I'm seeing the cultural thing too.
I guess from the cat's viewpoint, it also depends on if they have grown up going in and out, and learned how to cope with the outside world. (or even been able to learn some tricks from their parents - i.e. not separated early).
Here in the UK it's almost unheard of to keep a cat indoors 24/7. I live in central London and there's about 5 or 6 cats on my local streets that I know by sight. I often seen them out, on walls, or hanging out with each other - they all belong to various houses. UK houses are quite small, especially city houses so it's a bit cruel to keep a pet within such a confined space.
I also have a family of foxes that live in the garden opposite me - i see them from my living room window almost every night. At first I was worried they'd eat the cats - I rarely see the foxes and cats both in the street at the same time - but recently I saw them having staring contests with each other both on the ground. Ended with the fox walking away. Once or twice I've even seen what looks like the cats teasing or taking the piss out of the foxes.
I guess the cats are generally better fed than the scavenging foxes so it evens it out a bit. Not sure what the foxes eat as all the bins around here are of the tall wheely type with self-closing lids so they're not very fox-accessible.
Stray dogs are rare here too. I understand the USA has more cat diseases, more stray dogs and other wild animals, and bigger houses, which does change the balance somewhat.
UK country towns will have literally hundreds of cats out on the streets each day; it's a big part of the country tradition to have roaming cats out and about to keep the rats and vermin down.
My partner's older sister, who lives in North London, has a pedigree Persian cat which she never lets out for fear someone will steal it. Not even into her back garden, which is quite large. This really upsets my partner, who says 'why on earth get such an expensive cat then jail it indoors and ruin your life worrying about it?? Just get a cheaper cat!'
I have to say, this Persian seems less intelligent, less sharp and quick off the mark than other cats I've met, which were allowed to roam. Being in an unvarying environment with no hazards or chances to test yourself will do that to anyone. I can't imagine it having the guts or the skilful judgement needed to stare down a fox without being harmed.
) There's also that new "Pedi-Paws" thing that is a clipping device that actually rounds the ends down and doesn't hurt the pet.
