HOW TO MAKE AN OUTDOOR CAT AN INDOOR CAT

First things first, let’s address the main question you’re probably asking yourself before you go on this journey with kitty. Can an outdoor cat become an indoor cat? We’re glad you asked! The good news is that for most cats, becoming indoor floofs is entirely paws-ible. They may take some time to get used to it, but with the proper care and patience, they will soon grow to enjoy their new home.

However, when it comes to very feral cats who have been born outside and had very little or no exposure to humans, we have to consider whether to make the transition carefully. If these cats are healthy and in a safe area, then it is often worth just sterilizing them and leaving them to enjoy their outside home. You can still check on them regularly to make sure they are well. 

THE BENEFITS OF AN INDOOR CAT LIFESTYLE

While we have nothing against cats enjoying life outdoors, there are some benefits to being indoor kitties, including the fur-tastic longer indoor cat lifespan. Some of these benefits include:

• Reduced risk of being stolen or hit by vehicles

• Less chance of getting attacked by predators

• Less exposure to parasites, ticks, and fleas

• A safer, healthier living environment to promote a better quality of life

• Easy access to good quality food and clean water

Based on the benefits listed above, you can see why an indoor cat lifespan is often longer than that of one that only lives outdoors. These benefits are also the reason why many pawrents choose to bring their kitties indoors. 

HOW TO MAKE AN OUTDOOR CAT AN INDOOR CAT

Right, let’s get to it! Whether you are welcoming a stray into your home or moving from a property with a garden to an apartment, these tips on how to make an outdoor cat an indoor cat will make the transition easier for everyone. 

Make Sure Kitty Has Been Spayed or Neutered

This might seem like a strange first step to bringing a cat indoors, but trust us, it’ll make all the difference. If your cat has already been spayed/neutered, great! If not, you’ll want to get this done as soon as you can. Why, you ask? Well, intact cats are very likely to display stress-induced behavioral problems when prevented from going outdoors. This includes spraying stinky urine in your home. 

Speak to your vet and aim to have the kitty fixed a couple of weeks before you plan on bringing them indoors. You’ll thank us for this top tip!

Create a Safe Space for your Cat

There will be a period of adjustment when you bring your cat indoors, so you’ll want to give them a space of their own where they can get com-fur-table with their new surroundings. Whether you decide to use a cat door, pet gate, cat gate, dog gate with cat door, or Door Buddy’s door latch for cats, create a cat enclosure to keep your cat safely inside a designated room.

You will want to start off keeping your cat in one room or area and gradually allow them the freedom to the rest of your home as they become more comfortable. If you need to introduce them to dogs or other cats, this allows you time to do this too. 

Once your cat is used to the indoor environment, you’ll still want to keep the cat enclosure you created for them. This is where you can house your cat’s litter box and food. If you were using a cat door, pet gate, cat gate, or dog gate with cat door before, you might want to switch to Door Buddy’s door latch for cats now. Our pet and baby gate alternative is a much easier solution to keep dogs and little ones out of the cat’s litter box and food. 

Secure All Exits

While your outdoor cat is getting used to their new indoor environment, it may try and escape if it gets the chance. By securing all exits, including doors and windows, you can prevent them from heading back outdoors without supervision. 

Make the Indoors Exciting

When kitties live outdoors, there is generally always something to keep them entertained. So, for them to enjoy the indoors, you need to create a fun environment for them. Think about what they love to do outdoors, and try to replicate that inside. Their play is mostly based on their hunting instinct, so you’ll want to provide toys and games that encourage this. Cats also like to observe the world from above, so a cat tree or tower is sure to go down a treat! 

When it comes to keeping cats happy indoors (and just in general), we’ve chatted to expert Amy Shojai for her top tips. You can find these right here! 

Have Patience!

Bringing an outdoor cat inside is not without its challenges, and you will need to have the patience to make things work out. There will likely be a few hurdles to overcome, such as litter box training, but we know you'll get there with the right help, time, and perseverance. 

HOW DOOR BUDDY CAN HELP BRING AN OUTDOOR CAT INSIDE

The process of how to make an outdoor cat an indoor cat might be tricky, but we have no doubt that it will be rewarding in the end and also help you build a fur-endship with your kitty. Good luck, fur-ends!