A new survey has revealed British cats prefer the comfort of their home than the great outdoors.
More than half of cat owners surveyed (56%) admitted their feline friend chose the domestic life with warm rooms and comfortable beds.
And when cats do venture outside, almost six out of ten cats never or rarely catch or kill any wildlife, while 12 per cent spend their time sleeping the day away.
The survey, carried out by Vets4Pets, looked at the changing relationship between owners and their pets and provides a new insight into the lifestyles of cats in the UK.
Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said the results of the survey demonstrated that owners look at their cat’s lifestyle, in particular the indoors versus outdoors dilemma: “Domestication of cats began approximately 13 millions years ago, and their lives are continually changing.
“Indoor living in today’s society affords a high level of comfort for many cats and owners often see keeping cats indoors as keeping them safe.
“While preventing cats from the obvious risks outside of traffic, fights with other cats and parasites, the indoor life does pose some problems for our feline friends.
“Frustration, boredom and health problems including obesity and diabetes are often associated with indoor cats."
According to the survey, most owners needn’t worry about the letting their cat outside as the average cat tends to stay close-by to their home, not straying further than their own back garden or their neighbour’s.
Interestingly, 18 per cent of owners have no idea what their moggies get up to, and one in ten cat owners think their pet has used up seven or more of their supposed nine lives.
Sam Taylor, a cat expert from International Cat Care said: “It’s worth remembering that cat litter was only introduced in the 1950s, so all cats spent time outdoors, even if just to go to relieve themselves.
“And litter trays marked another shift in the gradual changing in the cat’s status, from vermin catcher to companion.
“Understanding a cat’s personality can help enormously in providing the right lifestyle for them, including how much time they spend inside and outside of the home.”
Many owners, whose cats have been outside during the day, have a unique cat-call to bring their cats back to base as night-falls.
However this isn’t always enough – as almost half (48%) simply ignore their owner’s requests.
But there’s no fooling these cunning creatures, 31 per cent are more than happy to play ball, if there’s a treat at stake. With a little training, cats can be trained to come when called.
Vets have developed an online guide to give cat owners help and advice on providing the best home for their pet at www.vets4pets.com/cat-lifestyles
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