On today’s episode of Hear Me Out… a tail as old as time. 

As part of Slate’s weeklong pet advice column, Faux Paws, Hear Me Out is tackling a debate that gets animal lovers on all sides heated up: should cats be allowed to roam outside? 

Stacy LeBaron, longtime cat advocate and host of the Community Cats Podcast, argues yes… under the right circumstances, that is. It turns out, humans have an important role to play in helping our four-legged friends be healthy, happy, and helpful — whether they’re part of our outdoor environment or not. 

Need pet advice? Submit questions for Slate’s expert Faux Paws columnists here.

Podcast production by Maura Currie

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