Cats instincts?

Question

I have a kitten that I have hand raised. I nursed him with a bottle and now he is approx. 6 months old. I know cats have a natural instinct to want to go outside, but I want him to be an indoor cat. How can I make this happen without feeling quilty, when he sets on the window seal looking out looking sad. I love him to death and I want to do whats best for him.

Answer 1

Provide him with plenty of toys and diversions inside and he should be fine. I don't see any problem with providing him access to windows, either. My male cat LOVES to look out the backdoor window, but he is terrified of actually going outside. I presume because he was dumped at a shelter at such a young age, lived there for over a year, and then came home with me to be an indoor cat. He simply hasn't been outside and is afraid of what he doesn't know. At least that's how it seems to me.

I know easier said than done, but don't feel guilty. You are doing what is best for him. If you really feel that he is longing to be outside, you can always buy a cat leash and harness and bring him outside supervised. I've done that with my female cat since she loves to roll on the sidewalk in the sun. She does not, however, go out on her own. It's just too dangerous.

They will not grow up fat and lazy by not going outside. If they are fed the proper food in proper amounts and have plenty of toys to play with inside, they will be fine.

Answer 2

I can see you love your kitten very much. Cats are naturally curious but will live an average of 5 years longer if you keep him inside all the time, and he will be healthier. Make sure he has lots of toys, and a good scratching post. It should be at least 3' tall so he can stretch out. Kittens like to climb it and sit on top. Get a "kitty tease" and run him around with it. I also use a "laser mouse" which is a red dot that the cats chase all over the place. As he gets older you may need to get a "shelf" so he can see out the window. When he sees birds he may make little barking noises. This doesn't mean he needs to go outside.

Since cats are curious about EVERYTHING he may just want to know where you're going or what's on the other side of the door. Sometimes they want to know how to get in the room they see in the mirror.

Mine ran out between my legs one time and did a dead stop about 3' away. He looked around and decided the out of doors was just too big for him.

I love my cats too much to expose them to any type of danger, and the outside can be very dangerous.

Answer 3

Good job nursing him with the bottle! It's a very difficult thing to do well!

What's best for him is to keep him indoors. Domestic cats live at least five years longer if they are kept indoors. Feral cats are lucky to make it 2 years.

Outside your cats face dangers from other animals, including cats which can transmit deadly, cat-specific diseases, as well as cars, elements, parasites, and whacked-out neighbours.

Your vet will be able to explain the dangers more clearly.

Keep him inside with lots of things to keep him active. Toys, scratching posts, etc... If you can afford to care for 2 cats adopting another one is a good idea, especially while he's still a kitten and can get used to the company more easily. They can keep each other entertained and far more exercised than we can when we play with them.

Answer 4

That instinct will never fade away! Our cat is 6 years old, always been with us (same as you with the bottle!) and he's an indoor cat because of bylaws where we live. He wants to get out so bad sometimes he howls and fights to run out, it's aweful sometimes!! I think deep down though, about the diseases, dogs, coyotes, and cars out there that could kill him. He's spoiled rotten and loves his life! Get your cat a treehouse indoors (lots of tunnels and stuff to climb) from a pet store. We hide treats in it and get him little crinkly mice with catnip. They'll be antsy to get outdoors once in awhile, but give him a view and let him look out at the birds!! He'll be happy with you no matter what, as long as his health is your best interest!! (Just think of that when you feel guilty!)

Answer 5

Both mine are indoor kitties - they were both born strays. One is 1 year old, the other is 5 years old. Now, neither of them even attempt to go out the front door even if it's left open, they're so used to being indoors.

They will go out into the backyard with me (if I'm with them). I live in a townhouse and the backyard is a small courtyard size and has a 6 foot wall around it but neither of them even attempt to climb it while we're out there. After 10 -15 minutes I'll say 'inside' and one will trot happily inside while the other (my 'problem' child) makes a game of it and I'll have to pick her up to get her inside, but she's happy enough - it's all part of the game :)

I would NEVER let them roam outside free - there's way too many dangers - cars, other kitties who like to fight, dogs, idiotic humans who, somehow, find pleasure in poisoning kitties or torturing them. Indoors is MUCH safer and mine love it.

Answer 6

keeping him indoors is what is best for him!! outdoor cats live shorter and unhealthier lives.. feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV or feline aids) are very common in outdoor cats and are passed by a bite wound. Also outdoor cats have to avoid cars, dogs, other humans, etc. There is much less risk by having that cat inside. If you feel guilty you can always purchase a kitty leash and take him out while you are right there so he can get a little exposure to the outdoors..

Answer 7

keeping him as an indoor cat would be the best thing for him. just try not to think about it too much. i have two indoor cats that just love to look out the window, but by not letting them out they've just learned that they can't go out...they get used to it...trust me.

Answer 8

all cats like the window being a kitten put him in the bathroom close the door until he is use to the cat box that is what i did for two kittens untl they came use to the cat box then your kitten will be trained and the cat will go by him self

Answer 9

i think of this is a few thing that maximum cats do. My 6 month old kitty does a similar element. He has to stick his paw in the water dish till now he certainly starts ingesting the water. i'm not worried approximately it and neither is our vet.

Answer 10

just keep him inside. its whats best for him and you. if you do let him out make sure hes neutered and older than a year, just so he knows where he lives. but if you dont just know you are doing the best for him. he will be much healthier and live longer being inside. just know that and you should be fine! by the way that's awesome that you fostered him! its a very rewarding thing. Ive hand raised over ten within this last year. I do it for the animal shelter near me...