How do i make my outdoor cat a indoor cat?
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 at
2:13 pm
I have a neutered male cat named smokey. he used to be a outdoor cat but he kept getting into trouble, he even got hit by a car and everyday he would bring a live mouse into the house then eat it so i decided to try keeping him in. he always tries to get out but i dont let him. the problem is my dad always lets him out when im not home so my cat can never get used to being an indoor cat. if you have any advice on what to do that would be great thanks.
Filed under: Cat Furniture
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Smokey is most used to being an outdoor cat. He most likely will not be happy being an indoor cat.
Is he sociable? Does he like to be petted and cuddled? If not, he’s probably going to be happier outside until his meets his demise.
If he’s a sociable cat, you might discuss this with your father. Get Smokey some cat toys and play with him. Since he’s used to the outside, you could build or buy a cat tree for him, and set it by a window. Make sure you keep his litter box clean, give him plenty of good dry cat food and fresh water.
Cats are great. They have a mind of their own, but can be such lovely companions.
Perhaps you could tell your dad how much Smokey means to you, and introduce dad and smokey to some play time. Cats love to play.
bring it inside
Tell your dad to stop letting him out?
train your dad first.
I adopted a little stray from a kill shelter and she adapted fine to a small condo, so the issue isn’t about the cat. It’s your Dad. I don’t know why a grown adult would let a cat out after it’s already been hit by a car, but maybe if you google for good articles on what happens to outdoor cats, print and maybe this will help. Or you could talk to your Mom.
Because you’re right – it won’t work if he’s getting let out. And the day will come when he won’t return.
Good luck with this one; it’s hard enough to keep most cats indoors from birth, let alone a cat that has ‘enjoyed’ the outdoor life.
Now; I’m not saying that it can’t be done but it will take a lot of work on your behalf; I kept a cat indoors all Winter as a result of an injury and that was hard on us both. And the instant I let her out in the Spring she was gone for 2 days.
- the cat will have to be constantly stimulated and distracted from the door.
- forget most cat toys. Most outdoor cats can’t be that easily fooled.
- cut back on the cat food a bit.
- an indoor companion (cat) wouldn’t hurt
- free access to run off that excess energy would be beneficial
- you might even consider building an outdoor run for the cat.
All I can add is that I’m glad it’s you and not me that has to go through this. I have the good fortune to live in a community that supports outdoor cats and I cannot name one citizen in our little village that keeps an indoor cat. I wish all cat owners could live here.
If your kitty is used to having the lay of the land, you have your work cut out for you, but you can make the transition. Cats are creatures of habit, so don’t expect her to forsake the outdoors cold-turkey. You’ll need to slowly create a new routine by bringing her in for short periods of time.
Offer items to keep her entertained inside—like toys, a cat condo, and a scratching post.
Devote as much time as possible to playing with her.
This will be the main attraction, since she’s likely been isolated in her open-air adventures. If you can get her a feline playmate, that’s even better!
Providing a safe outdoor enclosure will help her during the adjustment period.
This way, she’ll still see the sunlight and feel less confined. You can build your own unit by securing chicken wire to a simple wooden frame. Add shelves, tires, and boxes for climbing and lounging, and make sure to place it in a shaded area to offer respite from the heat. Always supervise your cat when she’s in the enclosure to make sure she doesn’t get out and roam.
If you can’t provide safe outdoor space, you may want to walk her on a leash—really!
It isn’t just for dogs. She probably won’t scamper up to you with the leash lodged between her teeth, but in time she’ll get used to using it. And she’ll grow accustomed to her new lifestyle as it becomes more fun and familiar.