 Felines who have lived much of their lives outdoors can be trained to be indoor-only cats. Doing so is relatively easy. Following these steps will help make the transition easier for the humans and the felines in the home.
Step 1 - Confine the Kitty
Find a single room in the house where the cat can be comfortable but where its movement around the house can be easily restricted. A bathroom works very well. Move the cat's litter box, food and water to this room. (note: make sure the litter box is as far away as possible from the food and water). The cat should be confined to this area for a period of at least 2 weeks. This firmly establishes this space as the cat's territory. This confinement period will break the kitty's habit of trying to bolt out the door when it is opened.
Step 2 - Keep the Litter Box Very Clean
Indoor kitties will need to use their litterbox more often. To keep them using it well, you will need to clean it more frequently. If that is an issue for you, consider getting a self-cleaning litter box, like Littermaid.
Step 3 - Supervised Excursions
Following the two week confinement period, begin allowing the cat to have supervised excursions to the rest of the house. At night time and when not being directly supervised, the cat should still be kept in the confinement area. This will prevent the cat from developing marking behaviors in the house. If litterbox issues develop, follow the complete instructions relating to inappropriate urination.
Step 4 - Keep the Litter Box In Place
Once the cat has full, unsupervised access to the entire house, keep the new litter box in place. If it is your goal to move the litter box, do so very gradually. It is best to add a new litter box and ensure the cat is comfortable using it before removing or moving the old one. Cat Attract is a good product to use to draw your feline to a new litter box.
Step 5 - Provide a Stimulating Indoor Life for Felines
By providing toys, socialization and indoor playtime, cat owners can make their felines' indoor lives rich and stimulating.
Do not ever let your feline outside. Following these steps should make transitioning your feline to being an indoor-only cat much easier for you and your feline. |  | Featured Links:
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