Some people unfortunately don’t want to deny their pets anything, even if it’s for their own good. I knew a woman who fed her dog chocolate ice cream because it was “too sad” to deny the dog or give it species-appropriate treats. Or people feeding ducks bread even though they know it’s a bad idea just because doing it makes them feel good.

So, even if letting a cat free roam outside is bad for the cat, the neighbours, and the environment, and the owner knows that, letting their cat loose makes them feel better so outdoors they go.

I don’t believe it’s cruel for cats to be indoors, people just don’t play with their cats enough or provide them enough enrichment.