No, quite the opposite. Keeping your cat at home is one of the best ways to keep them safe, healthy and happy. Roaming might look like freedom, but it also comes with risks. At home, your cat can still climb, chase, explore, play and snooze in the sun - just without the dangers that come with wandering the neighbourhood. With the right setup and enrichment that meets their specific needs, home can have all the fun, with a whole lot less risk. And the best part? Keeping them safe at home can help give you more healthy years together. 

Absolutely. You don’t need a backyard, balcony or custom-built catio to give your cat a great life at home. Cats need opportunities to climb, scratch, hide, play, explore and watch the world go by - and there are plenty of renter-friendly ways to make that happen. Think freestanding cat trees, window perches, puzzle feeders, cardboard boxes, scratching posts and regular playtime. Small spaces don’t  have to mean boring spaces. Check out our blog for simple ideas that don’t require any backyard space. 

You can recreate the experiences your cat might get from roaming more safely at home with things like climbing spots, window perches, puzzle feeders, play sessions, new hiding places and rotating enrichment. You don’t need to recreate the whole neighbourhood, just give them plenty of ways to explore, play, hunt, climb, watch and investigate at home. Check out our blog with ideas on how to bring the enrichment they get from roaming, to the safe indoors. 

Cats love routine, so changing things up can take a little getting used to. You might get some extra meows, door-sitting or dramatic stares at first. That doesn’t mean the change is bad. It just means they’re adjusting. Go slowly, keep the rewards coming and give them time to settle into their new normal. They may not love the change straight away, but they can absolutely learn to love life at home. 

Only if the home is boring or not setup to meet their needs. Cats still need plenty to do - places to climb, scratch, hide, play, explore and watch the world go by. With the right setup, home can be full of adventure. Think window watching, climbing spots, puzzle feeders, boxes, toys and cosy hideaways. A safe cat doesn’t have to be a bored cat. 

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Not necessarily, they are probably asking for the routine they are used to. If heading outside has always been part of their day, it’s normal for your cat to protest when that changes. Cue the meowing, door-sitting and very convincing “please let me out” face. That doesn’t automatically mean they’re unhappy. They may have previously learnt that meowing = human opens the door = outside time. So now, they’re learning a new routine, and that can take time. Stay consistent, keep them busy and reward calm behaviour with play, food, attention or something fun to do. If they start meowing at the door, try to redirect them to another activity such as an interactive play sessions with you and a toy. 

They might be clever, but they’re not invincible. Even the most experienced roaming cat can’t predict a speeding car, an aggressive animal, disease or whatever else the neighbourhood throws their way. Being street-smart might help them avoid some trouble, but it does not remove the risks that come with roaming the neighbourhood. A cat who always makes it home is often just lucky, but when does that luck run out?

Yes, because the risks don’t have to be far away either. Roads, other cats, dogs, toxins and wildlife can all be just a few houses away. And even a cat who usually sticks close to home can suddenly chase something, cross a road or wander further than usual. They might know the neighbourhood well, but they can’t control what happens in it. Close to home doesn’t always mean safe. Read our blog for more on why even short roaming trips can carry risks.