Transitioning Your Cat Indoors

Cat In Chair

Live Long and Prospurr 

We all want what is best for our animals, but sometimes it can be hard to find the balance between what they want to do and what is safest for them.

Did you know that allowing your cat outdoors can significantly shorten their lifespan? It may seem like they are fulfilling a natural urge to roam, but there are many external dangers for cats living their lives outdoors: busy roads, parasites, fleas and ticks, diseases (FIV, FELV), being attacked by predators, or even just getting lost.

Cats themselves are natural predators and are deadly to local wildlife. The birds will thank you for keeping your feline friend inside!

Transitioning your cat indoors can take some adjusting for both you and your cat, but there are ways to make it a bit easier.

Ensuring the indoors are fun and engaging for your cat is a crucial step to making sure that they are happy and will help prevent unwanted behaviors.

Here are a few ways to make your home a cat’s paradise:

Some Tips:

Adjusting your cat slowly allows you to build a positive association with the indoors. Start by bringing them inside for all of their meals, and reward your cat for using their litter box.

Extend the amount of time they are indoors until you cut out their outside time completely.

They may turn into an escape artist any time you open the door. To curb that urge, try throwing a treat across the room as soon as you open the door and blocking the opening with your leg.

If that doesn’t work, try spritzing your cat with water while making a hissing noise, or clapping to train them out of the behavior. Distracting them with toys once you are inside is a great way to engage with them and reward them for not sneaking out.

Bringing them indoors allows you to spend more time with them and provides them with a safe environment to be happy and healthy! It may take a bit of patience, but ultimately, it’s the best thing for both you and your cat.

 
 
Tags: Cat, Education, Training,
Pet Sitting or Boarding: Which is Best?
Pet Sitting or Boarding: Which is Best?
How To Care For Your Snow Dog
How To Care For Your Snow Dog
The Benefit of Sweet Potatoes in Your Pet's Diet
The Benefit of Sweet Potatoes in Your Pet's Diet