If there’s one subject that is contentious among cat owners, vets and breeders it’s this one and there are compelling arguments for both sides. Read all the information we’ve collated and then decide for yourself.
The outside world has a lot to offer Siamese cats but it’s often fraught with danger. However, you can let your Siamese outside if you have a secure garden with no escape routes. All cats benefit from the natural stimulation the great outdoors has to offer.
Do Siamese cats wander?
Siamese cats are not known for being that street-savvy and therefore, could easily wander off and get lost. This tends to happen if a Siamese is allowed out before it is familiar with a new home. It is also more common with intact males. Generally speaking, a Siamese is as likely to wander as any cat.
Advantages of Allowing a Siamese Cat Outside
- A Siamese cat that’s allowed outdoors gets more physical exercise whilst climbing, running and exploring. It is less prone to become overweight and so avoids the illnesses associated with cats obesity.
- When outside, a Siamese cat can engage in natural cat behavior such as scratching – you wouldn’t particularly want them to do this inside so it allows them to do it without annoying you outside.
- Outside there are endless ways for a Siamese cat to satisfy its inquisitive nature. It will be able to encounter and explore new smells, textures, and indulge in experiences that satisfy its natural curiosity and have a positive effect on its wellbeing.
- Siamese cats love the sun and will enjoy lounging out in the fresh air rather than inside with only a window to look out of.
- All cats should have a way of nibbling at grass when they want. They eat it when they need to regurgitate food they have eaten that disagrees with them so expect your Siamese to vomit soon after doing this!
- If you allow a Siamese to go outside, you won’t be forever worrying about it escaping each time you open a window. It is very difficult to contain some cats, especially in summer and if there are several people in and out of your home every day (particularly children).
- You won’t need to have a litter box and will not have the daily burden of cleaning it and removing the used litter, and you won’t have the cost of buying cat litter.
Dangers Of Letting a Siamese Cat Go Outside
- Cars and general road traffic pose the biggest risk to an outdoor cat. A road with a lot of traffic is a very dangerous place for a cat but a quiet road can be too as cats become complacent around them. According to statistics, more than half of cat deaths outside of the home are caused when they are struck by motor vehicles.
- Siamese cats are rather adventurous and may wander and become lost. Consider using a well-fitting safety collar with an ID disc and a pet locator. Also, it’s wise to have your cat microchipped as it’ll make things a lot easier to be reunited if it does get lost. How long do cats typically go missing for? is very helpful on the subject of missing cats.
- Dogs, wild animals, birds of prey, and aggressive rival cats pose a serious threat to outdoor Siamese cats.
- There is a higher chance of an outdoor Siamese cat being at risk of infectious diseases especially if it comes into contact with other cats. These include Feline Leukemia, Feline AIDS, abscesses and upper respiratory infections amongst others. Make sure to keep your cat’s vaccinations up-to-date and have boosters when necessary.
- Your garden might be safe, but other people may not be so careful with toxic materials such as slug pellets, anti-freeze or rat poison all of which may be fatal to your Siamese cat.
- Many garden shrubs and flowers, such as lilies and poinsettias, are toxic to cats.
- Outside cats face the possibility of becoming trapped in garages, sheds, and other outbuildings.
- Your Siamese cat could be stolen by an unscrupulous passerby.
- Many cats seem to be drawn towards vehicles with open doors and it has been known for drivers to be oblivious to the fact that they have a stowaway cat on board until they open the door at their next stop where a cat leaps out and scoots off.
- There will likely be many occasions where you will have no idea at all where your Siamese cat is.
Benefits of Keeping a Siamese Cat Indoors
- You will be able to relax more, safe in the knowledge that your cat is inside, and protected.
- You know your cat will not contract any infectious diseases from other cats.
- It’s easy to know exactly what an indoor cat has eaten. Outdoor cats sometimes make friends with other people and convince them that they need food.
- You won’t have to deal with a wet and soggy cat coming in and leaving muddy paw-shaped prints all over everything white they can find!
Disadvantages of Keeping a Siamese Cat Indoors
- You will need to ensure plenty of space for your Siamese cat to exert energy to prevent it from becoming lazy and unfit.
- Indoor cats can become dependent and clingy. They often experience anxiety when left alone.
- An indoor Siamese cat will need plenty of stimulation. Keep a good selection of toys to hand and swap them regularly.
- Refresh your cat’s indoor environment regularly to prevent it from becoming bored and frustrated. Bird tables are good entertainment as they love to watch the activity on them through windows.
- A good sturdy scratching post is a must for an indoor cat so it can sharpen its claws, strengthen its muscles and mark its territory.
- Even if you buy a scratching post, there’s a chance your Siamese cat will claw your furniture, carpets, and curtains.
- A litter box will be necessary and must be cleaned thoroughly at least once per day. You will also need to keep a good stock of cat litter.
- Your cat will require a lot of your time and attention. Daily play sessions will be essential for at least 15 minutes at least once per day.
- An indoor Siamese cat, like most cats, shouldn’t be left alone for more than a few hours as it’s likely to develop separation anxiety.
- You ought to grow grass in trays for your indoor Siamese cat to nibble.
Can your Siamese cat Be an Indoor AND an Outdoor Cat?
Enclosures
It is possible to create a cat enclosure in your gardens. These can be bought or homemade. Homemade is much better as the shop-bought ones tend to be rather small.
They need to be kitted out with plenty of things to occupy a cat, such as tunnels, ladders, platforms, various toys, a den and plenty of shade. If you can join one to a tunnel or cat flap, your cat can go in and out as it pleases.
Harnesses
Taking cats for a walk is becoming more popular. There are a variety of harnesses available. This is something to start with young cats if possible as it’s harder for adult cats to adapt to wearing the harness, but not impossible.
We tried a harness with one of our Maine Coons when he was housebound after an operation and he performed somersaults in an attempt to free himself and became very distressed.
Not all cats will like being walked wearing a harness. They have different temperaments to dogs and a harness takes away control of its movements and its natural instinct to escape to somewhere safe if something scares it.
Pet locators
There are a variety of pet locators available. Some of these locators have in-built GPS which means you can see where your cat is via an app on your phone.
Of course, if you want to try one of these, remember that your cat will need to wear a collar – something they don’t always like. Always pick a quick-release safety collar such as this so your cat can get free should it become snagged on anything.
If you are thinking that your cat will lose its collar and the locator tag don’t worry, you can locate it in the same way even without the cat attached! Hopefully, your cat won’t pick the day it loses its collar to going missing also.
Make sure they’re in after dark
Statistically, most accidents, fights, and encounters with wild animals occur after dark. If you limit your Siamese cat’s outdoor time to daylight hours it will be safer. The majority of Siamese cats will want to come back for their tea and you can make that the time you choose to lock the flap or shut the door for the night.
Pet cameras
These are great for keeping an eye on indoor cats. With most, you can use an app to see how your Siamese behaves when you’re out. It’s easy – just locate the camera in an area that the cat uses often.
There are even models available where you can talk to your cat and they can talk back! Something like this Ring Indoor Cam, which is conveniently available on Amazon, is perfect. You can control it with Alexa too.
Conclusion – can a Siamese cat go outside?
Can Siamese cats go outside? Of course they can! However, it does depend on where you live and you need to put the welfare of your Siamese cat first. Know this though, the vast majority of cats want to play and hunt outside, the Siamese cat is no different. Well, maybe they’d prefer it if you were out there with them!
Finally, preparing a cat for the outside world
We don’t have Siamese cats but we do have two Maine Coons. They were 18 weeks old when they came to live with us. We didn’t let them out for 8 weeks and then we supervised them at all times until they were about 8 months old.
We stayed out with them and they didn’t wander. When we went in, they came in too. If they tried to leave our garden we gently distracted them back with toys.
From around 8 months, we let them out alone when we got back from work, with the door to the garden left open. After one or two hours, we called them in by tapping on their food dishes and then fed them.
We always made sure they were home indoors, nice and safe, before we went out or before it was really dark.
When they were 2 years old we installed a catflap. I was on maternity leave from work and was around most of the time. The flap was unlocked each morning and the cats were locked in after dark.
Harry and Charlie are now 14, we have moved to a rural location and the cat flap is always unlocked now. They still come home by the time it’s dark.
Occasionally we hear one of them pop out during the night to answer a call of nature, and then come back in. We know, that at least for our two, an indoor life would never have been best for them and are relieved that they have had happy and healthy outdoor lives.