Vet Says Indoor-Only Cats Can Thrive in 1-Bed Flats if Owners Meet Natural Instincts
Updated
Updated · The Mirror · Jun 17
Vet Says Indoor-Only Cats Can Thrive in 1-Bed Flats if Owners Meet Natural Instincts
3 articles · Updated · The Mirror · Jun 17
Summary
Dr Ben Simpson-Vernon said keeping cats indoors is not inherently cruel, but argued owners should stop treating indoor-only living as the only correct modern approach.
He said cats evolved to roam, hunt and control territory, so indoor life can clash with natural instincts unless owners provide climbing, scratching, play and mental stimulation.
The vet framed the trade-off as welfare risks on both sides: outdoor cats can suffer traffic injuries and bite abscesses, while indoor cats can become overweight, stressed and, in males, develop blocked bladders.
Nexus-Pets echoed that indoor cats can live long, stable lives, adding that the key test is whether the home is enriched enough to let them behave like cats.
That leaves the broader takeaway centered on design rather than dogma: indoor living can work well, but cats used to roaming may need extra time and support to adjust.