How do you make a indoor cat into an outdoor cat?
Sunday, March 14th, 2010 at
4:42 pm
My family has two cats already who are both happy outdoor cats. They are smart with the road and their both microchipped and always come home. I know their life expenticy is shorter but their alot happier outside. Plus it helps with our cat allergies by not having them inside all the time. We are now thinking of adopting a third cat but he is an indoor cat and has been for the four years of his life. How would we train him to be an outdoor cat and go outside but also come back home ?
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You don’t. It’s downright mean to take a 4 year old cat that has been indoors all of his life and shove him outside. He’s not street smart and won’t survive. Adopt a different cat.
Put them outside
This is exactly why I see dead cats on the road on the way to school. Don’t do it yo.
you put it outside
Have you done a proper analysis of your neighborhood? Do neighborhood cats go missing. Are there coyotes? Do you live on a busy road? Is there a high incidence of FIV or FeLK (call a vet)? Are you going to take the proper precautions such as get your cat vaccinated against FIV, give flea medicine (advantage or frotntline) get the cat microchipped and get a collar made?
If you don’t know any of these answers, than please don’t let your indoor cats go outside.
If you really are into doing this, why not cat fence your back yard? Its easy to do, and not too expensive. That way, your cats get outside time, and they are kept safe.
Most cats like being outside but if the new one is not comfortable start it off slow. Start with it inside your house for about two weeks so it gets used to you being it’s new home. Then start it outside by putting him out for a half hour or so at a time and build thr amount of time up. After about a week leave it out for as long of the day as you feel it is comfortable with and then leave it outside all day and soon turn it into all night too. If it already loves being outside and doesn’t care at all then just have it inside for the two weeks and let him roam.
He will always come back home eventually!
Just open the door and let out. The new cat will want to be with his housemates and not be stuck alone inside.
I don’t think you can.
i’ve seen people do this over and over again. 8/10 times the cat is lost and becomes the victim in road accidents. at least in my case. even when they know where the owner lives. i have heard wayy too much of these cases first hand. unless if you’re so lucky. the world isn’t how it was before, i understand the allergy problems and it’s very kind of you to adopt the cat. but we strive to keep cats and dogs from being stray for many reasons. mainly for them to be safe.
That’s really good of you for not just throwing the cat outside! (: for the first few times put him in a cat carrier and carry him around down the streets so he gets used to the air. When you feel more comfortable with bringing him or her out side and walk around with out the cat carrier. Make sure you walk on the roads your cats usually go on and take the same way home because doing it that way makes it easier for them to learn there way around. When your comfortable with that you can start letting the cat out side. During his first few times out side leave one of those warm cat food things that you heat up in the microwave by the door so he comes home for the food. Also for his first few times out side you might want to put a collar on him just in case he gets lost. Once you put him out side hes always going to make a bolt for the door because cats naturally love the smell of the out doors and the sent of the fresh air makes them go for it. Cats always come home so there’s no need to be worried.
I hope every thing goes well!
~ Firefly
The cat is four years old, and has always lived inside. There is no reason for you to adopt a cat, just to let him die outside. Keep the ones you have, and understand you are lucky everyday they come home. I do not believe cats are happier living outside. My cats are inside only. I provide them lots of playtime, and toys. They do not have to worry about getting hit by a car, eaten by a dog, or catching some disease from a stray cat. To answer your question, I think the cat is far to old to learn how to survive outside, and would dead very soon after you take him home.
sadly if the new cat has been used to being inside it is unlikely he will be fine with a road!
This is why cats get run over.
Is there a garden area near you that maybe he could go into? maybe you just have to keep him in if this is what he is used to? My female has never been out & not shown any interest to go out–my male loves it outside.
The best way is to get him collard & microchipped, slowly let him out & sit with him so he knows he is safe.Dont rush him… if you leave him a little hungry,he will come back for food!
Ive always found that before you let the cat cat if you pur a little bit of butter on its paws it will lick his paws, walk around & follow the smell home… Good luck