These are the risks of outdoor cats you probably don't know

How you feel about outdoor cats, might depend on your culture and where you are in the world. In the U.S., about 81% of domestic cats are kept inside, according to a 2021 demographic study of pet cats. But elsewhere, it can be far more common to let them roam.

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In Denmark, only 17% of cats are strictly indoor pets, according to the same study. In Turkey, it is so common to see feral cats roam everywhere that a documentary was made about the phenomenon. While in Poland, they’ve recently been called an “invasive alien species.”

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In Britain, where the 2021 study said that 74% of cat owners let their felines roam outside, many cat charities advise pet owners on the best ways to keep cats safe outdoors, because letting cats roam poses some risks.

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In a 2016 study looking at invasive predators and global biodiversity loss, researchers found that cats threaten 430 species of wildlife and are linked to the extinction of 40 birds, 21 mammals, and two reptiles.

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However, it’s important to acknowledge that humans threaten biodiversity the most. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in Britain said the decline in bird populations has been caused primarily by man-made problems such as climate change, pollution, and agricultural management.

However, there are other risks for domesticated cats that roam outside. For instance, the fact that they are vulnerable to attacks from larger predators, like coyotes, hawks or speeding cars.

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When cats are given the chance to roam outside, they are more likely to come in contact with zoonotic diseases and pass on viruses, parasites, and bacteria from wildlife to humans, says Richard Gerhold, a professor at the University of Tennessee Knoxville who specializes in parasitic infections.

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Rabies, an infectious disease that is basically 100% fatal once symptoms appear, is another common pathogen in kitties. The majority of human rabies cases in the U.S. are attributable to bats, but cats have become the top source of human rabies exposure among domestic animals.

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Many owners, however, feel conflicted about keeping a curious, restless creature inside. Because while some cats don’t show any interest to go outside, many need that stimulation.

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Luckily, there are some ways that cat owners can provide their furry friends with some contact with the outside while keeping themselves, their pets, and biodiversity safe.

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Supervising your cat while he’s out is a good way of making sure he stays safe. However, if he tends to escape, a good option is to teach them to walk with a harness or leash and get to enjoy outside walks, much like dogs.

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If you have a garden or outside area, a patio, a fresh-air enclosure or a “cat patio”, that can be another effective solution for keeping your cat safe while providing him with some outdoor stimulation.

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Feeding a cat with high-quality food deters predatory behavior, according to Cats Protection in Britain.

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Finally, making sure pets are vaccinated against infectious diseases and cleaned after spending time outside can also help minimize the risk that they bring illnesses into the household.