Converting an Outdoor Cat into an Indoor Cat

By

Beth

The only way I was successful turning my outdoor cats to indoor cats was when I moved. Since you are doing just that, it will be easier than just not letting them out anymore. They protested of course, but because all of their surroundings were changed, they accepted it much easier than when I tried just keeping them inside at the old house. Good luck!

By Ace (Guest Post)

We had the same situation as you. We just kept our 2 cats in a private room with fresh food, water & clean litter. They did just fine. Once you are all moved in, you can let your pets run around your house. They will adjust just fine.

By

susanmajp

Although we don't have lots of money, our pets are family members, and we always do what is best for them, and we love them dearly. I have a sick cat that cannot go outdoors alone. He has a collar and leash and we take him to the park. Sometimes we just sit outside and let him experience the outdoors. I've recently bought a pet stroller and take him with me on my walks. We have a medium size cage that I put him in when I'm outside working in the yard/garden. That way I can talk to him and I know he won't wander off and is safe. We often leave our windows open so he can perch by them, listening to the sounds and smelling the smells of the outdoors. We have double-hung windows, and I'm considering having a frame covered in tight mesh screen made that we can bolt into place (like an air conditioner) on the outside of the house, so when we open that window, he can actually go out the window and sit outside, but still be contained "IN" the house. We'd only use it when we were home, but he'd be able to feel as if he were outside. Since yours are older and don't go outside all the time anyway, these ideas may work for you. Good luck.

Thanks for being such a cautious pet owner. I live in a high traffic area too. Everyone that has outdoor cats usually lose them by the second year. It's so sad to see them dead by the side of the road.

By

nmcl

the key words '' small yard and a lots of traffic'' with this specification... i beleive that was not the case in her existing place...

I beleive the cat will adjust in time, you will need to be cautious each time you open the door. It may be difficult for such a change of life, you will need to make sure environment will still motivating for cat, toys, a cool area, plant they can still chew,and possibly a 2nd cat to play with... i did it before... but they never forget... and some time they can charge out when the door is open always be on your guard ... i hope you will get good results

By Tone (Guest Post)

Hi, I disagree with the above poster. If you are moving to an area that poses a threat please do your best to acclimate these cats to the indoors. You have an advantage being that they have been indoors before. If you have an extra room, give that to them and keep them there for at least 3 weeks. Keep things pretty quiet and let them adjust. If you do not have the room, provide a place just for them. A covered pen or something else that they can go and feel secure in.
It can be done. All the very best to you and your kitties in your move and your new home.

By Lesley (Guest Post)

Please don't let the cats out at your new home, they will not understand the danger of traffic. Cats adjust very well as indoor only pets. Like the other lady suggested get them perches etc. to sit on by the windows and of course keep their litter box clean.

By Ragteller (Guest Post)

I too, had to move with my 2 beloved cats. I first checked with my Vet, and he said to keep them indoors for at least 6 to 8 weeks. This will give them time to acclimate to their new surroundings and get their bearings. Keep them occupied with toys, and places where they can look out so they can get used to their new yard. When you do let them out...try using a leash first...with a figure 8 harness so they can't get away if they are spooked..I took mine out one at a time so I had better control. Increase your outdoors time every day until they seem very comfortable with their surroundings. It worked fine for mine...they are now happy in their new home.

By

the Oracle

You are not G-d; you can't keep them alive forever. They'll think you moved, and they were thrown into prison.

No cat is ever an indoor cat, except by choice. So make indoors very inviting by keeping the litter box scrupulously clean, get those hammocks that lie near a window, things like that. Let them choose to be indoors most of the time.

After all, they did just fine outdoors so far. When they are near death, it is natural for them to hide.