Whether cats should be kept indoors or allowed outside involves balancing individual cat welfare against ecological harm. Evidence-based approaches consider both.
The welfare of outdoor cats is dramatically compromised by risks of trauma, disease, and predation. However, indoor-only environments without adequate enrichment cause their own welfare problems — boredom, obesity, and stress from insufficient expression of natural behaviors. Enriched indoor environments with climbing structures, hunting toys, and consistent play sessions can meet cat behavioral needs without ecological harm. Supervised outdoor access through catios or harness training offers compromise solutions.