Turning an outdoor cat into an indoor cat can be a challenging but rewarding process. Outdoor cats are used to roaming freely and may resist being kept inside. However, with patience and the right techniques, outdoor cats can adapt to living happily indoors. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to make outdoor cats indoor.
Benefits of Making Outdoor Cats Indoor
There are many benefits to bringing outdoor cats inside, including:
Increased Safety
Outdoor cats face many risks like cars, predators, diseases, parasites, fights with other cats, traps, poison, and cruel humans. Indoor cats live longer lives because of reduced threats.
Better Health
Indoor cats have decreased exposure to infectious diseases, parasites, fights, weather, toxins, etc. This generally means indoor cats are healthier.
Reduced Impact on Wildlife
Outdoor cats are skilled hunters and can decimate native bird, reptile and amphibian populations. Bringing cats inside protects local ecosystems.
No Unwanted Kittens
Intact outdoor cats breed prolifically. Millions of unwanted kittens are euthanized in shelters annually. Indoor cats are easier to spay/neuter.
More Interaction & Enrichment
Indoor cats get more attention, playtime and care from their owners. This strengthens the human-feline bond.
Cleanliness
Indoor cats stay cleaner as they are not rolling around in dirt or hunting prey. This is better for both the cat and home.
It’s the Law
Many municipalities have laws requiring cats to be kept indoors or be on a leash/in an enclosure when outside. Indoor cats comply.
Factors to Consider Before Making an Outdoor Cat an Indoor Cat
There are a few key considerations to make before deciding to turn an outdoor cat into a strictly indoor pet:
The Cat’s Age
Kittens and younger adult cats will generally have an easier time transitioning to indoor life compared to older cats. Older cats are very set in their ways.
How Long the Cat Has Been Outdoors
Cats that have been outdoor pets their whole lives are the hardest to convert to indoor only. The longer a cat is allowed outdoors, the harder the transition will be.
Personality and Temperament
Timid, docile cats will adapt easier than bold, energetic cats. Independent cats may resist the change more than affectionate, people-oriented cats.
Health Conditions
Cats with medical issues like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, heart/kidney disease, arthritis, etc. should be brought indoors to properly manage their health.
Dangers in the Area
Cats living in areas with heavy traffic, coyotes, loose dogs, cruelty/abuse cases, etc. should be brought inside right away for safety.
Your Commitment
You must be fully committed to persevering through the transition period. It takes a lot of time and patience.
Preparing for the Transition
Before making your outdoor cat an inside cat, take the following steps to ease the adjustment period:
Gather Supplies
Stock up on scratching posts, cat trees, toys, treat puzzles, water fountains, etc. Fill your home with entertainment and comforts.
Vet Visit
Bring the outdoor cat to the vet for a full check-up and treatment for any medical issues before introducing to indoor cats. Update vaccines too.
Parasite Prevention
Treat your outdoor cat for fleas, ticks and intestinal worms. Apply monthly parasite preventatives going forward. Keep the risk of infecting indoor cats low.
Identification
Make sure your cat has a microchip and collar with ID tag. Indoor cats can still escape on occasion.
Cat Proof Your Home
Check for any small openings where your cat could potentially sneak out and make repairs. Install screens on windows. Keep doors closed.
Create a Sanctuary Room
Set up a small room with food, water, litter box, scratcher, toys, bed, and hiding spots for your outdoor cat’s first few weeks indoors.
Adjust Family Dogs
Dogs and outdoor cats are often not used to being around each other. Take precautions like keeping them separated at first.
Cat-Proof Outdoors
If you plan to build an outdoor enclosure, cat-proof your yard by checking fences for holes, removing climbable trees, trim bushes, etc.
Slowly Introduce an Outdoor Cat to Indoor Life
When first bringing an outdoor cat indoors, take things slow by following this timeline:
Week 1
Keep the cat confined to a small sanctuary room (like a bathroom) for the first week with no other pets present. Spend time with the cat in the room each day, playing, brushing and providing affection/treats. The cat may hide frequently those first few days. Ensure the cat is eating, drinking, using the litter box and seems otherwise healthy.
Week 2
Allow brief and supervised time with the new indoor cat out in the main home while other pets are confined for periods of time. Harness train the cat. Increase supervised time out of the sanctuary room each day. Continue to spend quality time interacting with the cat in the sanctuary room routinely.
Week 3
Allow the new indoor cat to freely explore your home while supervised and when other pets are not around. Provide ample playtime and enrichment. At night, put the indoor cat back in the sanctuary room. Work on clicker and harness training.
Week 4
The new indoor cat may now be left unsupervised for short periods of time to continue adjusting. Invite calm indoor cats to interact with the new cat under supervision. Take the cat outside on a leash and harness for limited amounts of time. Continue providing daily play and enrichment.
Week 5+
The new indoor cat should now adjust to being out 24/7 with your family and other pets. Still provide daily interactive playtime, clicker training sessions and outdoor leashed adventures. Be vigilant for any behavioral issues like aggression. Keep being patient.
The key is going very slowly, not rushing things, and continually monitoring how the new indoor cat is acclimating. Some cats adjust quickly while others take months. Let the cat set the pace.
Provide an Enriched Indoor Environment
To keep an indoor cat happy, provide an enriched stimulating indoor environment:
Vertical Spaces
Have cat trees, wall shelves, cat staircases and high perches so the cat can climb and survey the home from above.
Scratching Outlets
Have scratching posts, cardboard scratchers, etc. for scratching. Trim nails regularly. Use sticky tape or aluminum foil to deter furniture scratching.
Hiding Places
Provide enclosed cat beds, empty cardboard boxes, cat cubes, tunnels, paper bags and house-shaped cat beds for hiding and napping.
Windows Perches
Place cat trees, beds and perches near windows for watching outdoor bird and wildlife activity. Grow indoor herbs on windowsills for cats to nibble.
Self Play Options
Stock puzzle feeders, treat balls, play tunnels, catnip toys, feather wands, laser pointers, interactive cat toys and automatic laser toys to keep cats occupied when alone.
Outdoor Access
Build a covered outdoor enclosure or cat patio for safe outdoor time. Take cats out on a leash and harness. Grow indoor/outdoor cat grass and catnip.
Playtime and Exercise
Have multiple daily play and exercise sessions with interactive fishing pole toys, chase toys, catnip mice, furry balls, crinkle balls, etc.
Mealtime Enrichment
Feed meals in food puzzle toys and boards, hide treats around the house, use snuffle mats, balls, boxes, tubes, etc. to stimulate the brain and senses during meals.
Plenty of Litter Boxes
Have 1-2 more litter boxes than you have cats. Scoop at least once daily. Add litter attractant. Experiment with types of litter. Place boxes in quiet locations.
Companionship
If possible, get a second cat so they can provide each other companionship and playtime.
Cat TV
Place bird feeders outside windows. Consider playing videos of birds and prey for cats to watch.
Routine Vet Care
Take your cat to the vet annually. Update vaccines. Run routine bloodwork for senior cats. Address any medical issues early. Keep your cat healthy!
With proper indoor enrichment, exercise and vet care, indoor cats live safe, long and happy lives. Put in the effort to make the indoor world fun!
Challenges Adjusting to Indoor Life
While some cats settle right into indoor living, most outdoor cats go through an adjustment period. Here are some common challenges and how to remedy them:
Excessive Vocalization
Your cat may meow, yowl and howl constantly, especially at doors and windows. Try more playtime, cat TV and puzzle toys. Over time this usually diminishes.
Restlessness
The former outdoor cat may pace, seem agitated, jump on counters, run wild through the home and have trouble settling down. Increase interactive playtime and provide more climbers/perches. Consider adopting a second cat. Daily walks on a cat leash can help restless cats burn energy.
Escaping
Your cat may try to dart outside whenever doors and windows open. Make repairs wherever your cat could sneak out. Keep them in a penned off safe room when any doors/windows will be open. With time, most cats lose interest in escaping.
Furniture Scratching
Provide plenty of scratching posts. Trim nails frequently. Use deterrent sprays and aluminum foil. Try temporary vinyl nail caps like Soft Paws. Reward with treats when they scratch acceptable surfaces.
Stress Behaviors
Cats may exhibit stress by over-grooming, avoiding their litter box, aggression, hiding, reduced appetite, etc. If severe, speak to your vet about anti-anxiety medication while your cat adjusts. Use synthetic pheromone sprays/plugins. Make sure another cat or pet is not intimidating your new indoor cat.
Going to the Bathroom Out of the Litter Box
Some cats may stop using their litter box when stressed. Bring the cat to the vet to rule out medical issues. Try adding an additional litter box or two, experimenting with litters, and cleaning daily. Use attractant sprays. If behavioral, give treats when they use the box. Never punish accidents.
Be patient and understand that there will likely be some hurdles to overcome. With time, persistence and TLC, your former outdoor cat will come to love the comforts of indoor life.
FAQs About Making Outdoor Cats Into Indoor Cats
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about changing outdoor cats into strictly indoor felines:
How long does it take for an outdoor cat to adjust to being indoors?
It usually takes at least a few months for an outdoor cat to fully adjust to being an indoor cat. Some cats take over 6 months. The longer a cat lived outdoors, the longer the adjustment period typically is. Be very patient!
Should I feel guilty about making my outdoor cat an indoor cat?
No guilt is needed! This is a responsible, loving decision that will significantly extend your cat’s lifespan and health. Indoor cats live over 10 years longer on average than outdoor cats.
Will my outdoor cat be sad if I suddenly keep them indoors?
Certainly some disappointment is to be expected initially when an outdoor cat loses their freedom. Make sure to shower your cat with extra playtime, affection and environmental enrichment to make the indoor world fun and stimulating.
Is it cruel to make an outdoor cat become an indoor cat?
It’s absolutely not cruel, but lifesaving. The lifespan of indoor cats is considerably longer. Outdoor cats face numerous threats from cars, animals, cruel humans, diseases, etc. Bringing them indoors protects them.
Can I train my outdoor cat to walk on a leash?
Absolutely! With time, patience and rewards most cats can be trained to walk outdoors on a harness and leash for limited supervised time. Just be sure to introduce leash training gradually in a safe, enclosed space.
What if my outdoor cat meows and cries nonstop after coming indoors?
Excessive vocalization is common at first but usually diminishes after the initial shock subsides. Tryinteractive playtime, catnip, window perches and leaving a radio on softlywhen you are away to help calm vocal cats.
How can I provide exercise for my outdoor cat turned indoor cat?
Daily interactive play sessions are key. Cat towers, cat shelves on walls, hiding boxes, food puzzles, treat balls, jumper toys, window perches, leashed walks, etc. will help them burn energy and stay active indoors. Rotating toys keeps things interesting.
What should I put in my outdoor cat’s litter box when they first come indoors?
Try dirt, pine pellets, straw pellets, sand or wood pellets at first. They may be familiar with natural surfaces. Slowly transition to clumping clay litter. Make litter box changes gradually so as not to deter use.
Why does my indoor/outdoor cat keep trying to dart outside when I open doors?
This escape behavior is very common at first. Keep the cat in a closed room when doors will be open. Check for any potential exit points outside the room and seal them up. The obsession with getting outside often fades over time as the cat adjusts.
Bringing an outdoor cat indoors is a big change but worth it for their increased lifespan, safety and health. Arm yourself with patience, set up an enriched environment, stick to a slow introduction timeline, and monitor your cat closely. With time, even cats accustomed to outdoor freedom can live happily as indoor pets.
Conclusion
The key takeaways for transitioning outdoor cats to indoor cats are:
- Make sure you are fully committed and ready to devote substantial time to the process. It requires a lot of patience.
- Introduce the outdoor cat to your home very slowly, ideally confining them to a small room at first.
- Never yell at or punish cats struggling with the transition. Reinforce wanted behaviors with rewards.
- Address common issues like vocalization, inappropriate urination, aggression, scratching and escape attempts calmly.
- Create an enriched indoor cat environment with plenty of playtime, cat trees/perches, food puzzles, leashed walks and cat companionship.
- Work closely with your veterinarian, use synthetic pheromones and try anti-anxiety medication if severe behavioral issues emerge.
- Understand temporary challenges are likely to pop up initially as the cat transitions. With ample love and positive reinforcement, most challenges can be overcome.
Indoor cats can live long, mentally stimulating, healthy and safe lives. Make your home cat-friendly and irresistible to even the most stubborn outdoor cat. The effort to convert outdoor cats to indoor cats is well worth it!