Whether to allow cats outdoor access is one of the most debated companion animal welfare topics, balancing cat behavioural needs against risks to cats and wildlife.
The outdoor access debate involves a genuine welfare trade-off. Cats are motivated to explore, hunt, and access outdoor space. Restricting this can cause frustration and stereotypic behaviour without adequate enrichment. However, outdoor access exposes cats to significant mortality risks. Evidence-based enrichment for indoor cats and risk-reducing outdoor strategies offer the best welfare outcomes for individual cats and wildlife.