it is about a year or so old, has been spayed and has been an outdoor cat to a neighbor, she is looking to find it a new owner as she is having issues with neighbors allegies- would love to know what I would be in for if I try to make this cat an indoor only cat.
2006-12-22 06:08:59 · 20 answers · asked by ChristiW 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Absolutely. My cat was indoor/outdoor for most of his life, but now that he's getting old I brought him indoors. He fussed at the windows and darted out the door for the first few months, but was never really bad about it. He knew instinctively what the litter box was for and never made a mistake. Now (two years later), I can safely even leave the door open. He might wander out, but never goes more than a few feet, and never stays outside more than fifteen minutes. I think he just likes some fresh air once in a while! My cat was 13 when I brought him inside to stay. If a cat that old can do it, yours shouldn't have much trouble!
2006-12-22 06:33:50 · answer #1 · answered by goddessdawnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it varies with each individual cat. I do know it's very possible. I know someone who took in two young cats who had been outdoor their whole lives. They were happy to be indoors and both did great.
I think the winter time would be a good time to try this as well. The cat will enjoy being out of the cold.
2006-12-22 06:16:35 · answer #2 · answered by Jinx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took in an outdoor cat that was about six months old. She adjusted fine to life indoors.
First thing I did was rub her paws in the litter box to let her know this was her place to 'do her business'. She always uses her litterbox, it was like second nature.
She did like to sneak outside sometimes. We have a fenced in yard and she would play outside sometimes for hours and would then come back in. I felt that it was part of her nature. so I let her outside.
Cats know where they will find food and shelter. They learn where there home is. I don't think you'd have a problem with it, then again a lot of it probably depends on the cat.
Hope that helped!
2006-12-22 06:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by Arte Salon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the cats personality. My aunt gave me her cat some years ago because she (the cat) couldn't stand to be in the apartment all the time. She came to live with us and she became an indoor/outdoor cat and loved it. Try it and see if not a no kill shelter is always an alternative.
2006-12-22 06:12:45 · answer #4 · answered by ttswismis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have sucessfully converted an outdoor cat into an indoor cat. Just bring him indoors, confine him to a small room, with a litter pan and food/water and see how he does. Good luck and god bless.
2006-12-22 11:18:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may take some getting some used to on her part but it can be done. Just stick to your guns and do not let her out, no matter how much she whines. One of my cats was a stray and was outside for about 4 months before I decided to take her in and we haven't had any problems. Cats should be kept indoors anyway. They live longer, healthier, and safer lives that way. I think it's wonderful you want to do this! Good luck!
2006-12-22 07:22:48 · answer #6 · answered by November 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, the biggest obstacle is litter-box training, but in most cases, even the outdoor cats know what it's for and how to use it.
I recently took in a stray, and found a new home for him, and he was a pro with the litter box. He fussed a bit at the doors and windows, wanting back outdoors, but after a while, he realized he was inside to stay, and he made it his home.
2006-12-22 06:11:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With my experience, those cats seem to do better than some who have always been inside. I think they appreciate it more, if that makes sense. They instinctively know to use the scratching post and pick up on the litter box fast. He or she will go from a sweet, appreciative cat to a very spoiled stubborn one though, lol, but I think it will work out fine!
2006-12-22 06:12:21 · answer #8 · answered by Nina Lee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I've done it with two different cats and both times I had no problems. I brought the cats in, locked them into a room with food, water and a clean cat pan. I gave them lots of affection and attention and after a few days, let them into the rest of the house and they ended up being great cats.
2006-12-22 06:19:11 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Nina, my former stray has never tried to get outside while my indoor cat since birth sneaks through the door all the time and I have to catch him. Now if he was used to coming and going all the time he may have a harder time but eventually he will get the hang of it.
2006-12-22 06:47:26 · answer #10 · answered by Terri E 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋