Allowing cats outdoor access improves behavioural welfare but exposes them to traffic, predation, disease and conflict. Evidence-based risk assessment helps owners make the right choice for each individual cat.
The welfare trade-off for outdoor access is genuine and individual-specific. A highly motivated, confident cat confined indoors indefinitely may develop stress-related disease. A nervous indoor cat may experience greater anxiety outdoors. Local traffic density, wildlife sensitivity and the individual cat's behavioural profile all influence the optimal decision. Catio provision and controlled garden access offer middle-ground solutions that extend the outdoor experience while managing risk.