How to Train Indoor Cats to Live Outside

When a cat has lived inside for most of its life, it may be hard to train it to live in the Great Outdoors. But sometimes life circumstances--a new baby or a new home, for example--make people change their minds about where their cat should stay. Here are some ways to introduce your indoor cat to the land of the free.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Introduce the outdoors in. Open some windows with screens for a few weeks and give cats a perch nearby so they can take in the scents and sounds of the outdoors.

2. Buy a cat collar. This is recommended whether your cat will be solely indoors or not. Make sure the ID tag contains a phone number and physical address.

3. Buy a cat leash. Get them used to it by keeping it on for short periods. Then take your cat outside and follow them around (don't try to take them on a walk like you would a dog).

4. Provide your cat a house of its own. There are companies who make cat houses to protect cats from the weather. Even outdoor cats love a small, confined space to retreat to.

5. Build a "cat run," a fenced-in area that will allow your cat to be outdoors, but safe from some of the dangers if it happens to roam too far--like traffic or run-ins with neighborhood cats. You can make these out of plywood and mesh or purchase do-it-yourself kits from pet supply stores.

6. Visit your vetinarian to get updated on all vacines and shots that an outdoor cat will need. Heartworm prevention is an example of a medication not needed for indoor cats, but necessary for those staying outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Let go of the guilt. Humane societies and animal rights groups are against keeping cats outdoors because of their many potentials for harm. It is also a fact that indoor cats live longer. Some animal behavioralists believe, however, that owners should think of their cat's mental health as well, as they can become "clinically depressed," just like humans, if they are not stimulated in any way. Many indoor cats also face obesity problems because of their lack of activity. If you know you are keeping your cat safe outside, then let it be the animal it was created to be.
• Buy a cat door if you wish your cat to be able to come inside to eat or keep warm. Some of the models are electronic and will only open when your own cat approaches, thus keeping other small critters out.
• Electric fencing can also be adapted for cats. Some people also put corrugated fiberglass fences to make it harder for them to climb over.

Resources

• Find ways to keep your cat safe outdoors at www.fanciers.com.
• Buy outdoor cat houses at outdoorpethouses.com.
• Buy outdoor cat houses at classypetshop.com

[joebowden]

on 6/29/2009 personally i do not agree with keeping a cat solely outside because they have been domesticated and no matter what you do you the cat will never be happy what i would advise is you get a magnetic or electronic cat flap so your cat has the choice to go outside but can stay inside if it wants but i do also find it cruel to keep it solely indoors because cats need plenty of exercise

[KennedyDemocrat]

on 10/11/2008 I purchased a small Dog House last winter with Removable Clear Plastic Flaps as a door or protection against wind and storm. However: I cannot seem to get my cats to rside therein. I also purchased a oval 2' x 1'f imitation cotton sheepskin bed for them to sleep on inside this outdoor house. Only during the coldest nights did I find any of them sleeping there. Is there something I can do to make this housing and bedding more attracting to them? I invested over $130 last December out of love and concern for my cats. I live on SSDisability income so I cannot afford much more except food.
[e-mail]