Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats?

Question

Don't the outdoor variety seem much more sane? Don't cats need the stimulation of the outside world? Indoor cats seem lazy and pathetic.

Answer 1

Cats live healthier, longer lives indoors, but I agree with you on the stimulation piece. It's really up to their owners to provide that environment enrichment indoors. This means, providing cat trees with high perchs, sunny windows to view out of or laze in, lots of interactive toys and the entire unrestricted run of the home. I think if you live in area where your outdoor cat can be safe from wild animals, other cats and automobiles, it's great to enable them to go outside. But I think if there's too many outdoor dangers, the risks outweigh the benefits. Better to keep your babies inside in that case.

Answer 2

Have had both indoor and outdoor cats. They say that cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day. I think outdoor cats are up a bit more than that, especially if you let them out all night. I have 2 indoor cats right now. One is lazy and pathetic but is older and fatter. The 2 year old is pretty crazy and runs around after the older one- kinda keeps him a little in shape I guess. Either way, cats just sleep alot. I didn't read the following web site but found on google.

Answer 3

The reason most indoor cats are "lazy and pathetic" is because they've been cooped up without the companionship of another of their species. There have been psychological studies that show that cats that are adopted out on there own are much more likely to become, in essence, psychotic. They'll be crazy and have bizarre behavioral problems for no apparent reason.
On the other hand, cats that live indoors and have cat friends, live much more active lives and stay mentally sound for much much longer. The reason outdoor cats seems more sane is because they get a chance to interact with other cats while they're outdoors.
The problem is there are a lot more health issues with letting your cat outdoors then there are mental issues with leaving your cat indoors and alone. Parasites, infections and viruses are more likely to take your pet cat from you then mental issues arise from keeping a cat alone for it's life; and a car is nearly guaranteed to do it even faster.

Answer 4

Not mine! You should probably have an indoor cat to judge that. I have had 6 cats in the past couple of years and they were all outdoor cats. They ALL ranaway. The oldest cat i have ever had was...2. That might not be the case all the time though. Outdoor cats also catch things faster like fleas, ticks, mites, colds, bee stings, and other stuff. Indoor cats are also pretty fat ( at least mine is, he weighs 20lbs ). I have never had a better cat than Oliver. Hes my campanion. You bond better with your cat also because they arent always outside and becoming ferrel ( outdoor cats that are independant and most likely to run away )

Answer 5

First, all cats are insane. That's their appeal. I believe the reason that indoor cats tend to be less active is because most responsible pet owners don't let their cats outside, and most responsible pet owners also neuter their cats. Therefore, most inside cats are fixed. It's the neutering that leads to laziness, not the lack of outdoor stimulation. The other thing to consider is age. As someone else stated, indoor cats live nearly twice as long as outside cats. Old cats are generally less active.
Cats don't need to go outside to be stimulated - haven't you ever seen one chase a dust mote in the sunlight?

Answer 6

I have tried before to keep my cats indoor and they are curious by nature, so I let them out. My cats have not run away. They come and go as they please. And for the person that says dogs are the best......How often have you looked out your door or have been walking down the street and seen a cat taking a huge crap on the lawn? Cats are definitly more discreet. There is always going to be someone who does not like something. My cats and my dog are fixed, so they are not spreading themselves around. Also how many vicious cat bites have you heard of? How many children are being mauled by cats? Dogs have their own fine qualities, but with cats, it all depends on your lifestyle. So the longwinded answer is both. Indoor or outdoor, it does not matter.

Answer 7

I agree with the lazy part but not the pathetic part
all animals need to roam .. & the outdoors give them that but indoor cats can only go so far in the home so they get bored..
they see birds, other animals outside & want to explore ..
my cats are indoor & allowed to go out in the back yard the fence is way too high for them to jump & they love it out there
more than the house...I think animals long to be free..but as it is a cruel world & there are cruel humans out there I have to protect them....

Answer 8

I think it just depends on the cat. I've had both situations. Right now my outdoor cat is more active and smarter than the indoor. But that doesn't mean anything. Like people, living beings have different personalities. I've had many cats and they are all different!

Answer 9

My cat is both an indoor and outdoor cat. He stays outside during the day, roaming the neighborhood. Then he sleeps inside at night. So spoiled.

Answer 10

I have 3 cats, and the all go in and out as they please. They seem to enjoy being lazy outside more than inside. I think they like the feel of the grass, and the "idea" that they can stalk and catch that bird, lizard or frog that comes by. Not that they can, again, they are well fed domesticated cats - therefore they are lazy. I always tell my husband the only reason we are allowed in the house is because we know how to open the doors. They ever figure that out, and we are on our way out, and they would rule supreme.

Answer 11

If your indoor cat seems lazy and pathetic, perhaps you should play with it... Don't just get toys and let it go at it alone.. Play WITH it. Cats tend to enjoy them more if the toy is moving around, etc... As for laziness, Diesel sits in the yard and does nothing, and DC sits in the house and does nothing, so it really doesn't make a difference.