Indoor vs Outdoor cat - Why are there more "house" cats now?

For me that is a no brainer. Indoor cats as a rule
are healthier and live longer. Depending on breed
and care (nutrition, vet care) an indoor cat can
live into it's 20's. An outdoor cat averages between
2 to 6 years.

When a cat lives indoors and does not feel well
you are more apt to notice as you see the cat all the
time. Living outdoors, I've known of people that did
not see their "beloved" cat for days at a time. Indoor
cats are more likely to get vet care when needed. That
is if their owner is the type that will get vet care for an
ill pet.

Outdoor cats have a lot of things against them. They
often get hit by cars. They get poisoned (or shot) by
neighbors that do not want your pet defecating in
their yard or garden, or killing the songbirds they
feed to attract. Outdoor cats are more at risk for parasites
and diseases. They are at risk of being attacked by free
roaming animals. They are at risk of being stolen. They
are at risk of being abused by, well, people who like to
abuse animals. It happens. Also, they get picked up by
animal control.

Cats kept indoors live safer lives and the lives can be
happy ones. Make sure your cat gets plenty of attention.
Windows for basking in the sun and watching the birds
and squirrels out side. Provide toys. Keep their litter clean.
I stress that because cats are fairly clean animals and some
just will not use a dirty box. Cats love to hide, provide a
good cat condo. They will often enjoy a cardboard box,
both to hide in and destroy if the mood hits them. They
love shredding stuff and cardboard shreds so well. While
on the subject. Do not declaw your cat! That has ruined
many a cat. They can be trained to use a scratching post!

People have argued with me that outdoor cats are
happier and that makes up for a shorter life span. Hmm.
I have but one thing to say about that. I have had to shovel
up several daed cats out of the ally behind us over the years.
Not even one of them looked happy.
Indoor vs outdoor cat? No contest!