I know this is and always will be a controversial topic but as I have seen in many other posts on this site, and am happy to read, many who have cats have realized that it is no longer safe to let cats out unattended - there are laws that do not allow dogs out unattended, for the security of others but also there are less injured (fatal or otherwise) dogs - the same should go for cats. There are so many threats that they cannot protect themselves from (cars, other animals, unfriendly neighbors, etc). I could never let my cat out alone knowing all these dangers exist and don't need the stress when he or she doesn't come home for hours, wondering if they have been attacked, hit by a car or poisoned. Dogs don't have to fend for themselves in what can be a pretty cruel and uncaring world, cats shouldn't have to either. Many say "Oh but they love going outside." My cats go out on my balcony, when I am there, to get some fresh air - otherwise they show no sign of unhappiness being inside where they have love, food, comfort, windows to watch the birds, etc. They stay healthy longer and live longer. We domesticated them and it is up to us to keep them safe, like the dogs.