Keeping a cat inside?

Question

My cat has a problem with cats beating him up. Recently it got so bad, the vet told us it's necessary to keep him inside. He had always been a inside/outside cat since we found him on the streets. He SCREAMS and tries to pull open the door when he wants out.
Since we have to keep him in now, are there any tips? Please help!

Answer 1

Maybe you could try taking him for walks like you do with a dog but keep him in a harness with a lead so he can't get hurt? Then you can ease him into being an indoor cat without as much screaming.

Answer 2

I have twenty-four cats and they all live inside (we have a large house and shop!) To let them have fresh air, we have built "cat runs" that they can access through pet doors to areas fenced over with chicken wire. I realize this isn't an option for everyone but the idea that a cat needs to go outside is just not true. They live longer and healthier lives if they are kept indoors. Your vet probably told you that not only is your cat being beat up but he is being exposed to several deadly viruses during cat fights and runs the risk of harm from dogs, autos and other people.

Talk to your vet about medications to calm your cat down temporarily while he gets used to his new life style. I am assuming he has been neutered.

Please do not declaw your cat until you have read the links at the bottom of this entry. There are better ways of handling your cats behavioral problems than maiming him and robbing him of his defenses. This can cause even more behavioral problems at a time when he is stressed already.

A simple Google search on "indoor cats" should provide you with a lot of answers and ideas. There are some good links on the last site I have posted below.

Give your cat extra attention and positive reinforcement. Good luck on a peaceful transitiion for him.

Answer 3

I'm going through the same thing with my tough guy cat right now. He's been 'the king' for his whole life (a harbor stray tom for years before I brought him home to a plush life) and now is older and weaker but still thinks he's tough.

You basically just have to be firm and consistant. If there are certain times when he is accustomed to being let out (for me it's when I leave for work and at bedtime) make that his mealtime and distract him with food. My Zorro has been on his new schedule for about three months and is finally getting used to it. He now knows I'm not going to let him out in the mornings when I leave and doesn't even rush for the door. Don't make ANY exceptions to the new rules or it will reinforce his belief that you will still let him out.

PS - after reading the posts above me I had to append this - cats should NEVER be declawed. It really messes up their heads and leaves them defenseless as well as causes all sorts of behavioral problems. Even 100% indoor cats can get out sometimes and may need their claws. Declawing is cruel and unesscesary.

Answer 4

Go to Petsmart and get a cat repellent spray. It kind of smells like lemon. Spray it at the door and the cat will stay a few feet from the door and will not run out. I had a problem with other neighborhood cats hanging out in front of my house irritating my cat. So I sprayed in at the front door and on the porch. Both my cat and the neighborhood cats then stayed out of the area. Problem solved. It costs about 13 dollars per bottle but I only needed to spray the area about once a week. I would say the bottle will probably last six months to a year if you are only spraying your doorsteps.

Answer 5

#1 - DO NOT declaw him!!!!
#2 - Have him neutered if he already isn't.
#3 - Give him something fun to do inside. Confining him further to an inside cage is not the answer!!
#4 - There is also the Feliway systems that help to calm indoor cats to help relive the stress and bad behavior. You can buy this on-line from many sources.
#5 - You could try to harness and leash train him for trips outside, or build him a large outdoors enclosure. But you have to make sure to bring him inside when the weather is bad and a night.

Answer 6

I have had many cats over the years and since we live in the country their life span is about 2 years because the coyotes, red tail hawks, foxes, raccoons, and owls have them for dinner. The two cats I have now are totally indoors and are the best pets I ever had. They like to sit in the window and watch the birds AND they are not attacking them. We don't have fleas or other parasites that attach to them outdoors either. I want these pets to be around for more than 2 years, that's why they are indoors only.

Answer 7

To keep the cat busy is to get the cat involved with toys and to play with the cat a lot so the cat will forget about going outside.

Answer 8

All I can suggest is buy him some toys and try to keep him busy and distracted. You might want to carefully look around the outside of your house and see if there is any area that can be screened off, like a little hutch. That way he could get some fresh air. I've seen a similar one attatched to a window at a cat rescue place.

Answer 9

this is an easy way to solve this

try taking him for walks like you do with a dog but keep him in a harness with a lead so he can't get hurt. Then you can ease him into being an indoor cat without as much screaming.
or you can just put on some light armer to make him look different and have better deffence. if he looked different then the other cats wont noticed him

Answer 10

I LOVE my cat but he gets beat up outside too and bellars to get out.

I throw a tiny 3"x3" pillow at him and he runs away from the door. Another thing, but its loud, is shaking a small tin full of pennies or screws. Since I have been mostly successful at keeping him in, he is way more affectionate with me too.