Indoor vs Outdoor

Welcome to the latest in our ‘Living with a Tortie’ email series. Today we will be looking at whether you should keep your cat indoors or let her roam outside.

As a proud tortie owner, you want the best for your feline friend, including making the important choice between an indoor or outdoor lifestyle.

Each option comes with its own set of benefits and challenges, and understanding them can help you make an informed decision that suits your cat’s needs and personality.

Indoor Cats: Safety, Longevity, and Comfort

Keeping your tortie inside offers several benefits, including protection from dangers like traffic, predators and diseases. Indoor cats generally live longer, healthier lives, and their coats stay cleaner and free of pests like fleas and ticks.

Additionally, they are less likely to suffer from injuries caused by fights with other animals or exposure to harsh weather conditions.

To keep an indoor tortoiseshell happy, provide plenty of enrichments such as scratching posts, cat trees and interactive toys. Torties are known for their playful nature, so engaging their minds and bodies is essential.

We have found that torties love to watch the world go by, so consider setting up a window perch with a bird feeder outside to keep them engaged. Another great option is an enclosed patio, often called a ‘catio’, which allows your cat to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the outside world in a safe environment.

Outdoor Cats: Freedom, Exploration, and Risks

Some owners prefer to give their cats outdoor freedom, as it can provide exercise, mental stimulation, and a chance to explore their natural instincts.

Tortoiseshells, with their confident and curious personalities, will enjoy the freedom of an outdoor environment. However, allowing your cat to roam freely outdoors exposes them to risks such as injury, disease or even being lost or stolen.

If you want to allow some outdoor time but still prioritize safety, consider leash training your cat. Many cats can learn to walk on a harness with patience and positive reinforcement, allowing them to explore in a controlled way. As mentioned earlier, a catio is also a good way for cats to enjoy a fully enclosed outdoor space where they can enjoy fresh air without the risks of free roaming.

Another alternative is supervised backyard time. Some owners create secure, fenced-in gardens to provide a balance between safety and adventure. This can be a great compromise for torties who show strong interest in the outdoors.

Making the Best Choice for Your Tortoiseshell

Every tortoiseshell cat is different. Some are perfectly content to stay indoors, while others may show strong urges to explore the outdoor world.

Whatever you decide, the key is ensuring your tortoiseshell’s safety, mental well-being and happiness. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but by assessing your cat’s personality, energy levels, and environment, you can create the best life possible for your beloved tortie.

Thanks for reading and look out for the next Tortie of the Week on Sunday. You can enjoy more tortie content on our our X, Facebook and Instagram as well as more tortie videos on our You Tube channel!

Find out even more about torties on our website using the link below.