Does anybody knows how to make an outdoor cat into an indoor cat?

Question

I hate my cat going outside because I'm scared that he might get hit by a car.

PLEASE HELP ME!!

Answer 1

Hello - Actually there are screens for outside cats.

http://www.purrfectfence.com/

Or a full outdoor enclosure -

http://www.geocities.com/holmescathy/outdoorenclosure.html

Cat Tunnel (There are many out there much bigger.)

http://www.lakeside.com/details.asp?ITN=OCZ3&CAT=1&KWD=outdoor%20cat%20tunnel&ST=

My opinion - If your cat has been an outdoor cat - It would not be fair to take away her/his outside for good.

Choose alternatives ideas/routes as I have typed - If you can or if you would like to.

Good Luck! :)

Answer 2

Make sure the cat has a constant source of food, water, love, and attention, and he will probably prefer to be inside anyway. I think a lot of cats like the outdoors: my cats love to sit and look out the window for hours or peek their heads out the door when someone has it open, but they know where their meals come from. It is possible, though, if your cat was an outdoor cat, he just prefers it and there may not be anything you can do about it. Give it a while and see if you can't bribe him to remain indoors with treats and snuggles.

Answer 3

It is hard to turn an outdoor cat into an indoor cat and the cat won't really be happy. Invest in one of those pens with a cover on them - large enough that the cat can roam around safely but not be able to climb out.

Answer 4

I understand why you're scared - I would be too! I don't let my cats out, and never have, but since yours is used to going out, the best thing I can tell you is that cats are very adaptable. They don't like change, but they will - eventually. Your cat will probably cry at the door for a while, and probably scratch at where is outside access used to be, and will likely bolt between your feet when you go in and out, but over time it will learn that it is safe and warm in the house and will just be happy staying in. Good luck!

Answer 5

I adopted my cat from the local SPCA. They had found her abandoned along a bridge near town. It was obvious that she had been an outdoor cat, but, I adopted her to be an indoor cat. We have toys, scratchers and this tower like thing she likes to crawl on, and mostly lots of love and attention. She does show some interest in the summer, but in the winter she could care less. She is a very happy cat with the enviornment I have chose for her. Of course spaying & neutering is one of the most important things you could possibly do for your pet. Declawing is completely unnecessary, and mean, if nails are too long, just clip em! Indoor cats live longer, safer, healthier lives......

Answer 6

Please do not declaw your cat. But it's really important to spay or neuter. First, try to find a room in the house in which he or she feels comfortable and keep the cat in that room (with litter box, water, and food) for a couple of days. Kitty proof the room. Then spend time with your cat inside the room. Give him catnip, put a bunch of toys and try to bond with him. After 3 or 4 days, let him get out of the room. That will make your cat feel like he is outside. If he starts wanting to go outside again, lock him back in the room for a couple of more hours. He will understand that being in the house is better than being in the room. I adopted an adult cat and she ran away one night and I started doing that and now she enjoys her time in the house. Hope this helps!

Answer 7

a cat is better off in doors and you will have to just keep it in. The cat will try to get out and meow and thats when you need to step in and keep it busy, give your cat toys, a cat tree is a must and lots of attention. It may take a while but your cat will be fine after a while to be just indoors. Make sure you also prove a scratch post oh and cat nip, my kids grow cat nip indoors, you can buy the kit in all pet stores.

Answer 8

Bring him in and get a litterbox. I know a lady with a much loved outdoor semi wild Tom that lost a leg due to an insane neighbor with a rifle. When he came home from the vet she put him in one small room with a litterbox. At the age of 7+ he learned it in one day. He stayed in his room with food and water for about three days. Two weeks later he had mastered the AC vent and the couch and chairs as if he'd never been outside. If you want to really spoil him, build a little screened in shelf around a window so he can still sit in the sun and breeze. It's so good to see print about a loved critter.

Answer 9

not easy, but can be done. we have done it. some real sweet people across the street moved and left Morris to fend for himself. he was neutered and DECLAWED. can you imagine what idiots leave a declawed cat on his own, outside? well, he decided to move in here - sat on our front porch and adopted us. we already had a few cats, indoor, so we fixed up a bed in the garage to see how he was indoors. we soon brought him inside where he met the others. the only hard part was that since he was used to roaming, we had to watch door openings. give lots of attention, cat toys, cozy bed, he will get used to it. we love our cats. people who say they must be out because it is only natural, put them in grave danger (cars, antifreeze, other cats, crazies who hurt animals, etc.) takes patience, lots of it, but can be done. Doesn't even want to go out now!

Answer 10

You are higher up on the food chain, don't let him out, reward him with love when he wants out so he will associate some cuddle time with going out or play a nice game of run chase.

My guy used to like to make a break at the door when I would come home, so I started throwing my keys toward him onto the floor (don't aim or hit the kitty). This would startle him, and he would back off/run away. Then, all I needed to do was rattle my keys and he would back off. Stopped him from trying to run 100%.

Answer 11

start feeding him soft cat food indoors once in awhile. cats need exercise and deserve to go outside to explore once in awhile. if he's a smart cat, he will learn how to navigate the roads or maybe he'll stick to the bushes and trees. i have 7 indoor cats who get to explore during the weekends and they have access to the patio. i leave the front door open so they can come and go as they like. when their time is up, and i have to shut the door, i call them in to eat. they all come running when they hear the cupboard door slam and the plates making noise. slowly bring him inside. make it comfortable for him and purchase some cat toys, make a comfy bed, and play with him. let him out when you are home for like an hour or two a day or just keep it to weekends. since he started out as an outdoor cat, he will always have a yearning to go outside.