The question of whether cats should have outdoor access is one of the most contested issues in companion animal welfare, with evidence supporting both sides of the debate.
The outdoor access debate for cats involves genuine trade-offs between individual welfare benefits and risks, and broader ecological impacts on wildlife. Neither fully indoor nor unsupervised outdoor keeping represents an optimal solution for all cats. Risk-managed outdoor access through secure gardens, catios, or supervised time offers a middle path that maintains welfare benefits while reducing mortality risk and wildlife impact.