Whether cats should have outdoor access is a contested welfare question. Both outdoor and indoor-only lifestyles carry welfare benefits and risks that require honest assessment.
The welfare calculus for outdoor versus indoor cats is genuinely complex. Outdoor cats experience more freedom of movement, environmental stimulation, and natural behaviour but face substantially higher mortality and injury risks. Indoor cats avoid these risks but face welfare challenges from under-stimulation, territorial restriction, and reduced autonomy. Compromise approaches including supervised outdoor time, secure garden enclosures, and high-quality indoor enrichment can meet cats' behavioural needs while managing risk.