how do you train an indoor cat to become indoor AND outdoor?

Answer 1

Not all cats like to be indoor/outdoor cats. Cat that have had bad experiences outside might not want to attempt that again.

Otherwise, a cat that has food, a soft bed, toys, company and a litter box inside will come back inside to eat, sleep, play with you, see you and even use the litter box. Cats generally do not wander far from reliable sources of food and water which is why feeding and watering a stray will keep it nearby.

It is most convenient if you teach your cat a recall command. If that command is always followed by a very tasty treat like tuna or liver, you will find it easier to call your cat home at night. Call him periodically so that he gets used to coming home on command. Just remember to have his treat available each and every time.

Harnesses work also since lots of cats are happy just to go outside once in awhile. Pick one of these, though, instead of a figure 8 (useless) or dog harness:

http://metpet.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/walkingjacket.html

Answer 2

Not sure why you would want to do this. Outdoor cats have a higher risk of being killed and catching illnesses. They can be hit by a car, eaten by a dog or other wildlife (cyotes, etc.), stolen, be poisened. So many things, it's not worth it. If you feel bad about the cat not being able to 'go out', teach him / her to wear a harness and take him / her out for walks on a leash (it is possible to do this).

Answer 3

My cats always wanted to go outside from the start so at first I would let them out during the day and watch them to see how they would react, how far they would go etc. Then the more I got used to them being outside I would let them out more. My cats have claws so I let them stay out into the later hours of the night. But at first I would always call them back around dusk, mine dont travel too far so I never have to worry about them.

Answer 4

Even if you are in a very safe area, it is a good idea to put a cat-safe fence if you want your cat to get out, or make a cat enclosure for her.
Check this out:
http://www.purrfectfence.co.uk/

Answer 5

i took mine out during the morning with a harness and leash attached to her and just let her go but i would follow her around. then i started letting her out by herself but me outside with her watching her if got started to get far i would go get her and say no...now she just rubs her back on the warm cement and just sit there and stares at birds and bugs flying...and jumps on the grass when something moves in there...it is fun watching her....but she spends most of the day inside on her cat tree near the window to look out side..

Answer 6

Hi why do you want to let your cat go out side. i had a cat who liked to go out and in sometimes but he got hit by a car. Then i found him. i was 10 i think just please don't let them go out. TO ANYONE WHO IS READING THIS DO NOT NET THEM GO OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!! MY NEIHBOORS CAT GOT LUKEMIA JUST PROTECT THEM . KEEP THEM INSIDE. THEY like grass at freds they have a organic wheat grass plant that my cats just love. it's in the produce section there a 1.99 (+- a little) o they love whip cream too. o at walmart and target they have cheap boxes ant target they have litter for 2.39 for a 20 pound bag and freds scoopers are on sale a 1.00 i think. if you get bags buy 1 giant rubber bands or get string bags. If you have a brain fart and let the cat go out try and keep the shotts updated. a vca animal hospital/clinic clinic is not part of the name but on tuesday and thursday they have "no exam fee day" if you go to the websit you can find one near you i am in oregon so

Answer 7

let it out side gradually a few times during the day. you are aware that a cat that goes outside has a short life span?

Answer 8

Why would you want to? Please read this if you think letting your cat outdoors is OK - http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=indoorsoroutdoors