Most cats who grow up inside show no inclination to leave the safety of home. Other cats who are accustomed to going out can make life miserable for the entire household by clawing at windows, yowling and trying to bolt through open doors.
But while the transition may take some time and patience, even the most confirmed outdoor cat can eventually be convinced of indoor comforts. Many cat behaviorists suggest a gradual approach to bringing an outside cat into the house. If your cat is outdoors most of the day, bring her in for increasingly longer visits. You might time this transitional period as the weather gets colder. Most cats prefer warm, dry places, and by the end of the winter, yours could be converted to life indoors.
If you want your cat to have safe, limited access to the outdoors, consider building an outside enclosure or run. These can be accessible from a window or pet door, and are most entertaining to cats when furnished with tree limbs, perching platforms, boxes and toys. Cats can be leash-trained so that they may enjoy the outdoors on supervised walks.
All you need is a leash and sturdy figure-eight or figure-H style harness from which the cat cannot escape. Your cat may resist wearing a harness at first, so let her become accustomed to it gradually. Put it on for brief periods indoors, and later, attach the leash and walk her around the house. When she becomes comfortable with that, venture outdoors for short trips. Do not tie a cat out on a leash or leave her unsupervised, even for a few minutes. If your cat remains determined to get outside, you may have to just say no to going outdoors.
Letting the cat out when it wants reinforces the pestering behavior. Remind family members, housemates, and visitors not to let the cat outside. Post signs near all doors, and if you live with children, teach them to close the door behind them. Be especially cautious with screen doors that may not latch tightly.
As your cat makes the transition to the great indoors, you can transform your living quarters into a veritable cat paradise. The more you give your cat to do, the happier she will be inside. If your floor space is limited, you can expand upward with kitty condos or climbing trees. Cats love to sun themselves and enjoy looking outdoors.
Be aware, though, that the view of the world isn't always going to work for your cat. If your yard is attracting other cats from the neighborhood, your own cat may become frustrated by the sight he can even turn that frustration into attacks on people in the house! Blocking visiting cats from your yard or discouraging them with sprinklers may solve the problem. Otherwise, you may have to make certain windows off-limits to your own cat.
If a window view isn't going to work, try a TV. A few companies offer DVDs for cats. Pop one of these in, and it will entertain your cat with a lively mix of feline-friendly images and sounds, including those of birds and rodents.
Cats love nibbling on plants. Any decent feline reference book will provide a list of plants which should not be in a pet-friendly house. You can also visit the Animal Poison Control Center for information on dangerous plants. After you get the unsafe ones out of the way, protect your decorative houseplants by hanging them up or otherwise placing them out of reach. Keep cats from digging in your decorative pots by putting a layer of small, rough stones over the dirt.
You can then add a collection of accessible plants such as grass shoots for him to rub. Of course, one of the best things you can do for your indoor cat is to spend time with him. Playing, grooming, petting or just plain hanging out -- it's all good. Your cat loves you and loves spending time with you.
Keeping a cat inside is one of the best ways to ensure a long and healthy life, but it won't be a very happy existence unless you're going to add some intrigue to the surroundings. It doesn't take much in the way of time or effort, so get going. Your cat will thank you! Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and….
Try different types of toys that allow your cat to stalk, chase, pounce and kick. When you've tired out your cat, store toys that could harm them such as toys with strings attached out of reach. When you can't be there to supervise, leave out "toys" such as paper bags with the handles removed or cardboard boxes. Be sure to switch the toys from time to time so that they seem "new" and more interesting to your cat. Plant cat grass available from pet supply stores in indoor pots so your feline can graze.
Even indoor cats should still be outfitted with a collar and visible identification. The occasional open window make sure your windows have secure screens or door offers a tempting opportunity for your cat.
And your cat may become frightened and make their way outside if strangers come to work on your house or if there is a fire or similar disaster.
The collar and visible ID could help someone get your pet back to you. For extra insurance, consider having your cat microchipped and keep your contact information with the microchip registry up to date. If you do lose your cat, contact your local animal shelter immediately to file a report. Shelter workers can give you tips on getting your pet back home safely. Also read our tips for finding a lost pet. When it's cold outside, help your kitty discover the great indoors.
Start 'em young Kittens who are kept indoors are usually happy to stay there as they grow up.
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