The owner of a kitten named Parsnip has stirred discussion on social media after sharing her decision to keep him as an outdoor cat. In a viral TikTok video posted in March under the username @theparsnipdiaries, she explained her reasons and the precautions she plans to take.
Parsnip’s owner said she understands the concerns but feels it would be unfair to keep the adventurous kitten indoors all the time. She said, “Parsnip is an adventurous soul, and I would feel awful keeping him in the house 24/7 and never letting him explore outside.”
She added that Parsnip’s outdoor time will be supervised and controlled. “We have started training him to wear a harness, and he will always be supervised when outside,” she said.
Veterinarians recognize the benefits of letting cats outdoors. Dr. Sarah Vigil, lead veterinarian at CityVet, Brushy Creek, told Newsweek that outdoor access helps cats exercise, explore, and get mental stimulation. She explained that cats are natural hunters and climbers who enjoy tracking bugs and socializing. Sunlight exposure also helps increase their Vitamin D levels.
However, experts warn of serious risks. Outdoor cats often have shorter lifespans—only two to five years compared to 15 to 17 years for indoor cats, according to Pet MD.
Dr. Nita Vasudevan, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, said many dangers lurk outside, such as cars, predators like dogs, coyotes, and hawks, and exposure to poisons and toxic plants. Cats can also catch diseases like FeLV and FIV or pick up parasites such as fleas and ticks.
Additionally, outdoor cats can harm local wildlife by hunting birds and small mammals.
Veterinarians recommend supervised outdoor time using a harness or secure enclosures called catios. These options let cats enjoy fresh air and stimulation while staying safe.
Vasudevan also advised pet owners to keep outdoor cats microchipped, wear ID collars, and stay current on vaccinations and parasite prevention.
The TikTok video has gained more than 95,500 views and 11,500 likes so far. Comments show a mix of opinions. One viewer said, “Locking something up cause you love it seems like a cruel love.” Another joked, “He would be a national security threat if you let him out.” Others shared their experiences with both indoor and outdoor cats, noting the importance of letting cats express their nature.
Related Topic:
