Keeping an outdoor cat inside at night can be challenging, but it is often necessary for the cat’s health and safety. Here are some tips on how to successfully transition an outdoor cat to spending nights indoors.
Why Bring an Outdoor Cat Inside at Night?
There are several good reasons to bring outdoor cats inside at night:
- Safety from predators and night traffic. Outdoor cats face many more dangers at night when visibility is poor. Coyotes, owls, cars and other predators are much more active at night. Keeping kitty inside removes these risks.
- Reduced fighting/roaming. Cats tend to roam and get into fights with other cats more at night. Keeping them in prevents fighting injuries and territorial disputes.
- Prevent nuisance behavior. Cats are more likely to dig through trash, enter garages, destroy property, etc at night when people are asleep. Keeping them inside prevents this.
- Health. Outdoor cats are more prone to catching diseases, parasites and illnesses at night when it’s cooler and damp. Bringing kitty in keeps them healthier.
- Regulate food. Keeping your cat inside allows you to regulate their food intake and prevent obesity or malnutrition. Outdoor cats are prone to over-eating or not finding enough food.
Tips for Transitioning an Outdoor Cat to Being Indoors at Night
Making the change will take some time and patience for both you and your cat. Here are some tips:
Start Early and Be Patient
Don’t wait until it’s cold or stormy out – start bringing your cat inside well ahead of time so they can adjust gradually. Be prepared for some meowing and door-dashing at first. With time and consistency, kitty will get used to their new routine.
Create a Cozy, Cat-Friendly Space
Set up a small room or large crate with food, litter box, water, scratching post, bed, and toys to make your cat feel comfortable and entertained indoors at night. Put their bed in a warm, quiet spot away from appliances and commotion. Keep the food and litter box separate.
Playtime Before Bed
Get all of kitty’s excess energy out before bedtime by having long, vigorous play sessions. Try fishing pole style toys, laser pointers, feather wands, and treat balls. A tired, exercised cat will be more likely to sleep through the night.
Nightly Schedule/Routine
Try to bring your cat inside at around the same time each evening to establish a routine they can get used to. Cats like predictability. Feed them, clean litter boxes, have play time, and give pets/brushes so they associate this routine with going inside.
Use Favorite Foods and Treats
Entice your cat inside with favorite wet foods, treats or catnip. Put treats near the door or lead a trail of them indoors. Praise and give treats once they come inside to reinforce the behavior. Use extra tasty food right before bed.
Cat-Proof Your Yard
Block off access to potential outdoor hiding spots like porches, sheds and garages so your cat can’t sneak out and hide when you want them to come in. Close garage doors and seal gaps in fencing. Remove outdoor shelter areas.
Ignore Door Meowing
Your cat may meow persistently at doors when you first transition them to being indoors. As hard as it is, ignore this behavior completely to avoid encouraging or rewarding it. Only open the door when meowing has stopped.
Use Stimulating Indoor Toys
Keep your cat entertained and stimulated with puzzle feeders, catnip mice, crinkle balls, scratchers and interactive wand toys. Rotate the toys to prevent boredom. Consider getting a second kitty companion as well.
Use Pheromone Plug-Ins
Try Feliway or other pheromone plugins to help relieve stress during the transition to being indoors. These synthetic pheromones have calming effects on cats. Place the diffusers near your cat’s sleeping areas.
Prevent Escape Attempts
Use baby gates, screen doors or other barricades to prevent midnight escapes when you open exterior doors. Microchip your cat and put an ID tag on their collar as a backup safety net as well. Keep windows closed or use screens.
Common Questions About Keeping Cats Inside at Night
How long does it take for an outdoor cat to adjust to being inside at night?
It usually takes 2-4 weeks for an outdoor cat to fully adjust to being kept indoors at night. Some very stubborn cats may take closer to 8 weeks. Be patient and consistent.
What if my outdoor cat just won’t stop meowing to go outside at night?
Try completely ignoring the meows – don’t give in and open the door. Also try more rigorous playtime and stimulating toys to tire kitty out before bed. Pheromone diffusers and treats can help too.
Should I confine my outdoor cat at night?
Yes – at least when first transitioning them to being indoors. Keep them contained in a small room or large crate overnight with food, water and litter. Slowly expand their space over time.
How can I stop my outdoor cat from trying to dart outside at night?
Use barriers like screens/gates to prevent escape attempts. Provide lots of playtime and mental stimulation. Reward them with treats for staying inside and ignore door meowing.
What’s the best way to get an outdoor cat to come inside at night?
Make a trail of tasty treats leading inside. Call kitty in using a treat shaking bowl or can of wet food when it’s time. Give rewards immediately upon coming indoors.
Should I feed my outdoor cat right before bed to get them to come inside?
Yes, feeding them a late meal or treat right before their normal sleep times can help entice outdoor cats to come inside and get into the habit of staying in.
Conclusion
Transitioning an outdoor cat to spending nights inside takes some work, but it greatly improves their safety and quality of life. The keys are being patient, setting up a comfortable indoor area, sticking to a routine, providing stimulation and preventing escapes. Your cat will soon learn to enjoy their safe, warm indoor bed at night! Just be consistent and understanding as they get used to their new schedule.