Believe me, outside cats no safer up north than here or anywhere.
From a Petco article:
Indoors vs. Outdoors: A Comparison*
Indoor cats have an average life span of 12 - 20 years when compared to 1 - 5 years for a cat kept outdoors.*
Indoor cats require extra attention and playtime from their owners to receive adequate exercise and to satisfy their "natural instincts." Outdoor cats get more exercise and express their "natural instincts." However, they are more exposed to diseases and parasites such as feline leukemia, toxoplasmosis, ringworm, ticks and fleas. Additionally, outdoor cats may get into life threatening fights with other animals.*
Indoor cats encounter far few life-threatening risks than outdoor cats. Indoor cats do face the danger of poisonous houseplants and household chemical. Outdoor cats face much higher risks of injury or death due to starvation, poisoning, struck by vehicles; they can even be stolen or abused by strangers.*
Indoor cats do require a litter box that has to be cleaned daily. Outdoor cats trespass on neighbors' properties, damage flowerbeds, get into garbage and may kill birds and small animals.*
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