Click here to download the AVA leaflet on indoor vs. outdoor cats

Should I let my cat outside?

Outdoor cats live an average of 2-5 years, while indoor cats live an average of 15 years.

Benefits of keeping your cat indoors

• No risk of being hit by a car and suffering serious or fatal injuries.
• They won’t get killed, attacked or eaten by dogs, foxes, raccoons or coyotes.
• Reduced risk of contracting fleas, parasites or worms from free-roaming animals.
• Reduced risk of serious illnesses, including rabies, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)and other contagious diseases.
• There is less chance of them getting hurt, abused, tortured, poisoned or killed by humans.

Help your cat live a happy & healthy indoor life by bringing the outdoors, indoors:

1. Plant an indoor garden with cat-safe plants and herbs
2. Set up window perches so they can look out and enjoy the view
3. Playtime! By engaging in interactive play with your cat, you are drawing out their hunting instincts, which keeps their minds and boys active and engaged
4. Supervise outdoor time by building an enclosed porch (or “catio”), or training them on a harness and leash for walks