There are several ways in which caring for an indoor cat differs from looking after an outdoor cat. Indoor kitties usually require more social interaction and mental stimulation, while outdoor moggies are at greater risk of injuries and parasites. But what about mealtimes? What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor cat food, and does it matter which you feed your pet? Today, we’re discussing the nutritional needs of indoor and outdoor cats, plus dishing up practical tips on feeding both.
Caring for indoor and outdoor cats
There are many reasons you might choose to keep your cat indoors. Perhaps you live on a busy road or in a top-floor flat. Maybe your kitty has a medical condition, doesn’t like the outside world, or is a menace to the local bird population! Or it could be that you’re worried about them getting lost or stolen. Conversely, you may have a moggy who loves to roam and gets stressed when cooped up all day.
There are benefits to being both an indoor cat and an outdoor cat, and the right choice for your pet will depend on factors like their personality and health, and your living situation. The important thing is to ensure that your kitty is safe, happy and healthy in your care. For example, if you have an indoor cat, provide them with plenty of toys and play together every day. If you have an outdoor cat, make sure your garden is a secure, hazard-free environment for them to explore. You should microchip your pet too, plus treat them for worms and fleas regularly.
Whether your moggy stays inside or not will also affect how and what you feed them. This is where the comparison of indoor vs outdoor cat food comes in. The lifestyle your feline leads influences their nutritional needs. For instance, outdoor cats tend to be more active and burn more calories. Meanwhile, indoor kitties are more prone to hairballs and at greater risk of obesity.(1)
That being said, all cats have the same overarching nutritional requirements. That includes needing plenty of protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals in their meals. So, is there really a difference between indoor and outdoor cat food?
What is the difference between indoor cat food and outdoor cat food?
Before we look at the difference between indoor and outdoor cat food, it’s worth noting there are lots of similarities. You’ll find both available as wet food and dry, so you’ve got options even if your moggy only eats kibble. And, if you pick a high quality ‘complete’ brand, they include all the nutrients your pet requires to stay healthy. Plus, the flavour selections are largely the same. Whether your kitty is a fan of fish, chicken, or lamb, there’ll be indoor and outdoor food to satisfy them!
When comparing indoor cat food vs regular cat food, you need to look a little closer to see the difference. Let’s get into the details.
What makes indoor cat food different?
One key difference between indoor and outdoor cat food is that grub for indoor moggies has fewer calories. This is because kitties who stay inside tend to get less exercise than their outdoor cousins. As such, they’re at greater risk of gaining excess weight because they don’t expend as much energy. We want to avoid this in our pets, because it raises the likelihood of several harmful conditions.(2) These include digestive disorders, skin conditions, diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Feeding your indoor kitty less calorific meals can help them maintain a healthy weight.
What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor cat food in terms of nutrients? Many formulas for indoor pets contain slightly less protein and more fibre. The reason for including a greater amount of fibre is to aid with hairballs. There are lots of factors that affect the frequency and severity of your moggy’s furballs. Most obviously, long-haired cats are more likely to experience them. And some people theorise that indoor kitties are also more susceptible to hairballs because they spend more time grooming.
Dishing up a high-fibre indoor cat food to your pet could prevent them from getting so many hairballs. That’s because it helps to trap hair and move it through their digestive system, rather than it clumping in their stomach. Ensuring your kitty drinks plenty of water also reduces the chances of them experiencing furballs.
Another difference between indoor and outdoor cat food is that indoor grub may have slightly lower levels of certain minerals. This is because indoor moggies are more vulnerable to urinary problems, and these minerals can contribute to crystal and stone formation in the urinary tract.
What about outdoor or active cat food?
Turning to food for outdoor cats, this (unsurprisingly) normally has a higher calorie content to support their more active lifestyles. While not all pets who go outside venture far from the house, some cover a surprisingly large distance. For example, one study found that Danish moggies travelled a median daily distance of 2.4 km and as far as 9.36 km.(3) Serving your free-roaming kitty grub that’s denser in calories can help ensure they have enough energy for all this exploring. This is especially true if you live in a rural area, where cats tend to have bigger home ranges.
For similar reasons, another difference between indoor and outdoor cat food is that the latter is often richer in protein. This helps to support the health of their muscles. However, protein is vital for all felines, so the variation isn’t huge. Meals for outside kitties may also contain more fat because of their higher energy needs.
You might additionally find that some producers put an emphasis on immune support in formulas for outdoor cat food. That’s because outdoor moggies are at greater risk of infectious diseases and parasites. What’s more, some companies stress the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for joint health in free-roaming pets. This is to help them climb, jump and run as they explore. Others highlight prebiotics to care for gut health, in case your moggy eats something they shouldn’t while out and about!
However, it’s worth noting that none of these points count as a substantial difference between indoor and outdoor cat food. High-quality formulas for indoor cats will also include omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, and nutrients that support the immune system. So it’s not as though one is ‘better’ than the other.
Choosing the right food for your cat
What’s the difference between indoor cat food and outdoor cat food? Mostly it’s a question of calories, as well as some minor variations in the balance of nutrients. So, should all indoor cats eat indoor cat food and vice versa? Not necessarily.
We mentioned above that not all outdoor moggies actually roam very far from home. Likewise, there are plenty of indoor kitties who get lots of exercise in the house. As such, not all indoor and outdoor pets have the same calorie requirements. It’s important to consider your cat’s individual needs when deciding what type of food to give them. That includes their lifestyle, weight, and any health conditions they have. Age is also a factor, because there are key differences between adult food and kitten food.
Cats whose time outside solely consists of sunbathing in the garden may well be fine with indoor food. Conversely, indoor moggies who have a large house to run around in or an exercise wheel might do well with regular or outdoor formulas. If you’re unsure what kind of grub to feed your pet, we recommend speaking to a vet for personalised advice.
The most important factor to consider when choosing cat food isn’t the difference between indoor and outdoor cat food. It’s quality. For example, you want to pick one that’s labelled ‘complete’, because that means it contains all the nutrients your kitty needs to stay healthy. Those with a type of meat or fish as the main ingredient are usually a good choice. As obligate carnivores, cats need to consume animal protein to get vital amino acids like taurine and arachidonic acid.
Tips for feeding indoor cats
There’s more to consider when feeding your indoor cat than the difference between indoor and outdoor cat food. For example, where you serve your kitty’s meals matters too. Most moggies prefer to eat in a quiet place, away from humans, other pets, and their litter tray. What’s more, many also like to have their food bowl and water bowl in separate places.
Another thing to remember is that feeding your pet indoor cat food doesn’t mean they don’t need to exercise. It might be lower in calories than outdoor cat food, but sedentary animals can still become overweight when eating it. Getting a cat tower, scratching post, and even an exercise wheel should help your furry feline stay active. Towers additionally give your kitty a high space to retreat to – you could consider hiding some of their dry food up there!
Scheduling in daily playtime is also important. It reduces the chances of your fluffy friend getting bored or depressed, plus satisfies their instinctive urge to hunt. One of our top tips is to try feeding your indoor cat some of their kibble in a puzzle feeder. This is a fantastic way to make mealtimes more interesting, and it stops them from eating too quickly. Remember, most moggies like to eat small portions throughout the day, rather than one or two larger meals.
Tips for feeding outdoor cats
Some of the advice for feeding your outdoor cat is the same as for an indoor cat. This includes placement of their bowls and their preference for eating little and often. However, there are a few other issues to consider when it comes to feeding free-roaming moggies. Perhaps the most notable of these is that you don’t always know everything they’re eating.
We mentioned that the main difference between indoor and outdoor cat food is calorie content. However, the fact that your moggy is more active doesn’t necessarily mean you need to give them more grub. An outdoor cat has the opportunity to catch prey of their own, plus get extra snacks from friendly neighbours! As such, it’s vital to keep an eye on your pet’s weight and adjust the quantity you feed them accordingly. If your kitty needs to be on a special diet for medical reasons, you might consider getting a collar with a tag saying ‘please don’t feed me!’
A regular feeding schedule is important for all cats, but perhaps especially so for outdoor moggies. It helps them know when to come home for meals – which should mean you worry less about their whereabouts, too.
Boosie functional pet supplements for indoor and outdoor cats
Knowing the difference between indoor and outdoor cat food isn’t the only way to help your kitty eat healthily. Here at Boosie, we offer an array of functional foods that we make especially to support our beloved pets’ wellbeing. For example, ashwagandha could be useful for tackling stress in anxious indoor moggies.(4) Meanwhile, medicinal mushrooms like reishi may support your free-roaming feline friend’s immune system.(5) One of our favourites is sea buckthorn oil, which cares for your kitty’s eyes, skin, and fur thanks to its high levels of omega-7. Simply mix your chosen ingredient into your pet’s normal indoor or outdoor wet food and let it work its magic!
Final thoughts on the difference between indoor and outdoor cat food
The principal difference between indoor and outdoor cat food is that meals for indoor kitties have fewer calories and more fibre. The best choice of chow for your moggy will depend on factors like their lifestyle, health condition, age, and weight. For example, think about how active they are in addition to whether they go outside or not. If you’re unsure, speak to a vet for a personalised recommendation. And most importantly, pick a high-quality cat food that contains all the nutrients your pet requires. This, along with plenty of love and playtime, will ensure your fluffy friend stays happy and healthy!
