Transitioning Indoor Cats To The Great Outdoors

Cats can adapt to new situations over time, so it is possible to transition an indoor cat to an outdoor environment. However, there are several risks to allowing your cat outside, including accidents, diseases, pest problems, and encounters with other animals. To ensure your cat's safety, there are several precautions you can take, such as training them to walk on a leash, enclosing outdoor spaces, and keeping them supervised during designated playtime.

Keep your cat inside for at least a few days when they arrive at their new home

Moving to a new home can be stressful for cats, especially if they are usually outdoor cats. Cats need time to adjust to their new environment and get used to all the new sights, smells, and sounds. Keeping your cat inside for at least a few days when they arrive at their new home is crucial for their safety and well-being. Here are some detailed instructions to make this transition smoother:

Choose a Suitable Room:

Select a small room in your new home, such as a laundry room, bathroom, or bedroom, that has no outside doors and is not used frequently. This room will be your cat's safe space during the initial days of the move.

Prepare Food, Water, and Litter:

Set up your cat's food, water, and litter box in a sheltered corner of the chosen room. Make sure to give your cat some space to move around and provide an escape route, as they may not feel comfortable eating in a foreign, empty space. Have everything ready before your cat arrives at the new home.

Transport Your Cat in a Carrier:

When moving your cat to the new home, use a safe and appropriately-sized cat carrier. If you're driving, ensure the car is at a comfortable temperature, and buckle the carrier into the back seat. Minimise stops during the journey to reduce your cat's stress levels.

Keep the Cat in the Closed Room:

Once you arrive, let your cat out in the designated room and keep the doors closed. Your cat may want to explore, but it's important that they stay in this room for at least the first few days. This will help them acclimatise to their new surroundings gradually.

Provide Comfort and Food:

Offer your cat physical comfort and show them where their food, water, and litter box are located. Don't force attention on them, but let them know that you are present and dependable. This will help your cat feel more secure in their new environment.

Keep the Cat in the Room for at Least 3 Days:

It's crucial to let your cat adjust slowly to their new home. Keep them in the designated room for at least three days, providing them with frequent meals and comfort. Visit them regularly, at minimum every few hours, to ensure they are getting more comfortable.

Monitor Their Behaviour:

During this time, pay attention to your cat's behaviour. They may exhibit signs of stress or anxiety, such as scratching at doors, clawing at windows, or trying to dash through open doors. If this happens, use positive reinforcement methods to redirect their behaviour. For example, you can rattle a jar of pennies or use a water gun to deter them from running outside.

Provide Entertainment:

Keep your cat entertained with interactive toys, scratchers, and comfortable beds. This will help prevent boredom and provide mental and physical stimulation during their confinement.

Gradually Introduce the Rest of the House:

After your cat has adjusted to the new room, you can slowly introduce them to the rest of the house. Let them explore at their own pace, but ensure all windows and doors are closed to prevent escape. It's best to keep your cat inside for at least two weeks before allowing them unsupervised outdoor access.

Remember, the transition process may vary for each cat, so observe their behaviour and adjust the timeline accordingly. The goal is to ensure your cat's safety and well-being during this stressful time and help them gradually adapt to their new home environment.

Make sure your cat's vaccines are up-to-date and consider getting a microchip

Moving an indoor cat outside can be a tricky process, and there are several risks to your cat's health and safety to consider. One of the most important things you can do to protect your cat is to ensure its vaccines are up-to-date. Outdoor cats are at a much higher risk of contracting diseases and parasites from other animals, as well as being exposed to other dangers such as traffic incidents, attacks by predators, and cruel acts by humans. By ensuring your cat's vaccines are current, you can help protect them from potentially deadly diseases carried by other animals.

In addition to keeping your cat's vaccines up-to-date, you may also want to consider getting a microchip. Microchips are small devices implanted under your cat's skin that contain a unique identification number. This number is registered with your contact information, so that if your cat ever gets lost or runs away, you can be easily contacted. Microchips are especially important for outdoor cats, as they are more likely to wander off and get lost. They can also help protect your cat from theft, as anyone who finds your cat can take them to a vet or shelter to be scanned for a microchip, and thus be reunited with you.

Another benefit of microchips is that they can be used to track your cat's movements. This can be especially useful if your cat is an outdoor cat, as you can see where they go and if they encounter any dangers. There are even microchips that can provide real-time location information, so you can always know where your cat is. Microchips are also a good backup in case your cat loses its collar, which can happen if the collar is not properly secured or if it gets caught on something.

Getting your cat microchipped is a simple procedure that can be performed by your veterinarian. It is typically inexpensive and only requires a quick injection. Some microchips even come with extra features, such as the ability to store your cat's medical records or to be tracked via GPS.

By keeping your cat's vaccines up-to-date and getting them microchipped, you can help ensure their safety and well-being as they explore the outdoors. These measures provide protection from diseases, help with recovery if they get lost, and give you peace of mind as a cat owner.

Help your cat get used to a carrier

Moving an indoor cat outside can be dangerous for the cat, as they can encounter other animals, get lost, or be hit by a car. However, if you still want to do this, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your cat's safety. Here are some tips to help your cat get used to being outdoors:

• Train your cat to walk on a leash, so you can take them for walks and explore the outdoors together.
• Create a safe outdoor space for your cat by enclosing your yard or balcony with cat-proof fencing or screens.
• Provide cat-safe plants indoors for your cat to nibble on and dig in, as well as toys and perches to satisfy their urge to explore.

Now, here are some detailed instructions on "Help your cat get used to a carrier":

Choose the Right Carrier:

Select a carrier that comes apart, with a removable top half. This type of carrier is less stressful for your cat, as you can gently lift them out or leave them in the bottom half for exams. Ensure the carrier is the right size, giving your cat enough space to turn around.

Familiarize Your Cat with the Carrier:

Place the carrier in your cat's favourite room, removing the lid and spraying it with a pheromone spray like Feliway. Put a familiar blanket inside to provide comfort and prevent sliding. Place treats in the carrier daily until your cat willingly enters it on their own.

Add the Top and Door Gradually:

Once your cat is comfortable with the carrier, add the top back on when they are not around. Continue using treats and positive reinforcement. Then, add the door back on, taping it open initially to avoid triggering your cat.

Practice Closing the Door:

When your cat is eating inside the carrier, gently push the door mostly closed. If they become distressed, open it immediately. Gradually increase the time the door is closed until your cat can remain calm for a few minutes.

Move the Carrier Around:

Start by lifting the carrier and moving it around the room in short bursts. Watch your cat carefully for any signs of stress. Then, pick up the carrier with your cat inside and carry it into another room before putting it down and opening the door.

Prepare for Car Travel:

Line the carrier with something absorbent and soft, like a towel or blanket. Encourage your cat to enter and secure the carrier in your car with a seatbelt to minimise vibration. Cover the carrier with a blanket to block direct sunlight and reduce stress. Start with short drives and gradually increase the duration.

Remember, it's important to start this process early and give your cat plenty of time to get used to the carrier. By using positive reinforcement and making the carrier a familiar part of their environment, you can help your cat feel comfortable and reduce their stress during vet visits or travel.

Keep your cat entertained while it's inside so it doesn't get bored

Cats can adapt to most situations, so it is possible to move an indoor cat outside. However, there are many risks to allowing your cat to go outdoors. Cats that are allowed to roam outside often have shorter lifespans due to dangers such as traffic incidents, attacks from other animals, falls from great heights, and exposure to illnesses.

If you do decide to let your indoor cat outside, there are ways to make the experience safer for them. For example, you can train your cat to walk on a leash or enclose their outdoor space. However, it is important to remember that the safest place for your cat is indoors.

• Create a treasure hunt with toys: Stash cat toys around the house to keep your cat engaged throughout the day. Rotate the selection of toys to maintain interest.
• Invest in a bird feeder: Cats love to bird-watch. Place a bird feeder near a window to attract birds and keep your cat entertained.
• Bring the outdoors in: If you don't have a good place for a bird feeder, try a DVD designed for cat viewing, featuring wildlife such as birds, squirrels, or fish.
• Create a hunting and foraging game: Leave puzzle toys with dry food around the house for your cat to find and munch on. This can also help prevent overeating.
• Provide a window seat: Set up a comfortable spot for your cat near a window, especially one that overlooks busy areas or has bird feeders in sight.
• Expand their family: If your cat is younger than two and has had positive experiences with other cats, consider getting another cat of a similar age for them to play with.
• Remote-controlled toys: Buy remote-controlled toys for your cat to chase and play with.
• Cat furniture: Purchase interactive cat furniture, such as 'cat climbing frames' with platforms, tubes, and hidey-holes, to keep your cat entertained and provide them with a place to sleep.
• Catnip: Most cats are fond of catnip, which can be grown at home or bought in various forms, such as toys, powder, dried leaves, or teabags.
• Scratching posts: Cats love to scratch, so provide them with scratching posts or other rough surfaces to satisfy this urge and protect your furniture.

Slowly increase playtime outside

Cats can adapt to almost any situation over time, so it is possible to transition your indoor cat to spending time outdoors. However, there are risks to allowing your cat outdoors, and they are generally safer when kept inside. If you do decide to let your indoor cat outside, it is important to slowly increase their playtime in their new environment.

Firstly, when you arrive at your new home, keep your cat indoors for at least a few days, with frequent meals so they can quickly establish some happy memories in their new location. Keep them in one room for three days, providing food, water, and litter, and visiting them often. After this, they can explore the rest of the house, but they should be kept inside for at least two weeks before being allowed outside. During this time, you can also transition them to becoming indoor cats if you wish.

When you do take your cat outside, stay outdoors with them at first. Bring them back inside after brief excursions for a few weeks. You could also try letting them outside only when they haven't eaten for about eight hours, as this will make them more eager to return when you call them back for their meal.

Over time, you will be able to let your cat out unsupervised, and they will come back when they are hungry. To help them settle into their new outdoor surroundings, you can leave a favourite blanket outside, so they can follow their scent back home.

Frequently asked questions