I think a big issue in this indoor/outdoor cat debate is primarily education. People believe that cats are these low maintenance, easy-to-care-for animals because “oh I just put food down and let the cat outside?” But the whole reason you’re putting the cat out is, wait for it:

because YOU CANT PROVIDE THE PROPER ENRICHMENT FOR A CAT.
“But he’s happier outside!” No, he’s happier with enrichment. “But he hates being indoors!” No, you just don’t provide enough enrichment inside to keep him happy. CATS ARE NOT PETS YOU CAN GET & JUST IGNORE

But you know what cats are? PETS. Aka, YOU are in charge of their life. YOU make the decisions. YOU are responsible for keeping them safe, happy, healthy. If all you try to do is keep them “happy” by letting them outside, you’re ignoring the safety & health portion of ownership

A lot of people (including myself) grew up with this idea that cats NEED to go outside to be happy - but it’s not true! & it’s not your fault that you’ve just done what has always been done - no one has ever told you otherwise. But now, that time has come -

Cats do not NEED the outdoors (although some may like it very very very much). They NEED enrichment & stimulation, just like every other living creature on Earth! There are a lot of ways to compromise - allow cats to go outdoors but also keep them safe & healthy while doing so: