Outdoor cat convert to indoor cat? Help please

Question

I've normally been against having cats as just indoor cats unless their a certain pedigree etc.

I've had my cat for 5 years and i love her to piece's, but me and my boyfriend have just moved out of my dads and into our own place.

The problem is the area isn't great for an outdoor cat.

It's near the center of town, there is pub's close by and i'm worried about her cutting herself on broken glass or something similar.

Whereas my dads is on the edge of town, with a big field opposite and lots of tree's for her to climb (she usually spends most of the day with me and goes out at night).

I don't know what to do, Im trying to think of her happiness rather than mine. If she came to live with me i'd have to have her as an indoor cat and i'm worried she wouldn't adapt well and would be unhappy. The other option is to leave her with my dad and visit her. My dad works shifts so she'd be on her own alot which she's not used to and usually goes sulky if left for too long and her feeding times would be messed up.

What does everyone think i should do? I've been debating it for about 2 weeks and I just don't know, please help.

Answer 1

I think you should take her with you. Cats hate change and always take a while to adapt to new living situations. But give it time, and she'll be fine. Just make sure she gets a lot of love, and find a way for her to exercise indoors. You may also want to get one of those pet grass things at the pet store. Cats love to eat grass.

I think if you left her with your dad she'd get very lonely. If she knew you wouldn't be there when she came home each day, she may stop coming home all together.  

Answer 2

There are several reasons you might want to turn your outside cat into an indoor cat. You might be concerned about her safety as a road gets busier by your house. You might notice the decreased number of songs birds in your area and how many birds your cat seems to kills as she practices her hunting skills. Whatever the reason, it can be difficult. Cats really enjoy being outside. While they can have an equally happy life indoors, it will take some adjustment on her part and work on your part. Here are some ideas on how to turn your outdoor cat into a happy indoor cat:



Once you want your cat to stay in, you have to be firm. Your cat will most likely meow at the doors to go out, but if you are certain that you want an inside cat, don't compromise.

If you live in an area with a cold winter, it's usually easier to make the transition in the winter months given that cats usually enjoy a warm house in the dead of winter.

Outside your cat had a lot of stimulation, trees to climb, birds to chase and grass to eat. You can mimic all of these things easily in your home:

Buy or build you cat a scratching post and even a cat tree. Your cat will enjoy crawling up the cat tree and jumping from one level to another. Finding a high place to take a nap often makes a cat happy.

Buy your cat some new toys and play with her. Try many different types of toys and try and figure out what your cat likes best. Some cats are more fond of feathered toys and others enjoy balls. Be sure toys are not small enough for your cat to swallow. This will give your cats hours of entertainment and much needed exercise.

Pet stores sell grass that can be grown indoors that is safe for your cat to eat. It also will save your houseplants. Make sure your cat has access to a sunny window. You can even buy a perch that will allow your cat to sit right next to the window. She will be able to have a nice view of the outdoors and spend hours sleeping in the sun.

If you want to let your cat have access to the outdoors, consider building her an outside structure that she can play in while staying safe. There is also the option of purchasing a harness and a leash and walking with her outside. It takes time to be able to walk a cat in the way you would walk a dog--and your success will depend largely on your cat's first experiences with the leash--but you can still follow her around.

Now that you have an indoor cat, be sure to give her extra affection and grooming. This extra attention will really help your cat stay happy.

Answer 3

You will just have to try to get your cat to be an indoor cat to see what problems arise.  At five years, she may not be able to learn to use a litter box.  In that case, you may be able to train her to go outdoors under your supervision and come right back inside.  

Cats like high places to sit and also to roam and explore.  It may be that you can design your interior to accomodate the cat.

You are very loving and considerate of your cat and will try different things to please her, work with her for her happiness.  You are a wonderful companion for your cat and she is fortunate to have you.  If things don't work out, you could try your dad's place later, or take her there occasionally when you want to be gone from home.

Answer 4

Well, you could see if she takes to being on a harness and lead, and you could take her out once in a while...  the cat might find it difficult not to be out doors, but you can somewhat convince them sometimes, but you have to make sure that there are pleanty of things for her to do... lots and lots of toys, scratching posts...

You may notice her temperament change... cats don't like change, it will be normal at first for her to be in a new building and stuff...  but just be gentle with her...

a good book to read is the cat psychologist, she might help you somewhat

Answer 5

There are a gazillion reasons why the best place for a cat is IN the home.  I know it can be hard for some to recognize and appreciate the obvious advantages; but you have all ready named a few of them in your question.

Your cat will live "safer", "happier" and "longer" if it stays with you inside the house, then it ever will alone, and still roaming free.

What if something happens to the cat during the time your father is away?  Who would be able to take it to the vet?

I've got several happy and content furs sleeping around me that wouldn't trade their inside life for life on the streets again.  I have no doubts about that.

Good Luck