Balancing the welfare benefits of outdoor access against risks from traffic, predation, and disease is a significant consideration for cat owners in different environments.
The indoor-outdoor decision involves genuine welfare trade-offs that are context-dependent. In high-traffic urban areas, indoor living with enrichment may provide better overall welfare than unrestricted outdoor access. In rural areas with low traffic, outdoor access provides substantial welfare benefit through behavioural opportunity. Catios and managed outdoor access offer a middle path that captures welfare benefits while managing the most serious risks.