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Is my indoor cat safe living outdoors in the country now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

We gave our cat to our grandma. He has been indoor only for whole life. She had him inside for a month then let him out he will come in during night so nothing will get him. They live in country a min or two out of town. They said he got braver and cans out of under the deck and seems quite the jungle cat! Just wondering if he will be fine and I shouldn’t worry? Other option was a shelter. I didn’t want that for him as he is 5 and at the shelter there were younger cats I love him a lot

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 4th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so glad you chose to send him to your gramma. Statistically, a 5YO cat doesn’t have great odds of adoption at a shelter. So that right there should make you feel good that you gave him the best chance possible. While you can never say for sure what will happen outside, many cats transition great to being indoor/outdoor. The fact that he comes in at night will help keep him a bit safer than if he were out all the time. Of course, if he is declawed, I STRONGLY encourage he be indoor only as he’s lost his main defense mechanism.

I hope this helps you rest easier about your tough decision. Best of luck to you all.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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