I cannot agree with allowing a cat outside. That's sort of a 1950s mentality that is seriously outdated. Cats who never go outside don't know what they are missing so it's not an issue for them. I let mine onto the balcony (it's caged in) and they get the stimulation of watching the birds and people, sitting in the sun, etc. but are both safe from predators, ferral cats with diseases (like FIV, FIP and other deadly diseases that didn't exist in the '50s), cars, trucks, ticks and fleas. Their life is really better and they live a longer and healthier life. Yes, they look to you for more stimulation but why do you have a pet if you'd rather ignore it?