Have you ever wondered how to transition an outdoor cat to an indoor-only lifestyle without causing them (too much) stress or anxiety? The process can seem overwhelming, but with some patience and planning, it’s entirely possible to succeed. In this post, we’ll walk you through the practical steps necessary to make your cat comfortable and happy in their new indoor-only environment.
Just Do It!
The first step is simply deciding to bring your outdoor cat inside. It can be tough and will likely cause some stress for you and your cat. But remember, indoor life is safer and healthier for your feline friend. Giving your cat unsupervised outdoor access is risky; every outdoor trip can be your cat’s last!
When transitioning my cat Oscar to an indoor-only environment, I consulted behaviourists. I asked about the best approach they typically recommend in similar situations. The answer was simple: “Take your cat inside and close the door”. As funny as it might sound, it is an excellent piece of advice. While some pages recommend going slowly, limiting outdoor access gradually only prolongs the agony. If you want to transition your cat to indoor-only living, you just have to cut the outdoor access and let your cat adjust to the new life. There is no other way around!
Give Your Cat Time
It’s normal for your cat to feel stressed. It’s a big change, after all. Remember, this is a transitory period, and your cat will be perfectly fine in a couple of weeks. For now, your furry friend needs plenty of time and peace to adjust. Ensure they have a quiet, safe space where they can retreat and feel secure. Allow them to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings and routine at their own pace. Do not rush and overwhelm them.
Stay Persistent
Consistency is key. Keep a regular schedule for feeding, playtime, and other activities. This helps your cat feel secure. Remember that you do it for your cat’s safety and well-being. Even if they keep on meowing at the window while looking miserable, you just need to stay persistent. If you let them out now, you will return to the entry point and will have to start the whole process all over again. Be patient, and never punish your cat for scratching or excessive meowing. It can be annoying, but you just have to hold on for a little bit longer!
Create a Calm Environment
A calm environment is crucial during the transition. Ensure your home is quiet and stress-free. Reduce loud noises and sudden movements that could scare your cat. If you have other pets or small children, consider dedicating one room to your cat and creating there a safe space in which they can stay undisturbed.
Secure Your Doors and Windows
Your cat WILL try to run away. After all, they used to go out every day. Your feline friends need time to grasp the message that they are no longer allowed to go outside. For now, they still consider it normal. Make sure all doors and windows are securely closed, and consider long-term solutions for cat-proofing your windows (such as window nets). Cats are known for their escape tendencies, and they can turn extremely creative when it comes to finding their way out.
Engage in Interactive Play
As your cat slowly gets used to their new environment, you need to convince them that the indoors can be as fun and entertaining as the outdoors. Interactive play is essential to keeping your cat stimulated and happy. Use toys that mimic hunting behaviour, like feather wands and teasers. For more playtime ideas, check out our posts on playing with cats without toys and finding the best toys to stimulate cats’ hunting instincts.
Enhance Your Cat’s Environment
Create an enriching indoor environment with cat trees, scratching posts, and plenty of hiding spots. Do not forget about snuffle mats and puzzle feeders. As your cats are no longer entertaining themselves outside, it is now your sole responsibility to provide them with plenty of enrichment to keep boredom and behavioural issues at bay. For more ideas, visit our guide on creating a cat-friendly home.
Utilise Pheromones and Calming Supplements
Use pheromone diffusers or calming supplements (e.g. Zylkene) to help your cat feel more relaxed. Products like Feliway can create a calming environment and reduce stress-related behaviours. While not all cats react equally well to pheromones and supplements, it is certainly worth trying.
Be Proactive and Talk to a Behaviourist
Transitioning to an indoor-only lifestyle can be stressful, especially if you have an older cat that used to go outside their entire life. You need to be aware that stress can manifest in various unwanted behaviours. It does not mean, however, that those behaviours have to occur or that you cannot do anything about them.
If you predict that your cat might not take the transition lightly, or if you notice that your cat is showing signs of intense stress, consider consulting a feline behaviourist. They can provide professional advice and helpful tips, making the transition easier. Be proactive, and remember, it is better to prevent behavioural issues than work on reversing them!
Remember About Vet Check
Speaking of being proactive, do not forget to take your cat to the veterinarian for a check-up. Firstly, it is a particularly good time to take care of parasite control and deworming. Secondly, as the initial phase of the transition can be stressful for your cat, you should ensure this does not affect their overall health. Monitoring your cat’s toileting habits is especially important, as urinary health can be easily affected by excessive stress and environmental changes.
Lastly, it might be a good time to discuss your cat’s feeding routine with your vet. While many indoor cats stay in excellent shape, failing to provide them with adequate exercise opportunities and a balanced diet might increase their risk of obesity. Transitioning your cat to an indoor lifestyle is an excellent opportunity to review and adjust their dietary needs to make them even healthier and happier in the long run!
Conclusion
Transitioning your cat into an indoor-only lifestyle takes time, patience, and a lot of love. Even if your cat voices some initial discontent, remember that you are doing it for your cat’s well-being while protecting the wildlife! Stay persistent and trust the process. You and your cat can do it!
If you want to learn more about my experience transitioning Oscar to an indoor-only environment, check the final section of our blog post about the pros and cons of leash-walking cats and the About Us page!
In the meantime, let us know if you ever transitioned an outdoor cat to an indoor-only environment. Share with us whether the process went smoothly for you and your kitty and what tips and tricks worked best. As always, we’d love to hear about your experience!