter weather, cats can develop hypothermia or frostbite on their ears, tails, or paws if exposed for too long. According to the Humane Society, outdoor cats burn more calories trying to stay warm and need more food during cold months.[1] Finding a dry, insulated shelter out of the wind and rain is critical for their survival. Cats will crawl into boxes, under porches, in wood piles, or other enclosed spaces to escape the elements. Providing an insulated outdoor shelter, like an insulated cat house, can give cats reprieve from the cold.
[1] https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-care-outdoor-cats-winter
Life Expectancy
Indoor cats generally live significantly longer than outdoor cats. According to Daily Paws, indoor cats have a life expectancy of 15-20 years, while outdoor cats typically only live 2-5 years. This vast difference is due to the many dangers posed to outdoor cats, including cars, dogs, wildlife, diseases, poisons, and extreme weather.
One study cited by The Pet Gazette found the median lifespan for indoor cats was 13 years compared to just 2 years for unowned outdoor cats. Owned cats allowed outside generally fall somewhere in the middle, with a life expectancy around 8-10 years. Keeping your cat exclusively indoors dramatically increases their chances of living a long and healthy life.
Health Over Time
Feral cats that live exclusively outdoors can have a life expectancy similar to owned house cats according to a 2016 study by Alley Cat Allies. The report analyzed over 116,000 feral cats across different geographic areas and found they were generally healthy except for upper respiratory infections and wounds from fighting, which are also common in owned cats (Alley Cat Allies, 2016). With access to regular food sources, shelter, and human caretakers providing medical care, feral cats can live long lives outside.
However, feral cats do face additional health risks compared to indoor cats. They are exposed to the elements, extreme weather, diseases from wildlife, parasites, accidents, and predation. Feral cats in managed colonies with caretakers tend to fare better than completely unmanaged strays. Providing food, shelter, spay/neuter services, and veterinary care enables longer lifespans. But even with human assistance, outdoor life exposes cats to more dangers that may negatively impact long-term health over time.
Owner Tips
When deciding to let your cat outside for the first time, it’s important to take steps to properly prepare them for the outdoors. This will help keep your cat safe and prevent them from getting lost or injured. Here are some tips:
Get your cat microchipped and fitted with a collar and ID tag. This will allow your cat to be identified if they get lost outside. Make sure to register the microchip and keep your contact info current on the collar.[1]
Gradually introduce your cat to the outdoors. Start by taking them outside on a harness and leash, and supervise them at all times. This will allow them to get used to smells and sounds while you maintain control.[2]
Make sure your cat is up-to-date on vaccines before letting them outside. Diseases like feline leukemia and FIV are more common in outdoor cats.[3]
Cat-proof your yard by checking for potential hazards like toxic plants, gaps in fences, or places a cat could get trapped. Provide outdoor shelter and clean water as well.
Start with short supervised trips outdoors, then gradually increase the time as your cat adjusts. Keep them inside at first for safety.
Pay attention to how your cat reacts and adjust the transition time accordingly. Some may take to the outdoors quickly, while more timid cats may need more time.
With preparation and gradual introduction, you can help your indoor cat safely explore the outdoors.
Conclusion
In summary, while house cats do have some natural abilities to survive outdoors, their life expectancy dramatically decreases without the care and protection of their owners. Outdoor dangers pose significant risks, and cats require substantial food and proper shelter to live long-term outside. Owners should keep their cats primarily indoors and only allow limited supervised outdoor time or enclosure access.
Final tips for owners include having identification on your cat at all times, ensuring vaccines are up to date, spaying/neutering your cat, providing food and fresh water daily, giving access to warm shelter, and bringing cats in at night. With proper precautions and care, owners can allow their cats some outside time while still maintaining their health and safety.
