How do I turn an indoor-outdoor cat into an indoor cat only?

Question

Actually, I have three cats ages 1, 2 and 8 - all male and all neutered. The two youngest are both energetic, while the eldest is athletic but calmer. They are used to go "walkies" with me late, late at night for exercise (like dogs). But I may not be able to do that with them in the new place I have to move to. What do I do? Anyone with experience?

I truly appreciate ALL of your helpful suggestions. I am somewhat more confident that my kitties will be ale to transform themselves into indoor only cats without too much stress. I will get them a cat condo and a cat tgree and plenty of toys. I am intrigued by someone's suggestion of a cat toy that one can hind food in and that kitty can open - where do I find one like that? Anyway, you are ALL so wonderful and I feel positively enervated that I am NOT the ONLY silly cat-person in the universe who treats her kitties like spoiled kids.

Answer 1

I had to do this with my 3 grown indoor-outdoor neutered males when I moved from a safe rural home to one with roads very close to the house. It helped to have them stay for awhile in an unfamiliar place (my temporary home between moves) where nothing looked the same when they looked out the windows. They didn't seem to feel entitled to go out there because it was neither familiar nor inviting (a city area). They never asked to go out while there and 5 months later, when they ultimately moved to their permanent home, they didn't bother asking because - again - it wasn't familiar and they didn't feel entitled.
So you may be worrying needlessly. When you move them, they may be curious about what's outside the window, but they won't feel like you're keeping them from "their" territory.
DON'T let them out - not even once, or they'll torture you with their pathetic cries.
DO provide them with something to jump & climb on, like a cat tree.
Substitute the "walkies" with playtime - a string will do. Cats aren't fussy, as long as it moves and they get to play with their human! Good luck.

Answer 2

I have 4 cats, all rescued, all neutered/spayed and all totally indoor. They never go out. We have interactive play every day. They have windows that they love to lie in and catch a breeze while they look out. 2-3 times a week for 15-20 minutes they have access to a catnip plant. They have plenty of toys, a condo and several scratcing posts. Yes they can be trained to use a post and not your furniture. I tried walking a couple of them with a halter and leash but they would just lie down and not move, I gave hat up. After getting used to not being outdoors any more they all seem quite happy and content. I am happy knowing they are safer and healthier that outdoor cats that have all the dangers and diseases to deal with.

Answer 3

He might complain a little bit at first, but after a few days, he will be content to stay inside.

My cat was an inside/outside cat at first and he came in with no problems. He hasn't been outside in 6 years, except carried to the car for vet trips. However, Mr. Freddie will try to dart out if someone leaves a door open, so you'll have to watch that.

Answer 4

this could be tough, especially for the older one. I suggest that you have plenty of things inside the house for them to play with that will keep them active, and then tire them out. There are actually DVD's you can buy and play of birds and such, that are created to entertain your cat, and provide them with some of that outdoor experience. I think I'd also invest in a cat condo, something they could climb, hide and play in, as well as sharpen their claws on. Also, a pinch of catnip once or twice a day, will take the edge off being an indoor only cat, as it relaxes them.

Answer 5

You just have to prevent them from going outside. The cats will probably whine and cry to be let out but you will have to be firm, it is for their own good after all. If they try to sneak out try to have them in another room with the door closed when you leave the house. Cats don't really need "walkies" in the same way that dogs do, they will not suffer from lack of exercise. You should keep windows open where possible, but remember to always keep them screened and make sure that the screen is fastened tight. One of my cats could pop the screen out from one of our windows and leave that way.

Answer 6

Cats are such great pets and more loyal than givin credit for. Your cats, as long as you will be there, will adjust just fine to no walkies. My cats were a little skittish after their move, but adjusted to no longer being able to go outside. I think with the complete change in environment they will not know the difference and won't miss the walkies.

Answer 7

you don't have to worry about them, they won't mind being stuck inside and won't miss the walkies, cats are very loyal and will learn to keep calm about things which happen, just get them toys and little cat condos to keep them busy and they'll do alright also let them sit by the windows and catch a little breeze, if they recognise the environment outside and start meowing about it, they'll stop, no big deal, just get them to settle down in the new place and get a plug-in pheromone releaser and a catnip plant to keep them from meowing out the windows.They'll learn to be indoor cats in no time.
Hope this helps you out

Answer 8

I have two spayed females that used to have access to the outdoors when I took them only. Then I moved but they can't go outside here. As the person who answered already said, it's good if they have a window they can go to so they can at least get fresh air and see. Mine cry occasionally when they see something outside they would like to get at, but other than that, they did fine. My main concern with males would be that they might spray inside if they are accustomed to doing it outside, unless you had them all neutered before they learned to mark their territory. Good luck to you.

Answer 9

Cats don't really need all that exercise. I did once have a cat that we let in and out whenever it wanted and then turned it into a stricly indoor cat. She wanted out for a while but after a week or so she got used to it.

Answer 10

i have two wonderful furry babies. as hard as it was in the beginning, if you keep a small spray bottle of water near the door, and spray them with it if they try to go outside with you, it won't take long. to teach my furry girls not to get on the couchs and tables, this is what i did. it only took a few sprays, and it is so much better than hitting them with anything. the only thing is, you can't go back and forth, i mean if you want them inside, then you can't say "well, i'll let them go out tonight." it has to be consistant. Hope it helps