I have an 8-year old cat who lives with me in my small appartment. He has never been an outdoor cat but I was?

Question

wondering if there was something I could do to make his life more "interesting". I have two scratching posts he never uses and I feel bad that he is couped up in here (even though I am home most of the day) with nothing fun to do. I used to live in a larger appartment with a balcony, and I used to let him out on the balcony which he enjoyed. But due to my financial situation I had to move into a smaller appartment and one without a balcony. Can you train a grown cat to walk on a leash? Any other suggestions on how I can make is life more fun? Thanks in advance for any ideas!

Answer 1

It's wonderful that you are so concerned with your cats happiness. Since you don't have a balcony do you have a window you can open wide enough to hang out a bird feeder? Watching the birds come to eat would keep him occupied for many hours during the day. I used to live in an apartment and when it was late and I was sure people wouldn't be coming and going, (usually after 11:00 p.m.) I would let my cats go for a walk down the hall. I used to throw toy mice for them and let them have a good run.

If you can aford it, get him a cat perch. You know one of those cat trees so he can run up and down and sit up high. Cats love it be high so they can look down on everything else.

I have never tried it but I understand there are a couple of cat videos out which cats really like. They are a mixture of birds and squirrels and things like that and I've hear a number of people say their cats were absolutely fascinated by it.

You might try a search on the net for "entertaining indoor cats" "toys for indoor cats" "keeping an indoor cat happy"
those kinds of searches. You will be surprised how much information you can find. Good luck

Good luck.

Answer 2

To cut right to the chase -- DON'T. There is a very high chance that trying to make him an indoor-outdoor cat will ended up badly for both of you. And frankly, those initial steps into the outdoors could terrify him.
The leash is a good idea, but try that out in your apartment and hallway for a few weeks to see how that goes. Then if all is well try venturing outside within your block -- when you do this make sure he has tags and identification on his collar!
The bottom line is you shouldn't worry too much. Cats are lovers of routine and place. I'm sure he's happy knowing that he's waking up in the same spot each morning. The reality is that he's most likely not bored at all.
If you still feel you should be offering him more stimulation there are a number of great cat toys out on the market and catnip is an amazing diversion for most felines. Vets suggest that you spend a minimum of 20 minutes a day, twice a day with your cat in active interaction and socializing.
So if they can get by with that, it sounds like you're doing plenty already for the little fellow. --Andy

Answer 3

There are already a lot of great answers here. But I wanted to say that the bird feeder suggestion was great. I added a bird feeder outside of a window and it seems to be an endless source of entertainment for my cats. It's really not expensive to maintain either.

You may be able to train your cat to walk on a leash or with a harness, but at age 8...maybe not. I would use some of the suggestions here for making his indoor environment a lil more interactive and interesting.

Answer 4

A halter and leash might be fun for both of you. Cats need to have the halter because their necks are much more delicate than a dog's and you can hurt the cat by just using a leash to control him.

Put the halter on in the apartment. He will plop right down and refuse to move. Not to worry just put it on him for several days until he is moving freely around the apartment. Only have it on when you are there for safety. When he is used to having it on you can attach the leash and go out.

Cats are easily spooked when they first go out. Make sure the leash is wrapped around your wrist a couple of times. Since he has just been on a balconey choose a time when traffic volume is low, no strange dogs on the street etc.

It can be a fun experience for you both.

Answer 5

I would say get him a tall cat tree to play on or possibly some toys. Honestly if you're home with him a lot then he's probably pretty content with life. Cats generally sleep most of the time anyway, but you could get some string or a laser pointer and play with him every now and again. That'd give him a chance to get some exercise and to play with you, without breaking the bank.

Answer 6

You can take him to some grass using a harness and a leash, but don't expect him to walk anywhere. Another idea, is to put a small bird feeder out a window so he can see some action. You can get ones that suction cup to the window. Hope this works.

Answer 7

Maybe different play toys would help. And setting aside playtime with him. If possible can you put him by a window he might enjoy looking out. I had a friend who would walk her cat on a leash. It was not to easy teaching him you need patience but it can be done Good Luck

Answer 8

Yes you can teach your cat to walk or be tied out on a leash.

However, you don't really need to let him out. You can add fun toys to your home. Cat window hammocks or perches are inexpensive and he can look outthe window. Cat toys on strings hanging from door knowbs or chairs or kitchen cupboards. A kitty condo is also a really good idea.

Animal planet's web page has a bunch of ideas for your cat indoors.

Whatever you decide, do not allow your cat to play with rubber bands or hair bands. These can break and lodge in their throats. If they chew them and swallow, they pose many health problems.

Answer 9

Cats love to play so I think the best way to entertain them is to create games for them. My cat also does not like or use scratchers but loves to chase the so called "Da bird" toy. It totally looks and flies like a real bird and cats are crazy about it. I play with my cat every day for a few mins till he gets tired- that way he gets a good workout too.

Answer 10

Maybe get a window hammock for him. Don't look too far into this. Unless the cat is mewing at the door because he wants out, he probably doesn't realize he doesn't go outside anymore.

There are cat collars, harnisses and leashes and you can teach him to go for walks so that is something you could try.