How to help an outdoor cat enjoy indoor living

It is in a cat’s nature to stalk and hunt outdoors, but there are many circumstances where an outdoor cat needs to be kept inside. Cats that have spent their lives freely moving in- and outdoors may need to be confined to prevent injury or disease, or perhaps that stray cat in your backyard needs a warm home for the winter.

Either way, it may be hard for a feline to adjust to the environment change. Cats who have never been litter box trained may be especially challenging, but the American Society for the Prevention of Animals (ASPCA) says that it is possible to change their habits. Confine the cat in large dog crate or cage complete with a litter box, resting space, food, water and toys. One the cat shows it can consistently use the litter box in this space, move it to a larger space like a kitchen or bathroom, and continue increasing from there if the cat seems to get the hang of the litter box. If it lapses, move it back to the last space it could keep clean, the ASPCA recommends.

The Breeze Cat Litter System may be helpful for owners who are training a cat, especially when the litter box has to be in common areas. This two-part litter box eliminates strong odors and only needs to be changed once a month. You may want two if training an indoor-outdoor cat to stay inside. The ASPCA says the best way to train these cats to continually use the litter box is to put one where you want it to permanently reside, and another next to the door. When the cat goes to the door and finds that it can’t go outside to the topsoil, it will use the box near the door. You should slowly move this box closer to the other one.

Your newly-indoor cat may also take time to adjust to the different types of entertainment there are inside. The ASPCA recommends enhancing the indoor environment for the cat by planting cat-friendly greens such as catnip and wheat grass in a pot, and installing a Cat Window Perch to allow it to keep an eye on outside action. Offer the cat toys such as the Burlap Heart Catnip Toy to keep it entertained and exercised. The ASPCA says that toys with feathers are especially exciting for cats, and the Burlap Heart toy’s catnip adds extra appeal.