Indoor cats have far fewer medical problems than cats that are free to roam about. They are not faced with possible injury from cars, unfamiliar dogs, strange cats and predators. They have less exposure to contagious disease. Outdoor cats , especially in high density urban environments, are often presented with injury, secondary to lifestyle, and contagious disease. FIV is a prime example.
Parasitism is also prevalent in outdoor cats.
Cat fight abscesses, and infectious disease spread cat to cat while fighting, are frequently seen in outdoor cats. Kittens are most frequently seen for viral upper respiratory infections and loose stool. The sneezing and running eyes are usually due to viral infections and secondary bacterial infections. Although loose stool is often related to dietary changes it can also be due to internal parasites. Ear mites infestations are commonly seen in kittens.