Can an outside cat be trained to stay indoors?

16 years ago

My cats have always been indoors 100% of the time. But last year we adopted an adult female and her male kitten that had been living next door, sheltered by a horse barn. They have no interest in returning to their former home, even for a visit. But they love going outside.

They have a great time outdoors, hunting mice and moles, stalking blades of grass, the whole bit. In the morning, Pogo, the male, snuggles in bed with me and then streaks out the front door as soon as we come downstairs. He and Annie, his mother, are in and out throughout the dayÂthis time of year, mostly out. In the winter it is mostly in. At night, they're indoors.

It seems like a nice arrangement for them, but I'm increasingly concerned about the dangers outside. I don't know how far they go from the house, but I know my neighbors have been known to shoot at just about anything as hunting season approaches. And I don't think it's a good idea to have a black cat (like Pogo) roaming around when we get closer to Halloween. And then there's Annie's habit of lying down in the road. It's a dirt road, and not heavily traveled. But it's still a road.

So I would really like to keep them in, but they're so quick and so determined. Is it possible to get these cats to the point where they no longer try to get out? Or am I kidding myself?

Thanks!

Susan

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Comments (9)

premier
16 years ago
It is possible. It takes time and patience. You have to take precautions so that they don't slip out. You are right about the dangers outside.
jcin_los_angeles
16 years ago
We finally made the decision to keep our indoor/outdoor cats indoors only after a dog pack killed one of them. But if we had changed earlier many of my other cats would have lived longer. And as the years went by and we kept other stray cats who had been outdoors only, we kept them inside too.

Be sure to have interesting toys, scratching pads with catnip, open windows with secure screens to sit in, and one of those tall structures with places for the cats to sleep on and play on. They may cry, and you may feel guilty, but it's worth it. Eventually they get over it. You'll need to make sure everyone in the house agrees to be careful, and you'll have to monitor visitors. When we have a party or there are people working on the house we lock the cats up.
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enatashadunn
16 years ago
I know how you feel! My DH & I "adopted" a calico that roamed the neighborhood. She at first was scared of us and ran every-time we put food on the deck, but after a while would come and sit next to us. We soon discovered she was pregnant and were nervous of the thought of she and the babies living outside, as there are many coyotes where we lived. Soon after the kittens were born we decided it was best for them to be inside. Lucy (the mom) & the kittens adjusted nicely, as as far as the kittens were concerned they really never wanted to go out side, Lucy on the other hand begged out be let out during the day. We knew were moving soon and Lucy would have to live in permanently so, after we adopted the kittens out we let Lucy have her last little bit of outdoor freedom.
We are now moved and Lucy is content as ever. She does not meow near as much and never tries to get out. She uses her litter-box with no problem and relaxes on the chair by the window.
It may take some time but I think in the end it is worth it. I worried a lot with Lucy outside & I hated the "gifts" of birds, mice and rabbits she would bring to us.
Good luck!

By the way I have seen several outside "kennels" for cats that allow them to lay in the grass and enjoy being outside, we are even thinking of building one ourself. I know others have used these and they say their cats enjoy them
Lily316
16 years ago
All of my rescued cats were of course outside cats. When I got them, they were kept indoors from that day on and oddly none of them ever go near the door. It's amazing that out of 7 cats, only 18 year old Louie ever tried to get out and now he's too old to bother. They adapt and adjust. I would be a nervous wreck if they weren't kept inside because some of my friends have had cats killed on the road.
bluesbarby
16 years ago
My sister's cats were indoor/outdoor cats until they moved to a rural area. As long as you give them places to scratch and climb they will adjust quickly.
moonie_57 (8 NC)
16 years ago
We are several months into trying to keep a stray inside. It's a long story, but we "share" her with our next door neighbors... or did, until someone down the street decided to keep her. They attempted to keep her in, and tell us they didn't know where she was, but she managed to escape and come home. And she continues to escape on occasion but fortunately, after she's had a few minutes outside, we can coax her back in... usually.

If you have dogs, children or grandchildren, this seems to be the biggest route of escape. My cat remains determined and if she really wants to get out, she does. It may take a day or two, but if she doesn't give up, she's going to get out.

I wish I had a bigger house. Pretty sure this would solve every delimma of my life. LOL
renee_fl
16 years ago
I have taken in four cats and they LOVE being pampered housecats. At this point I would probably need a rocket launcher to get them out!!! LOL

Just give them lots of love, toys, scratching posts and a window seat and they will be happy and content.
chelone
16 years ago
Cats are intelligent and adaptable. I've little doubt you could keep one indoors for the remainder of its life.
Rudebekia
16 years ago
It is possible to get a cat used to a harness and long leash, and take it out with you in a controlled situation. In good weather, my cat Basil and I go out every day for a short time. I will sit in a lawn chair and read while holding the end of a very long leash (actually, a rope attached to a leash, attached to his halter). It allows him to wander around the back yard without running away. We've done this for years and he's completely used to it and knows just how far he can wander. I think it is a good compromise because he's a very active cat who just begs to go out.

Can an outside cat be trained to stay indoors?

Comments (9)

premier

jcin_los_angeles

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