Uncontrolled outdoor access for cats: an assessment of risks and benefits

Tan, Stellato and Niel reviewed the evidence on letting cats roam freely outdoors, weighing welfare risks and benefits against effects on wildlife and people. They synthesized literature showing that outdoor access raises cats' exposure to trauma such as vehicle collisions, infectious disease, parasites, predation and getting lost, while also providing opportunities for exercise and species-typical behaviour that indoor environments may lack. The review considers human concerns including zoonoses and nuisance, and the well-documented predation impact of free-ranging cats on wildlife. The authors concluded that containment or controlled outdoor access, such as enclosures and leashed walks, can reduce risks while still meeting cats' behavioural needs through enrichment. The paper offers a balanced framework for the contentious indoor-versus-outdoor debate, foregrounding both feline welfare and environmental responsibility.