Do Cats Need to Go Outside?

Ever felt like you had cabin fever? Like you’re tired of being indoors and are at the end of your rope? Cats get that way too. They crave the outdoors just as we do sometimes, if not more, since their worlds are simpler than ours.

Safely Getting Some Sun

While we endorse the idea of letting your cat play outside, we don’t support letting them roam around freely. There are far too many dangers in the modern world for domesticated cats to be wandering around different parts of a city or town. They run the risk of getting hit by a car, hurt or abused by other humans or animals, or contracting a serious disease or injury.

So, what is left? We suggest building a catio. Catios provide your felines with access to fresh air, sunlight, grass, and insects! While they might be limited in space, the aforementioned list of benefits is still incredibly important to your cat’s mental health.

Lastly, if you have an older or overweight cat, another solid choice is to let them explore your yard while you stay behind them to keep them safe and avoid potential hazards. You know your cat better than anyone else, and if they aren’t very quick, and they’re not jumpers, you can likely take them out for a safe interaction with the outdoors.

Why Do Cats Need the Outdoors?

There are a number of reasons cats like to go outside. For one, it’s incredibly stimulating. Your cat likely knows every square inch of your home, and when they’re outside, it’s like they’re a part of the wild world again. Birds are chirping as they fly overhead, squirrels are chattering and flinging acorns to the ground – life is happening. These are the big leagues for your kitty and they need to experience this periodically to feel alive. All their senses are active – sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste.

Cats also like to indulge in their natural behaviours like stalking, hunting, and sleeping. When they’re outside, they can get it all done in one trip! Some cats love to chase and eat bugs while others might be tempted to go for something bigger. If you are doing your job right, your cat should not be outside, alone, killing birds and squirrels. You should be with them to prevent them from doing so, but it is totally fine to let them think they are the biggest, baddest hunter on the block.

One of the number one reasons to get your cat outside is for physical activity. Young cats get great exercise indoors as things are still very new to them, but older cats tend to slow down as they get used to things. What gets cats of all ages excited? Being outside! This is where a catio is crucial.

Final Thoughts

Your cat wants to be outside, regardless of whether you live in a house or an apartment. The best thing you can do is provide them with a safe space outside where they can watch the world go by, stretch their legs, and enjoy the odd insect or a nap. This would ideally be a catio, or a screened in gazebo.

If that is still not possible, opening your windows for them to sit at the screen and meow at the birds as they fly past is the first step to providing them with the stimulation they need to live a happy life. Cats are a lot like us. They don’t want to be cooped up in a space for too long without a bit of a change of scenery, and we are the only ones who can provide that change.