Domestic Cats Should Stay on Their Human Companion’s Property

By Michelle Storup

​I'm going to provide evidence-based information that supports the need for domestic cats not to roam free in most situations. Even so, I don't believe domestic cats need to stay indoors 24/7. For the purpose of considering the pro-animal perspective, I will present reasonable solutions for keeping them safe within their human companion's property.

The KittyCam Study

Many roaming domestic cats engage in dangerous activities on a daily basis, according to a quantitative research studythat outfitted free-roaming cats with safely worn "KittyCam" video cameras. These point-of-view cameras capture video, sound, and other informationin collaboration with the National Geographic's Crittercam Education. The risk behaviors observed revealed 45% crossing roads, 25% encountered strange cats, 25% eating, and drinking substances away from home, 20% exploring storm drain systems, 20% entering crawl spaces of houses, and 30% captured wildlife (predation) while roaming outdoors. Equally important, the study noted that the average life expectancy of a domestic free-roaming cat is three years, while indoor cats live 12-18 years. Generally speaking, domestic cats may be safer closer to home and live longer doing so.

Destruction to Neighborhood Properties and Wildlife

Amid a cat’s wish to satisfy certain needs, destruction follows. In particular, it’s considered irresponsible and un-neighborly for domestic cats to scent mark, explorative chew, urinate, defecate, dig, scratch, climb, eat plants, nap on car hoods and hunt on the other side of their fence.  As long as cats free-roam, there will be those who view them as pests and complain about them trespassing on their property. 
Likewise, unwanted visitors may have an impact on indoor cats. The territorial behavior of spraying may stress indoor cats, disrupting their sense of well-being and prompting them to respond in kind. 
Not to mention, the impact of predation by outdoor domestic cats is a recognized threat to global biodiversity. The American Bird Conservancyreports that in the United States alone, outdoor cats kill approximately 2.4 billion birds every year and have contributed to the extinction of 33 species. As a matter of fact, the ecological dangers are so critical, they also list domestic cats as one of the world’s worst non-native invasive species. In spite of our fondness for feline companionship, scientific literature points out how disastrous combination of cats and birds can be.

Cat Welfare and the Law

Each state leaves the regulation of domestic animal decisions up to each municipality. In fact, the City of Mankato has an ordinance addressing leash laws for both dogs and cats, in addition to other specific language. In this case, it’s against the law for your cat to run at large.
Minnesota is one of three states where cats can allegedly be hunted. It's important to realize, these laws may be ambiguous. To demonstrate, the Humane Society website quotes the MDNR's position on community cats and the law: "Feral cats can be freely hunted; the hunter is responsible for determining if the cat is owned or wild" coupled with "an unowned cat is undomesticated". Furthermore, they define "pet" as an animal for which there is a licensed rabies vaccine and is typically maintained in the owner's home. 
The wellbeing of the cats must also be considered. Not everyone is happy to see the neighborhood cat, nor civil in responding to their presence. The most compelling evidence is on the Peta website. Free-roaming cats are shot, poisoned, and stolen by angry neighbors. They are also mutilated, drowned, beaten, set on fire, used in ritual sacrifice, stolen by "bunchers" for experiments, or used by dogfighters as "bait". As previously noted in the KittyCam study, non-roaming cats can live up to 6 times longer on average. Given these points, the consequences of free-roaming appear to outweigh the benefits.

Outdoor Opportunities Under Supervision

Exploring the outdoors under supervision may create balance for both the domestic cat and human companion.  Consider taking your feline companion for walks on leashes that are attached to harnesses or exploring securely fenced yards with flexible mesh barriers such as Cat Fence-In. 
Also, cat strollersare another option for felines to experience outdoor sights and sounds while remaining safe and secure. They come in different shapes, sizes, and functions. In addition, they collapse flat for storage and travel.  Stroller benefits, as well as options, are highlighted in an article by award-winning multimedia pet lifestyle expert Sandy Robins.
Additional opportunities for the purpose of cat well-being and safety are outdoor cat enclosures, outdoor window patios, and cat patios.  Notably, the mission statement at Catiospaces.com is "cat enrichment and safety outdoors while protecting birds and wildlife". With this in mind, the top ten benefits of Catios are to protect your cat, reduce vet bills, protect birds and wildlife, help reduce the free-roaming cat population, provide a healthy outdoor lifestyle, reduce indoor multi-cat issues, enjoy feline and human interaction, help reduce indoor odors, good neighbor relations, and peace of mind.
All things considered, there are reasonable, safe and secure options for domestic cats to have indoor and outdoor experiences that enhancing their well-being, without free-roaming.

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References in Order of Reading
Loyd, K.A.T, PhD. (2013) Risk Behavior Exhibited by Free-Roaming Cats in a Suburban US Town. 
Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources Link
 The National Geographic & University of Georgia. (n.d.). Retrieved from Link
National Geographic Society. (n.d.). Crittercam Education. Retrieved April 15, 2018, from Link
Cats and Birds. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2018, from Link
(n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2018, from Link 1   Link 2
Animal Rights Uncompromised: 'Outdoor Cats'. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2018, from Link
Cat Fence Outdoor. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2018, from Link
(n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2018, from Link
Robins, S. (2015, June 05). Let's Talk: What's Your Take on Cat Strollers? Retrieved April 15, 2018, from Link
Enclosures for Cats. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2018, from Link
Cat Window Boxes and Patios that fit into the window like an air conditioner! Our cat window patios give your indoor cat an outdoor experience!
​(n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2018, from Link
Custom & DIY Catios & Cat Enclosures. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2018, from Link
Why a Catio? Learn the Benefits of Catios. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2018, from Link

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Author Bio

​Michelle Storup is a transitional student at Minnesota State Mankato majoring in Graphic Design. Michelle shares her family home, in gratitude, with her children and with multiple non-human companion animals.