Mary Allen
The transition from an outdoor cat to an indoor cat is not easy. The early days in particular can be very stressful for both the pet and you as the owner. But with a few tips, you can make the change easier for your cat.
Sometimes it is unavoidable that a cat has to change from an outdoor cat to an indoor cat. A move to a new apartment in an unsafe environment for the animal or an illness in the cat is possible to reason for this.
This transition is not easy for your cat. She’s already used to having a large territory that it can roam as it pleases.
Here you can find out what you should pay attention to when you turn your outdoor cat into an indoor cat and how you can make the adjustment easier for your animal.
Turning Outdoor Cats Into Indoor Cats: Preparing the Home
If an outdoor cat is made into an indoor cat, the animal primarily lacks exercise, freedom, and the many sensory impressions of nature. But the fact that your cat is no longer allowed outside does not automatically mean that it will follow this rule. If your cat tries to get outside anyway, it can quickly become dangerous.
You should therefore make all tilting windows and the balcony in your apartment cat-proof. Otherwise, your pet might try to get outside and injure itself. When you open the front door, you should always make sure that your cat doesn’t run out with you and get into the stairwell or onto the street.
Also try to make the apartment as cat-friendly as possible: with lots of opportunities to climb or play. A scratching post is particularly important during the period of adjustment from being an outdoor cat to an indoor cat. This offers your cat enough scratching and climbing opportunities. A wooden scratching post is recommended for former cats. He will remind your velvet paw of nature outside.
Employment Makes the Transition to an Indoor Cat Easier
Is your cat initially unsure about the change? That is normal. In the beginning, she lacks the usual workload. As a free roamer, she was able to live out her hunting instinct. In the apartment, this is only possible to a limited extent and the cat gets bored.
During this time, the animal needs a lot of attention from you. Keep busy with your cat. Plan lots of cuddles and lots of playtimes. Toys such as mice, balls, catfishing rods, or even cardboard and paper make the time in the apartment more exciting and varied for the former day-releaser.
Outdoor Cat Marks the Apartment: What To Do?
If you keep an outdoor cat in the apartment after a move, it is quite possible that it will get into the habit of undesirable behavior. This includes scratching on furniture and wallpaper. It can also happen that she is suddenly no longer housebroken and urinates in the apartment.
This may be due to the fact that the cat first has to be slowly introduced to the litter box after its time as a free roamer. Moving stress can also contribute to your four-legged friend doing his business in an unsuitable place and peeing everywhere.
On the other hand, you should proceed consistently but gently. If necessary, get advice from a cat psychologist and, if in doubt, take your cat to the vet. Uncleanliness can sometimes also be a symptom of illness.
You can also use pheromone sprays or sprays or Bach flowers to calm your cat. But to be on the safe side, ask your veterinarian about the correct dosage.