Outdoor Cats, Stress and Pandora Syndrome
Posted on Sat 31 January 2026 in update
Should cats spend time outdoors, and if so, what keeps them safe and healthy? I joined host Rita Reimers’s. In this episode of 19 Cats and Counting, we break down the tradeoffs between indoor and outdoor lifestyles for cats and the steps cat parents can take to reduce risk.
The conversation focuses on one of the most important but often overlooked drivers of feline illness: stress. Dr. Cairns explains how environmental stressors can contribute to medical problems, including Pandora syndrome, and how early behavior changes can signal that a cat needs help before disease progresses.
Listeners will also get practical ideas for creating safer, lower-stress environments through enrichment, predictable routines, and better support for natural feline behaviors. If you care for indoor cats, outdoor cats, or both, this episode offers useful guidance for balancing safety, quality of life, and long-term wellness.
Listen to Episode #155 Now: