Here are some pros and cons of having a pet reside indoors or outdoors.
Cats
Indoor Pros
Less of a chance of contracting disease and parasites.Less chance of animal abuse by outside tormentors.
No outside threats from cars, other animals, people etc.
Can keep a eye on your pet and keep them away from toxins and poisons.
Indoor Cons
Kitty can go scratch happy on everything.
If not properly litter box trained can create havoc with eliminating in inappropriate places.
Need to keep kitty entertained otherwise boredom may ensue.
Allergies from kitty hair.
Without proper play and exercise provided daily kitty could become obese.
Keep the Indoor Cat Happy
Have a companion animal for your kitty, although cats do just fine as solitary animals as well.
Get lots of interactive toys and play with your kitty daily.
Scratching posts are a must so kitty keeps off the furniture.
Provide lots of safe climbing places, perches and hiding places.
Outdoors Pros
Kitty can practice being a hunter and keep rodents and pests away. Great for farms!
Kitty can be more independent and keep themselves entertained.
No scratched up furniture or possible litter box smells.
Outdoor Cons
Kitty can pickup diseases and parasites more easily.
Higher veterinary costs due to injury from other animals.
Cars and people hurting or killing your cat.
Lower life expectancy due to outside dangers.
If not spayed or neutered can add to overpopulation problem of feral cats and the such.
Indoor or outdoor always make sure your pet is spayed or neutered. Provide adequate food and water. Provide a safe and weatherproof shelter. Groom daily. Keep up on veterinary care and if necessary have a treatment plan to keep parasites and pests at bay.
Dogs
Indoor Pros
Dogs are always happiest when with their human family packs.
Protection for your family.
Less likely to contract disease and parasites.
Won't get hit by cars or abused or stolen by people.
Will not get hurt or killed by other animals.
Can keep a better eye on their health and welfare.
Indoor Cons
Inappropriate elimination if not properly housebroken.
Inappropriate behavior if not properly obedient trained and not getting enough exercised.
Allergies from hair.
Obesity if overfed and not enough exercise.
Keep your Indoor Dog Happy
Provide daily exercise and toys.
Provide daily obedience training.
Crate train your dog.
Be pack oriented., get your pup involved with family outings and the such
Outdoor Pros
Livestock guardian, protect you livestock and keep predators at bay.
Keep thieves and bad people away.
No pests or parasites in your house.
No hair or doggy smells.
Outdoor Cons
Dog can get stolen or get loose and run away.
Parasites and disease can get picked up more easily.
Cars, loose domesticated and wild animals and people can harm your pet more easily.
Whatever you decide your pet will always be YOUR responsibility and you must ALWAYS provide the best adequate care possible. A pet needs food, water and proper shelter at all times. A pet is a living thing and you must provide care. That's that.
