Cats think they can go outside now, what to do?

Question

So due to home foreclosing for six months my husband and I had to sublet an apartment while we got back on our feet. When this happened we had two INDOOR cats. My husband's mother offered to let them stay with them for the last few months and we told her not to let them outside as we didn't want them to be outdoor cats and she said ok. Well just like she always did she didn't listen to us and never even lets them inside but to eat (she says because they 'wanted' outside and its mean to make them stay inside)- my female cat sleeps outside. My cats have been back home for a week now and are GOING crazy not being able to go outside- they wont stop screaming and scratching at the door and are so pissed; I live on a highway and don't want them to get ran over. Any tips on what do to- my husband thinks they need a new home where they can go outside because they will never get over it. But I have hope....

Answer 1

Hey GEE the cats will probably get over it, All i know is my cat used to be indoor outdoor and then one day i decided it was safer inside for her and stopped letting her go out. She meows and moans somedays but she gets over it, she is the only cat i have too, she is spoiled rotton but i can tell she is happy. She has a large scratchy post and has great windows to birdwatch out of, we rub cat nip into her scratch post and give her plenty of play time with string and rope and feathers etc. She loves to sun in this one window too. ANYHOW my point is if you have things inside that make the cats happy and they have some room to roam, fresh food and water and clean litter box and love from their owners thats all they need and they will get over it.
HERE is helpful hint when they scratch especially if they are destroying something like curtains or fram on door, tell them no tap on butt or whatever or try taking them to a scratch post with cat nip on it, sprinkle cat nip right in front of thier nose to get them excited about it. As for the dreaded meow or moan ignore it, cats love the idea they could bother you enough you may let them outside and they want you to give in, just act like yoiu dont care leave room or whatever then when they get over it go give them a treat or some lovin.
Hope that helped

Answer 2

my cats are inside cats cause i'm not going to take a chanse of them getting ran over or hit by a car and in the future i won't have an outside cat at all i think it's kinda sad when people leave there cats out side cause they never now what will happen and the cat might not be there the next day

Answer 3

like all pets you need to make them realize that what you say, goes. if an indoor cat is what you want, then have an indoor cat. besides indoor cats are much healthier and live longer than outdoor cats. they will used to the fact they cant go outside any more. here is a link to tips for bringing an outdoor cat inside.
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_cominginfromcold

if you have screens in your windows, let them up in the windows. this will keep them safely inside while still getting the smell stimulation's from outside. you could put up little perches so they can lay comfortably in the windows. you could also buy or build a window box for the cats. here is an example
http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=12890

Answer 4

I just took in two stray cats that lived outside and have never been in a house. I kept them in and they cried and scratch at windows and door for about a week. They are now settling down though they do cry from time to time to get out by don't scratch anymore. They will adjust and get used to being inside again.

Answer 5

Ok.
#1:They do not need a new home. A transfer to a new home would be emotionaly distraught for them. Please, stand up to your husband.
#2:You're absolutley right. DO NOT let them outside. Outdoor cats have a significantly lower death age than indoor cats. It is not good for their health, or safety.
#3:They will get over it. The sudden change from outside to inside and mom-in-laws to home is just affecting them. Give them a month or two to adjust, they'll get over it. Make sure to give them attention, and never to let them out-as the cycle will just start over again!
#4:Please, if you do somehow decide to get rid of your cats :(, take them to a RESPONSIBLE shelter like a no kill SPCA, and request they only be adopted together.

:)

Answer 6

Do not let them outside.

I opened a window for my kitten once, and she didn't leave the window sill for about 12 hours.

Maybe try that.

(If they have claws, keep an eye on them, that they do not rip the screen), but an open window, or an open door (with a screen) is the best thing I can think of.

They will learn that you do not want them to go outside.

Answer 7

They can get over it. Any cat can. Just be forceful (YOU after all control the doors).

As an option you can get a cat harness and go out there with them--once they understand they ONLY get to go out if the harness is on, they're ok with that.

Or you can rig up an outdoor kennel enclosure with wood and chicken wire (and a top!!!) where they can sit out there and be safe.

Don't take chances with their lives. I'm shocked nothing happened when your mother in law shoved them out. You were very lucky.

Answer 8

If you are willing, make one room in your house as much like outside as possible. when they scratch at the door to go out, just put them in the room.

Answer 9

Something similar happened to us. Our cat had to be retrained to be an indoor cat: constant vigilance to keep him inside, squirt bottle of water if he tried to get out. It's mostly worked, but he still tries to get out (7+ years later).

They probably won't have this strong a reaction forever. But they'll likely always want to get out.

Answer 10

ignore them when they want out and place pepper down at doors and window sills. provide plenty of activity for them and a kitty garden they will adapt but it will take a little while.