Can an indoor cat become an outdoor cat?

Question

I have two cats who have lived inside since I got them a year ago. I lived in a high rise building so they have never been outside. I have now moved to a house. Would it be to stressful for them to become outdoor cats and how would I go about doing this? One of them is very outgoing and loves trying to sneak out the balcony door while the other one is very shy and scared of everything.

Answer 1

for the love of your cats keep them as indoor cats, they live longer, happier, healthier lives.

Answer 2

My situation is almost identical to yours, except that our two cats are 3 years old.  We moved home at the beginning of July, and we kept them inside for the first 3 weeks, so that they could become familiar with the scent of their new home. After that we accompanied them outside for brief periods, gradually increasing their time outside on a daily basis. Now they are allowed to come and go as they please during the daytime.

When we lived in an apartment, our male cat always caterwauled to be allowed outside and never gave up trying to sneak out every time the front door was opened.  Our female cat is very quiet and quite shy, but even she sneaked outside a couple of times.  They really enjoy their new found freedom and they are much calmer when indoors.  Since they've been allowed outside, they no longer play-fight or have their crazy half-hours chasing each other all over the place.  Thankfully neither of them have gone very far.  The female is happy to spend the majority of her time on the patio (I think she's quite territorial and is guarding it) whilst the male cat loves playing on the open ground next door.  I'd worried that they might come into conflict with neighbouring cats (there are 8 of them), but they all seem to respect each other's space.  The young cat from next door has started coming over and is beginning to make friends with my two.

I'm assuming that both of your cats are already spayed/neutered and vaccinated.  If they're not already microchipped, it's a good idea to have that done.        Letting your cats outside on an empty stomach helps deter them from wandering too far, as they won't want to miss out on their next meal.  Be sure to keep them inside overnight because that's when most road accidents occur.

You know your cats better than anyone.  Take things slowly and you'll be able to tell whether your cats enjoy spending time outside, or if they'd prefer to remain indoors.

Answer 3

Yes it can be done. what you would need to do is wait at least 2 weeks being in the new house so that they know this is there home. Then go outside with them and sit outside with them. Limit it to 15 min then bring them in. Then the next day a half and hour. keep doing this till they feel comfortable. And you feel comfortable as well. While you are out there leave the door a jar so that if they do get scared they can run back inside. See if when you open the door that they look interested in going out and exploring..

But when you say make them an outside cat .I would let them come in side as well. Leaving or making a cat ONLY an outside cat will mean that you are more prone to vet bills and they can/will get something out there. From as little as eating a mouse to something else.

Answer 4

well, there's two things to consider: are they spayed or neutered, and do they have their claws still?  to be an outside cat, one must have ones claws or one will get hurt.  also, to be a responsible cat owner, you should spay or neuter before letting them roam around outside.  however, i don't think you should let them out.  under your supervision is fine, if they don't leave the yard.  but outside cats get into fights and transmit diseases among themselves (nothing you can catch from them) but serious ones for cats, like FIV, FeLV, and FCV.  cats get run over by cars all the time.  i wouldn't do it.

Answer 5

Cats that live indoors live longer, healthier lives. Statistically, the life span of an indoor cat averages 12 to 14 years, whereas it is only about four years for the outdoor cat. More than 1 million outdoor cats are killed each year by dogs, traffic, and exposure to disease. In the long run, keeping your cat indoors will also save you money in vet bills.

There are many risks that come with letting your cats roam free outside:

- They have a much higher chance of catching diseases and other illnesses such as: Feline Leukemia (FeLV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Herpes Virus (Rhinotracheitis), Feline Distemper, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), rabies, tapeworm, ringworm, heart worm, hypothermia and urinary tract infection

- Ingesting chemicals or poisons such as pesticides, home garden products and car/motor products

- Getting fleas or ticks

- Injury/death due to dangerous traffic

- Eating poisonous spiders, insects or plants

- Injury/death due to cruel humans, hunters or neighbors

- Attacks from dogs, other cats or wild animals

- Other accidental injuries

- Getting lost or stolen

Answer 6

It is possible for an outdoor cat to become and indoor cat, but is very dangerous for an indoor cat to become an outdoor cat. Indoor cats, haven't grown up around Traffic, so they'll have NO ROAD sense, So at HIGH risk of being run over and high risk of getting LOST, as they haven't developed there outdoor sense of direction

The only way for them to be outdoors, is in a controlled environment such as an outdoor cat encloser

http://www.catnip.com.au/

http://www.catsplay.com/kittywalk.php3

http://www.sdnhm.org/exhibits/cats/indoo...

Answer 7

If the cats are declawed it should not be attempted, and would not advice sending them outside at all unsupervised.  There are so many bad things that can happen to them.  They can contract disease, parasites, get hit by a car or some other animal could injury them.  If you let the shy cat out I don't think you would ever see that cat again.

Answer 8

Oh yeah

Answer 9

It is possible.  You didn't indicate if you live in a city or in the country.

If you live in the country, they are "fixed" and have back claws, you should have no problems.  Feed them outside at the same time every day, and make sure you still give them your attention.

If you live in town, there are leash laws.  You can still give them outside time with a cat kennel.  They are usually at lest 10 ft x 5ft and have wire on top AND bottom so they can't escape. Set it in partial shade and provide water, toys and perches to lay on.

Answer 10

of  course i have 4 cats and i raise then they go outside and ocasionally come in the house. at first they wont like it very much because they are not getting very much attention but they will come arround.

hope i helped