Adjusting an Indoor/Outdoor cat to F/T outdoors in a new environment?

Question

My husband has a 10yr old cat that has been an indoor cat all her life up until recently. We've just moved from a house with a yard to a fully carpeted condo with only a patio. I am asthmatic, pregnant (can't take allergy meds) and very allergic to my husband's cat. Recently married, it was fine before we merged households. We stayed mostly at my place and kept the cat at his. When we were at his house, I was limited to the bedroom while the cat had the run of the house or was out in the yard. We've had to move to a smaller place where there isn't a room I can keep the cat in. The condo is in a gated and quiet community where I think she'll be fine if she adjusts. He doesn't want to give her up and is worried she'll runaway. I'm trying to find options but what can we do to help her adjust and keep her in the family if she can't come into the house?

Answer 1

You really can't.  Sorry.  With your cat being a protected cat that has been an indoor cat for 10 years, he doesn't even know how to defend himself, much less deal with all the perils of the outside world.  My friend had an indoor cat that got out accidentally and another cat attacked him.  Well, he got totally freaked out by the experience and went off his rocker and really went nuts.  He eventually had to be euthanized.

You would be better off finding an animal rescue place or contact your local humane society or some similar place and give the cat up for adoption.  While that will be upsetting too, for him, at least you won't be throwing him into the lion's den, so to speak.  He's not been accustomed to being outdoors and even the rustling of leaves and the loud sounds of crickets and other things can scare him.  Or, worse than that, I know when my cat accidentally gets out, she often just runs as far as the middle of the street and then freezes.  Luckily, I get her each time, otherwise she could be killed by a car.  

It's a sad situation, I'm sure.  Isn't there maybe a friend or relative that is looking for a cat and has always loved yours?

Answer 2

You know what outdoor cats are nuisances to your neighbors.  If you cannot live with your cat, why do you assume I can?  I do not want it want it pooping on my patio, walking on my car, spraying my tires to mark its territory, or hear it fight under my bedroom window all night.  It will do all of those things too.  There goes the nice quiet condominium environment everyone enjoyed before you happened along!  . I have a bird feeder on my peaceful little patio that birds have quietly enjoyed for years.  You are the type that insists your cat never kills… not even bugs.  I do not care what you say; I do not want to be bothered by your cat at all.  

Your lack of sensitivity, common courtesy, and common sense are unbelievable.  I hope your instincts for being a mother are better than they are for caring for an animal. If you husband really cares he would find a good home for her and not let you toss her out after 10 years.  My cat is that age and I could not imagine doing that to her or my neighbors.  I hope you people never have another pet again.  

Your cat is the same as a homeless stray as far as I am concerned and if she bothers me, I will do the humane thing and take her to a shelter.  

Answer 3

Keep her inside, vacuum often, and take some Benadryl once you pop that baby out.

Don't make the poor cat live outside. Outdoor cats really aren't "fine" - I don't know ANYONE who's had an outdoor cat live a full, healthy life outside. They seem fine for a couple years, then one day they just don't come home. Indoor cats get sick, you notice and take them to the vet. Outdoor cats get sick, they run off to hide and die. And unless you're living in an Amish village, there will be traffic. There will also probably be stray and feral cats looking for a fight.

Answer 4

You  must not turn this cat out. As others have stated, it will be at the mercy of dogs, cars, and wild animals, as well as disease.  Have your husband bathe the cat regularly with a dander reducing shampoo until you find another home for her.  Your husband will be very sad to give up his baby, even though he loves you.  Try to be supportive; he's probably had a longer relationship with  his cat than with you. He knows that your health is important, but he's really invested in the cat too.  Those of us who have had  to relinquish a loved companion go  through a grieving process just as if we've lost a human companion.  It would be wonderful if  a relative or  friend steps forward to help you out.  Don't hesitate to call all your friends and family and explain the situation. Perhaps someone will be a good  samaritan.

Answer 5

I dont think that it is too fair to the kitty to be locked outside.... But i would buy a VERY large kennel... something with a solid top or a wire dog kennel... and put her kitty pan... and some water and food inside. Make sure it is shaded... make sure she can lay in the sun or in the shade if she wants to... And put her inside. I would make sure she is not getting too hot.

If putting her inside a kennel so she does not run off or get lost, i would not keep her. Perhaps she should be in a home of someone who would keep her inside and love her. Maybe someone can take her till you are not pregnant anymore.... and then when your baby is born... you can get her back?

Putting her out when she has not been out in her life to make her stay outside is not fair to her.

p.s. make sure the kennel has all sides... top too... cats climb up chain link too! I learned this the hard way!!!

God luck i hope this helps!