Bringing an outdoor cat indoors can be stressful, here are some tips on making it a successful transition.
Transforming a free-roaming cat into an indoor cat can be done, but it does require planning, persistence, and patience. The key is to make the change from outdoors to indoors gradually. Many cats will adjust with minimal effort while others will be miserable and let you know it. They may scratch at doors, claw at windows, yowl and try to dash through open doors.
- If your cat has never used a scratching post or a litter box, introduce both items well in advance of transitioning your cat to life inside. If you’re feeding your cat outdoors, begin feeding him indoors. Then, instead of letting the cat back outside as soon as he’s finished eating, keep him inside for longer periods of time gradually.
- Other members of the household may have to be “retrained” to close doors quickly and provide more stimulation for their feline friend. Playing with the cat is a great way to keep both his mind and body in shape.
- Some former free-roamers will appreciate “kitty greens” for them to munch on instead of your houseplants. Try planting grass, alfalfa, catnip, wheat or oat grass (sold in pet supply stores) in indoor pots for this purpose.
- If you live in a climate that has cold winters, that season may be the perfect time to help your cat make the transition to a life indoors. Your cat is likely to appreciate a warm, dry bed to snuggle in.
- If you’re having trouble slowly transitioning your cat to a happy life indoors, it may be better to go “cold turkey.” Letting your cat outdoors occasionally may only reinforce his behaviors. Your veterinarian may prescribe a short-term drug or homeopathic therapy to help your cat through the transition period.
Considering making your indoor cat an outdoor cat?
If you have an indoor cat who is scratching your couch or not using the litter box, think twice before letting your cat outside. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical problems that could be contributing to the undesirable behaviors. If your cat gets a clean bill of health, work with your veterinarian, a trainer, or animal behavior specialist who uses positive reinforcement training techniques. There is always a reason, from your cat’s point of view, for behavior that you consider to be inappropriate. He is not acting out of spite or revenge. Patience and persistence, not punishment, are the best way to get your cat back to his good habits.
If allergies are making you consider putting your cat outside, consult your physician first and discuss options for managing your symptoms while keeping your cat indoors.
By providing for your indoor cat’s physical and emotional needs, you can create a safe and stimulating environment. Although domesticated several thousand years ago, cats still retain many behaviors of their wild ancestors, which can be played out in a variety of ways indoors. A paper grocery bag, a cat’s vivid imagination, and your willingness to try will go a long way toward keeping you and your cat safe and entertained.
If you would like to work with a Wisconsin Humane Society behaviorist one-on-one regarding this behavior topic, please call 414-431-6173 or email behavior@wihumane.org to schedule a consultation.
