Outdoor cats are more likely to get sick, be killed by other animals, and get hit by cars than indoor cats. Many end up at animal shelters. Some outdoor cats do live to a ripe old age, but the chances your cat will be one of them are unacceptably small.

More Australian families have cats now than dogs - and the majority with cats have more than one feline sharing their home. As more people are realising the high risks in these times of letting cats roam outdoors, more cats are being confined indoors. It is not a coincidence, however, that as this change has taken place, the incidence of feline behavior problems such as self-mutilation, excessive self-licking, marking with urine or feces and loud, compulsive vocalization has been on the rise - all with no apparent physical or medical cause.

Indoor cats can become more lethargic and more susceptible to illness. Remember, indoor cats left alone all day don't get to hear human voices, observe humans interacting, witness visitors, hear appliances, phones or even receive those pats and cuddles.

Behaviorists at the San Diego Zoo in the USA, however, have discovered that adding some safe, creative challenges each day within the enclosures of their Indo-Chinese tigers keeps these felines stimulated, both physically and mentally. They are happier and live longer, without displaying some of the same compulsive behaviors as their indoor domestic relatives.

Let's be honest: What do cats spend most of their time doing? That's right - sleeping. A carpeted shelf attached with brackets to a securely screened window is a great snoozing area.

Ask yourself what your cat enjoys doing when she's outside, and try to re-create it inside your home.