It is also called "Crown of Thorns". I have had one in a pot in my familyroom for many years now. I never put it outside, it does lose leaves from time to time, and most of my 5 cats know not to go near it. One cat will nibble on the leaves on occasion, but thankfully it hasn't done her any harm.
It is in a western window and gets the setting sun year round here in zone 6.