Outdoors and loving it!

by Gordon W
(Vancouver, B.C.)

Sampson is now just over five years old and has been able to go in and out since about 7 months old.

I believe that he is a much happier, more lively cat as a direct result of his interactions with other outdoor cats, the elements,etc. He's inside up to 75% of the time anyway! Sure there's risks involved and I moved to a garden apt. in a detached house just over two years ago so that he'd have a minimum of traffic, less exposure to undesirable people, etc.

It's true not everyone can attain a setup like this and for them, perhaps inside only is the right choice. I also think the cat's personality should also be taken into account, if possible.

Sampson is an exceptional cat, he's always loved racing about, climbing, and jumping and will actually follow me and my vacuum cleaner about as I go from room to room despite its noise! I have never known either a dog or a cat which would do this and I'd like to know if any of you readers have such a pet!!

I'd like to mention that I know a lady who has had cats her entire life. She has always let them out at least once a day (unless they are unwell) and they have all lived long lives...fifteen plus years...