Comparing cats to children is silly. Children are taught not to fight, to wash their hands, not to eat things they find outside and to look both ways before crossing the street. Cats, though smart in their own right, can't learn any of this and are in constant danger outside. I have always been kept by indoor cats ( I have 3 neutered ones now) and they are perfectly healthy and happy cats with lots of toys. I wouldn't dream of ever letting them outside. They are called "housecats" for a reason.