A question that many cat-owners ask themselves is whether or not to allow their pet outside. But is it necessary to allow a cat out to explore with the risks this entails not only for cat itself (traffic, fights with other cats…), but also for the local fauna? Is a cat as happy living its live indoors as it would be if it were an outdoor cat?
The cat behaviour therapist Anneleen Bru says that every cat is different.
"Not every cat is by definition an animal that needs to go outside”. Anneleen Bru adds that we shouldn’t assume that an indoor cat is less happy than an outdoor cat.
"Each cat is unique and not every cat would preffer to be outside rather than indoors. You also can’t just turn an outdoor cat into an indoor cat. It always depends on the individual situation”.
Nevertheless, Anneleen Bru told VRT Radio 2 that there are some telltale signs in a cat’s behaviour that show its owner whether they have taken the right decision by keeping their pet indoors or allowing it out.
Beware of “the zoomies”
There’s a thing that exists that is known as locomotor play. This is when your cat plays with its surroundings and, for example, literally flies back and forth over your furniture or runs up and down the stairs.
This is also known as “the zoomies”. Cats that really engage this type of play benefit from being able to go outside, climb trees and explore their surroundings”, Anneleen Bru explains. “You really see them blossom. When they’re allowed out"
Read your cat’s body language
You can also learn a lot from your cat’s body language. “Look at your cat’s whiskers. If they are pointing forwards, your cat is happy. If they are pointing back your cat feels ill at ease”.
A cat’s tail also tells you a lot about its mood. “If the tail is upright or like a question mark, you have a happy cat. Your cat is not happy if its tail is pointing down it is not happy. You can learn a lot by looking at a cat’s whiskers and its tail.
If you notice that your cat often hides or seeks solitude or that it often acts afraid. “Then this is a sign of chronic stress. In this case it would be a good idea to look and your cat’s living quarters”.
Always take your cat’s behaviour into account
Annelene Bru stresses that ultimately the decision lies with the cat owner “This also differs from person to person. Consider where you live and to what extent it is feasible or safe to let your cat outside.
If you live near to a busy road, you may be more inclined to keep your pet indoors. Other cat owners, however, cannot bring themselves to deprive their cat of its freedom. Whatever you decide, should always take your cat's behavior into account.