Indoor vs. outdoor cats: It may not be Yankees v. Mets, exactly, but it is a much older and still very lively argument, often between people who will never be persuaded by the other side.

Should you cast your feline friends out your back door?

Cats are hunters by nature, so the out-of-doors may serve some cats well. The environment stimulates and enriches some cats, and allows them to hunt in a setting that's  psychologically healthy for them—it's what they have evolved to do.

Studies have also shown that certain feline urinary diseases, obesity, and some behavioral issues are related to being indoors and having a lack of stimulation, lack of excercise or a stressful environment.

You may be better off, too.

You'll have no more litterbox to clean, and some built-in company as you garden and do other outdoor activities. Some cats wait for the kids off the bus. Some go for walks.

Now for the flip side.

It's a big, big world for a cat. Cars, dogs, and coyotes pose dangers. Cat fights can leave them with serious bite wounds and abscesses, and put them at risk for infectious diseases spread by bites. They could get rabies—a fatal disease in unvaccinated animals that can spread to humans—from wild animals. They could ingest parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms, from their rodent and avian prey, which can be spread to other pets and people. They could get heartworm from mosquitos. And they are at risk for countless "nuisance" diseases spread from other cats, which could infest your house or your own body, such as fleas and ringworm.

As most pet-owners know, treating any of these afflictions can be costly.

Also, neighbors who have indoor cats might complain that your outdoor cat is hanging around their house. The number one reason for indoor cats to spray or urinate inappropriately is because they feel threatened—and the number one reason cats are given up at shelters is because they are peeing all over the house.

So, what to do?

If you decide to keep your cat indoors, be sure to provide a few vertical structures to  climb, and some window perches to view birds and other movement outdoors. Cat toys, fountains, and other pets can also provide a source of amusement and companionship.

If you decide you take the path outside, I recommend against declawing. They'll need all their natural defenses. But you can spay or neuter to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Discuss your catʼs lifestyle with your veterinarian, as the preventative medicine for outdoor cats is much more involved than indoor cats. For example, outdoor cats will need the Feline Leukemia vaccine on a regular basis. Topical medicine to prevent parasites, as well as additional oral and injectable treatments, may be administered when they go for their regular checkups.

I cannot resolve the age-old argument. Personally, I keep my three cats indoors, allowing them to sit in open windows with secure screens, and when I take them outside they are on a cat harness and leash at all times. I wish we had a screened in porch—they would love that.