I wonder what the effect on average human lifespan might be if people were routinely confined to assisted-living facilities for the duration of their adult lives. How many additional years might one gain if you faced no physical risks and experienced regular medical monitoring and treatment? Somehow I doubt many people would opt for that lifestyle, regardless.
https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/can-indoor-cat-be-part-time-o... which cites University research.
So, a better analogy would be if you would be willing to die at age 25 instead of 75 just so you can base jump and free climb every day. Most people wouldn't like that trade-off even if it is more fun in the moment.
Not to mention the happiness of the 2 billion birds killed by domestic cats each year. Remember that even though domestic cats can and do survive as wild animals, their population is greatly inflated by human activity. We're responsible for that imbalance in the food chain and should keep our pets away from the rest of the wildlife. We feed our cats and then if they go outside they basically kill birds for fun.
I'd much rather my cat play with toys. It's very easy to keep a house cat happy without putting them and prey animals. They already spend the majority of the day sleeping. Play with your cats for a couple of times a day, provide some solid toys that they can play on their own with, and give them loving attention and they'll be quite happy.
Perhaps this is why I like cats, though I've never wanted to own one (they keep showing up in my life anyway, via housemates and partners): they seem like independent beings, tolerant of humans for the services they provide, but pursuing their own interests; wild creatures, only pretending to be domesticated.
I've yet to meet the cat who loves indoor life so much they won't bolt for the door if it's left open.