Introduction
Many cat owners allow their cats to go outside, thinking that cats need access to the outdoors to be happy. However, letting cats roam freely comes with many risks, like getting hit by cars, getting into fights with other cats, and contracting diseases. For cats who have been outdoor cats, bringing them indoors permanently can be challenging, but it is possible with time, patience, and the right techniques. Here is an in-depth guide on how to train an outdoor cat to become an indoor cat.
Provide a Gradual Transition
When bringing an outdoor cat indoors, do not force them to stay inside all at once. This abrupt change will stress out and confuse the cat. Instead, keep the cat indoors for gradually longer periods over the course of several weeks. Start with just an hour or two per day, then increase to half days, and so on. This gradual transition gives the cat time to get used to being indoors.
Tips for a Gradual Transition
- Start the process in mild weather, not extremely cold or hot times of year. This makes staying indoors more tolerable.
- Feed the cat inside during their indoor times so they associate being indoors with being fed.
- Play with the cat frequently during indoor times to relieve boredom. Interactive toys are great.
- Put the cat in a small room at first, like a bathroom, rather than giving access to the whole house. Expand their access gradually.
- Use treats and praise to reward calm behavior during the transition.
Cat-Proof Your Home
To make the indoor environment appealing to a former outdoor cat, ensure your home is cat-friendly. Address any potential dangers and provide plenty of entertainment.
Cat-Proofing Tips
- Keep toilet lids closed and secure trash cans. Don’t leave human food unattended.
- Check for loose wires and hide or tape down cords. Cats may chew on them.
- Provide stable bookcases and shelving so items do not fall on the cat.
- Keep hazardous household items locked away, including chemicals and medications.
- Check houseplants for toxicity. Lilies are extremely poisonous to cats.
- Place guards on windows if there is a fall risk. Install screens on any windows you leave open.
- Provide scratching posts and cat trees for climbing. Trim nails regularly.
- Set up puzzle toys and rotate cat’s toys to prevent boredom. Hide treats for mental stimulation.
Create a Positive Routine
Establishing a predictable, enriching daily routine makes the indoor life appealing. Engage in frequent play sessions, enrich their environment with new smells and toys, and give them affection. Feeding them several small meals throughout the day keeps them satisfied. Maintain this positive routine every day.
Elements of a Good Routine
- Wake up and breakfast time
- Morning play and exercise session
- Food puzzles and solo toys while you’re away
- Evening playtime and training
- Relaxation time like brushing or cat TV before bed
- Consistent feeding times and designated potty areas
Provide Outdoor Access in a Safe Way
While your cat shouldn’t roam freely outside, they can have limited outdoor access if you take precautions against risks. Install cat fencing, build a catio, or take them outside on a leash and harness. Supervise them when outside. Providing outdoor access in a controlled way makes the indoor life more agreeable.
Safe Outdoor Options
- Catio: Enclosed patio for cats to experience fresh air safely. Can be homemade or purchased.
- Cat Fencing: Fence off part of the yard for a cat to access through a cat door. Bury fencing to prevent escape.
- Leashed Walks: With training, cats can walk on a harness and leash for outdoor time. Always supervise closely.
- Window Perch: Place a perch at a window for indoor viewing of outdoor stimuli.
Address Behavioral Problems Patiently
At first, an outdoor cat accustomed to roaming may act out with behavioral issues like marking, scratching, escaping, or nighttime yowling. Consistently reward good behavior and try not to yell or punish unwanted behavior. With time, problem behaviors usually resolve once the cat accepts their new lifestyle. Talk to your vet if issues persist.
Dealing with Problem Behaviors
- Marking/Inappropriate Urination: Add more litter boxes and cleaning in problem spots. Try synthetic pheromones to ease stress.
- Aggression: Increase play and affection. Consider medication if aggression is severe.
- Escape Attempts: Ensure windows/doors are secure. Limit outdoor access to supervised time in an enclosure.
- Excessive Vocalization: Provide stimulus like cat grass, cat TV, puzzle feeders. Avoid punishing cries.
Enrich Their Environment
An enriched environment reduces boredom and replaces some of the mental stimulation cats got outdoors. Rotate their toys frequently, provide scratching posts, cat trees, and window perches. Let them watch videos made for cats if they show interest. Use food puzzles rather than free feeding. Play interactive games daily. Indoor cats stay happier when their environment is engaging.
Enrichment Ideas
- Food puzzles and treat balls
- Puzzle and maze feeders
- Changing up toys and rotation
- Clicker training and tricks
- Cat grass and catnip
- Scratching posts and cat trees
- Interactive playtime
- Cat TV, birds, and fish tanks
Be Patient and Consistent
Some cats may take weeks or months to fully accept living indoors. Be patient and persist with the training techniques. Keep their routine consistent, reward good behavior, and distract/redirect bad behavior. Seek help from your vet if problems persist beyond the initial adjustment period. With time, consistency, and patience, most cats come to enjoy being indoor cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an outdoor cat to adjust to being indoors?
It usually takes 2-3 months for an outdoor cat to fully adjust to being an indoor cat. Some may take less time, while for certain cats it could take 6 months or more. The adjustment timeline depends on the cat’s personality, age, and how long they were an outdoor cat.
Should I let my indoor cat outside sometimes?
No, once your cat is an indoor-only cat, they should not have any unsupervised outdoor access for safety reasons. You can allow them supervised time on a leash, catio, or fenced area. But do not let them roam freely outdoors.
What if my cat meows constantly to go outside after coming indoors?
With patience, this usually resolves in 2-4 weeks. Distract them with toys, give them exercise and affection. Ensure their environment is enriching. Do not give in and let them out, as this can prolong the behavior. Talk to your vet if meowing persists longer.
Why can’t I just build an outdoor enclosure for my cat?
Enclosures are great extra protection, but even enclosed cats can get stolen or attacked by other animals. Full-time outdoor living also exposes cats to parasites, diseases, and bad weather. Converting to indoor is safest.
What if my cat seems depressed when confined indoors?
Make sure their environment is stimulating and interactive playtime is frequent. Watch for symptoms like appetite loss, lethargy, or aggression, and consult a vet if depression persists beyond the initial adjustment period. Medication may help in some cases.
Conclusion
While the adjustment period requires dedication from owners, it is absolutely possible for outdoor cats to adapt to safe, enriched indoor living. The key is a very gradual transition, cat-proofing your home, establishing a consistent routine, providing outdoor access safely, using patience with behavioral problems, and enriching their indoor world. Putting in this effort helps extend your cat’s lifespan and keeps them healthy and stimulated.