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Is it cruel to keep my cat inside all the time?

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Is it cruel to keep my cat inside all the time?

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Do closed doors mean a cat is cooped up or kept from harm? Some people assume that it’s cruel to keep a cat in the house all day, but indoor cats are often better off. In fact, veterinarians say they tend to be healthier and live longer. That’s because an indoor cat is less likely to be exposed to viruses or bacterial infections, and it can’t get hit by a car or attacked by wild animals. Chances are, it won’t pick up any fleas or ticks, either.

Ultimately, an indoor cat’s biggest problem may be boredom, so give your bundle of fur plenty of toys, perches, and scratching posts, and play with him often. When it’s fun to be inside, many indoor cats who finally do go out want to come right back in.

– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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