Sometimes, cats are very happy staying inside your home. If you have an indoor cat, a kitten, or have adopted a cat that’s now ready to start going outside, there are a few things to consider and be aware of if you want the transaction to be smooth and successful.
How to Transition an Outdoor Cat to an Indoor Cat
An indoor cat to outdoor cat transition doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult, as i will explain in this article.

Transition outdoor cat to indoor. Start with slow increments of time outside, only ten minutes at first. My cats are 3 years old. Transitioning a cat from outdoors to indoors can be as easy as closing a door.
Think of things from the cat’s point of view. It’s perfectly natural for cats to seek out a hideaway and it’s nice to give them options. Sometimes, cats are very happy staying inside your home.
March 24, 2019 by jessica. Jacque lynn schultz, cpdt, companion animal programs adviser, national outreach, apsca. (it’s amazing what cats will want to curl up in.) your cat may also choose a closet or want to hang out under the bed.
In her article, should you let your cat go outdoors? You may decide that you want to make sure that you have some control over your indoor cat when it’s first outside. The trick is to match expectations:
Making the transition from outdoor life to indoor life can be a relatively easy one for a cat if you set up the indoor environment to be as interesting as the one she’s about to leave behind. Feeding outdoors can attract wildlife and other cats. Do your best not to give in to their requests to go out, and distract their attention with play.
Perhaps you’re adopting a stray or maybe you’re moving from a house to an apartment — in these circumstances sometimes it’s necessary to transition an outdoor cat to an indoor cat. If this is the case then some form of containment or harness might be a good idea. Establishing a feeding schedule can help train your cat to an indoor/ outdoor routine.
However, once the cats in question are no longer used for breeding, they may be sold on (or simply retired) and then, may have the opportunity to go outside. Regardless of the reasoning, making the transition to indoor/outdoor life is something that should be managed carefully, to give your cat the best possible start in their new territory! When you're ready to move your cat outside, move the house outside too.
Empty amazon boxes work great. Yours and the cats, so that you can both share the same space without the fur flying. Transitioning an outdoor cat to indoors.
If the adult cat is new to you, or you have recently moved to a new home, keep them indoors for a couple of weeks for them to acclimate to their new environment first. Transitioning an outdoor cat to indoor life. It comes in heated and unheated versions so you can choose the best option for your climate.
Interactive play for twenty minutes or more a day is a great way to bond with your cat, give him the exercise he needs, and make him. I'm not sure how your older cats will adjust since they have only known the indoor life for so long. Outdoor cats can easily be injured, exposed to disease, or threatened by the people and animals.
If the cat was ever box trained, she will likely fall right back into the habit. Other times, you and they need a little more help! I’m not suggesting you move house, but if it is on the cards already, then it is a perfect time to transition your cat from outdoor/indoor to indoor only.
It can also eliminate a desire for your cat to come inside. More and more, cat owners are recognizing the need to keep their cats indoors for their safety and the safety of wildlife in the community. Each cat is also incredibly unique depending on their biological and environmental background.
I am considering transitioning my cats to indoor/outdoor. My parents' cat is indoor/outdoor and he is very happy and gets all his energy out outside. They will likely be overwhelmed by new smells.
This gives your cat some consistency in his new environment. New home environment, the new territory will all work in your favour. Autumn is slowly making way for old man winter, and your concern is steadily growing for the stray cat who settled into your backyard last summer.
There’s no denying keeping cats indoors keeps cats and wildlife safer and healthier. Your cat will likely benefit from the change, too. Each step should progress gently to the next step.
That way, they can enjoy the great outdoors safely, and you also won’t have to worry about them getting into fights with other street cats, killing wildlife, or being hit by a vehicle. Cats who stay indoors have longer lifespans than those who are left to roam outdoors. When you are making your indoor cat an outdoor cat there are several steps that you can follow.
Transitioning a cat from outdoors to indoors can be as easy as closing a door. Place one where you want the litter box to permanently reside, and put the transitional box at the door the cat once used to exit the house. The outdoor kitty house is an excellent way to transition your cat to the outside.
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 their pestering behaviors, so keep them indoors all the time. Not many kitties can resist those laser lights, either! It will also be much safer.
Other times, they need a little help from you! Transitioning an indoor/outdoor cat to indoor only. An adult indoor cat to outdoor cat transition can take place differently, but they should be supervised for their first few outdoor visits.
Currently they are indoor only. If you want another way to offer your outdoor cat which has been transitioned to the indoors a taste of their old life, consider building them a catio. Interactive play with humans (and/or other pets) is essential for a cat transitioning to an indoor life.
Let them get a feel for the smells, sounds and sights in their new outdoor world.
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