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Upon adopting my first cat as a grown-up, I immediately fell into the over-protective, new-mother role.  I decided Izzy would be an indoor cat so I could protect her from the evils of the outside world.

I bought a litter box, scratching posts and all the amenities any kitty could want.  In fact, by the end of my feline re-model, my apartment looked more like her residence than mine.

For the first few weeks, I noticed that Izzy routinely chose to use the bathroom in various corners of my apartment rathern than in her litter box.  I assumed this was happening due to her adjustment period, which would soon end and she’d become accustomed to her new surroundings.  As time went on, however, the litter box remained aromatic and empty, while my carpet was constantly covered in foam due to the never-ending cleanings.  Frustration set in, but my motherly instinct to protect out-weighed the odor seeping from my carpet.

Eventually, my lease ran out, and it was time for Izzy and me to hit the dusty trail.  So, after finding a new place, packing, and having my carpet professionally cleaned, the two of us moved to a house with a friend of mine.  During the first few days there, I had trouble keeping Izzy inside.  Anytime the door would open, out she’d go.  This freaked me out!  I would spend the next hour attempting to coax her back inside.  Shockingly, these pathetic displays of begging and groveling were, almost always, utterly feutile.

After a few weeks of this, my roommate finally suggested I just let Izzy do as she pleases.  When she wanted to come in, let her.  If she attempted to head outside, allow that as well.  To further strengthen her argument, my friend pointed out that since Izzy had been making her jail breaks, she hadn’t used the bathroom in the house.

At first, I brushed this advice off.  I thought it was absurd to believe a cat truly knows what’s best for her.  Just because she wants to explore new territory does not mean she should.  After all, isn’t that why cats have owners?

Then, my ignorance and idiocy dawned on me.  Cats had survived for quite a while without man’s intervention.  My darling little kitty probably knew how to handle herself better in the wild than I would.  So, from that day on, Izzy was officially an indoor/outdoor cat.  That was 2.5 years ago, and we have had absolutely no problems.  She sleeps inside, but spends the majority of the day romping around outside.  She is thinner, friendlier and seemingly all-around happier since the switch, and even though it was tough to let go, I am glad I finally allowed my cat to follow her instinct.

Some cats are perfectly happy indoors, but Izzy was never one of those cats.  She loves to be out and about, exploring the neighborhood and protecting her territory.  I suppose, when it comes to pets, our job as owners isn’t to restrict them based on what we think is best, but it’s to provide food, shelter and unconditional love and companionship.