I am shocked and horrified at these responses!

I think it is really CRUEL to keep a cat inside all the time - and that is almost certainly the majority view of British catlovers. I adore cats, but didn't have one for seven years because I was in a flat with no outside access. A year ago I bought a house - with cat flap already installed - and the immediately got a cat, who is gorgeous. He comes and goes as he wants, has great fun outside, and then comes inside for cuddles and food and sleep.

It is almost certainly true that a cat who is never allowed out would be healthier and live longer - but that would also apply to humans. Never go out - never drive, never fly, never go walking up mountains, avoid crowds where you can catch diseases - and you will certainly live longer.

But what sort of live will you have led? And what sort of life will your cat have led? Cats are by nature curious, exploratory, engaging animals. Most love the excitement of outside, having adventures, going hunting, and meeting other cats (some don't, and that's fine). I would much prefer my cat to live a full live - a full cat's life - than have a life of sleepy torpor in a soft-furnished prison.

My cat's a real cat with a full exciting cat life. If he dies younger, that's sad - but I would still make the same decision. Going out takes years of human lives, but we still do it because it is so much more fun. Simply focussing on the obvious measurable aspects of life expectancy and health ignores the cats psychological well-being.

And as I said, most people in Britian feel the same. Walk around any town here and you will be greeted by endless cats coming up to you to say hello while out on their adventures, before returing to their warm home for food and sleep. The idea of a town full of imprisoned cats horrifies me!