A Guide to Adopting and Caring for an Outdoor Cat

Whether a working cat for pest control, a feral feline needing a safe haven, or a stray looking for a second chance, adopting an outdoor cat can be a great fit for many people. However, adopting an outdoor cat is very different from adopting an indoor one.

Read on to discover the pros and cons of adopting an outdoor kitty, and to determine if they’re the right choice for you.

Understanding outdoor cats

Outdoor cats encompass a few types of feline lifestyles, each with unique behaviors and needs. Here are the primary types of outdoor cats you might encounter.

Working cats

Working cats, often found on farms or in warehouses, serve a practical purpose by controlling rodent populations. These cats are typically feral or semi-feral, meaning they are not socialized as house pets. They require minimal human interaction but benefit from a safe environment, regular feeding, and access to basic veterinary care. Several animal rescue organizations, such as Oakland Animal Services, have programs where you can adopt a working cat.

Feral cats

Feral cats are entirely unsocialized and similar to wildlife. They’re often wary of people and may never fully adjust to human contact. “Adopting” a feral cat usually involves providing a safe outdoor space where they can sleep and providing daily food and water.

Stray cats

Stray cats were once pets but have become lost or were abandoned. Unlike feral cats, strays are generally more accustomed to human interaction and may be more adaptable to indoor living if given time and patience.

Pros of outdoor cats

Adopting an outdoor cat comes with a unique set of benefits that can make them a great addition to your home and environment. Here are some of the key advantages.

Natural pest control

“Outdoor cats often have a strong instinct for hunting rodents and other pests, which can be beneficial for keeping your property free from unwanted critters,” says Cristy Brusoe, a certified cat behaviorist and founder of Cat Training by Cristy.

Lower maintenance

Outdoor cats are typically more independent and require less attention and maintenance than indoor cats, says Brusoe. “They can entertain themselves with outdoor exploration and hunting.” Plus, you won’t have to clean any litter boxes.

Helps vulnerable cats

No matter how resourceful and outdoor-savvy outdoor cats are, they need help surviving, says Rachel S. Geller, Ed.D., president and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. Outdoor cats need access to food and water, plus a safe place to sleep, especially during periods of very cold or hot weather.

By helping them meet their basic needs, you’re contributing to their well-being and potentially saving their lives — and that’s something you can feel really good about. 

Helps the homeless cat population

If a feral or semi-feral cat starts hanging around your home, contact your local organization that does Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), suggests Geller. The cat will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, given veterinary treatment (if needed), and assessed for sociability and adoption potential. If they’re unsocialized, they’ll be returned to their outdoor home. At that point, you can consider “adopting” them by providing them with daily food, water, and a safe place to sleep outside. 

TNR, adds Geller, helps reduce the cat overpopulation problem and improve the health of outdoor cats, which in turn reduces the burden on already overcrowded animal rescues and shelters.

Less costly

While all pets come with expenses, outdoor cats tend to be more cost-effective. Their independent, outdoor lifestyle means fewer costs related to supplies like toys, scratching posts, cat trees, and cat litter. Necessities such as food, water, outside shelter, and in some cases, occasional veterinary care are often the primary expenses.

Cons of outdoor cats

While outdoor cats offer many benefits, adopting one is not the right choice for everyone. Here are some of the potential downsides.

Health and safety risks

Outdoor cats may be attacked by other animals, be exposed to dangerous weather conditions, catch diseases from wildlife, and come into contact with harmful items like antifreeze, poisons, and fertilizers. “Due to these dangers, outdoor cats have a much shorter life span than indoor cats do,” Geller says.

That said, if you can provide an outdoor cat with food, water, shelter, and basic veterinary care, they’re far more likely to live longer, happier lives. 

Unpredictable behavior

Outdoor cats, especially feral ones, can have unpredictable behaviors. They may roam far from home, making it challenging to ensure their safety.

Lack of affection

You shouldn’t expect an outdoor cat to be an affectionate, cuddly cat that you can form a strong bond with. That said, that’s not out of the realm of possibility if the cat has lived indoors at some point in their life. 

Factors to consider when adopting an outdoor cat 

Before adopting an outdoor cat, consider these important factors.

Cat’s health and behavior

• Behavior assessment: If you’re seeking an outdoor cat from a shelter, be sure to ask about the cat’s temperament and history before adopting them. Some cats may be more suited to outdoor-only life due to their feral nature. Others — namely stray cats who previously lived in a home or show interest in bonding with you inside — should not be forced to live outside. 

• Health check: Ensure the cat has had a thorough veterinary examination before you let them loose on your property. They should be checked for common issues such as parasites, injuries, and diseases.

• Vaccinations: Keep vaccinations up-to-date to protect against common diseases, especially those prevalent in outdoor environments.

• Spaying/neutering: These procedures are crucial for preventing overpopulation and reducing territorial behaviors.

Your environment

• Assess your outdoor space: Evaluate your living environment to determine if it’s suitable for an outdoor cat. For example, if you live on a busy street, adopting a working cat isn’t a good idea due to the increased risk of accidents.

• Other pets: If you have other pets that are allowed outside, consider how they might react to an outdoor cat roaming around. For example, adopting an outdoor cat isn’t a smart move if you have a dog who tends to chase cats or an indoor-outdoor cat who tends to pick fights with other cats. 

• Safe space: Provide a safe, sheltered area where the cat can retreat from the elements. This could be a barn, garage, or specialized outdoor cat house.

• Food and water: As with indoor cats, outdoor cats should be fed twice daily and always have fresh water available.

Integration

If you’re adopting an outdoor cat from a shelter, they’ll need to be confined to an escape-proof room or enclosure like a garage or coop for a couple of weeks, while they acclimate to their new surroundings. During this time, provide food, water, and a litter box (that you clean daily). After this period of confinement, the cat will usually accept their new home and may be released.

If you’re “adopting” an outdoor cat that randomly started showing up at your home, you don’t need to isolate them. If you decide to take care of them, get them spayed/neutered and vaccinated. Then simply start providing food and water, and they’ll likely stick around. 

Can you transition an indoor cat to the outdoors?

If you have a domesticated indoor cat, Geller highly recommends keeping them as an indoor-only cat. “Aside from feral cats, cats are tamed creatures who benefit greatly from the company and interaction of humans,” she says. “They rely on us to meet their needs, physically and emotionally.” Plus, the outdoors is a very unsafe place for cats.

However, if you want to give your cat a taste of the great outdoors, it’s possible to do so without sacrificing their safety. Here are a couple of suggestions.

Create a catio

A catio, or cat patio, is a secure outdoor enclosure that allows your cat to experience the outdoors without the risks associated with free roaming. Catios can be custom-built or purchased in various sizes and designs to fit your space and suit your cat’s needs. 

If you have a backyard, you can also cat-proof it using chicken wire or a commercial fence extender kit.

Harness and leash train them

Leashes aren’t just for dogs — you can train your cat to walk on one, too. Start by getting your cat accustomed to wearing a harness indoors. Allow them to wear it for short periods while offering treats and positive reinforcement. Once your cat is comfortable with the harness, attach the leash and let them explore a secure, enclosed area like your backyard. Gradually increase the duration and distance of your walks as your cat becomes more confident and comfortable.

Can you train an outdoor cat to come indoors? 

Whether or not you can train an outdoor cat to be an indoor one depends on their history and temperament.

“Some feral cats or community cats are not socialized at all to people, and these cats will become extremely frightened or stressed if brought into an indoor home,” says Geller. These cats are very attached to their outdoor homes and should not be removed from the environment.

However, if the cat is semi-feral or a stray, they could adjust to an indoor life. If you want to welcome an outdoor cat into your home, just be sure you have the time and resources to care for the cat and make them feel at home, advises Geller.

This entails providing the following:

• Food

• Water

• Toys and daily play sessions

• Vertical space (such as cat trees or cat shelves)

• Scratching posts

• Litter boxes (cleaned daily)

• A comfy cat bed

• Veterinary care

• Love and attention

Commonly asked questions

What to do with a stray cat? 

If you see a cat wandering outside on their own, contact your local humane society or animal shelter for advice. They can help you determine if the cat is lost or in need of help, and what to do next. 

What vaccines does my cat need? 

Currently, core vaccines recommended for outdoor cats include feline panleukopenia virus, feline viral rhinotracheitis, also known as herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1), feline caliciviruses, rabies virus, and for kittens only, feline leukemia virus (FeLV). 

References

Making Your Outdoor Cat Indoor-Only

Spay or Neuter Cats Whenever Possible

What to Do if You Find a Cat Outdoors