Keeping your cat indoors

From outdoor to indoor cat: making the adjustment

There are times when it may be important to keep your cat indoors for a period, for example if your cat is unwell and you need to keep on eye on them or give them regular medication. If there is an outbreak of Bird Flu in the area it may be necessary to keep your cat confined. Whatever the reason, it is important to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Securing the home
When you first confine your cat he will be alert to any opportunities to escape so take extra care to close all windows, lock cat flaps and shut doors. As your cat may be bored he may also explore areas that he would otherwise ignore, so make sure washing machine doors are kept closed and chimneys are blocked off. 

Whilst you are checking for escape routes also move any household plants that may poison your cat should he try to chew them. Find out more on toxic plants from the Feline Advisory Bureau's factsheet on the Hidden dangers of plants.

Litter trays
Now your cat is confined indoors you will have to provide litter trays. These should be placed in a quiet, but easily accessible position away from his feeding area.

If your cat is shy or you have a busy household then a covered tray may provide your cat with more privacy. If your cat has not used a litter tray select a soft litter and leave your cat in the same room as the litter tray until he has used it.

Scratching posts
Outside your cat may have exercised his claws on trees and fencing posts. To prevent damage to your home and furnishings you will have to provide a substitute scratching post.

Making your cat feel safe
As your cat no longer has the option to move away from situations he may find stressful you will have to provide additional resting and hiding places for him. Cardboard boxes with a towel over the front or high shelves with comfortable bedding can both provide places he can go to feel safe and secure. 

Providing these hiding places can be particularly important if you have more than one cat or a dog in the home. Since they can no longer choose to spend time apart their relationship may become strained and they may become less tolerant of one another.

Activity
Ensuring your cat has a variety of activities will prevent boredom and provide an outlet for hunting behaviour. This in turn will help keep your cat fit and reduce the risk of weight gain.

In addition to providing a range of toys you should also play interactive games with your cat. Cats enjoy games involving movement and like to be able to pounce on, grab and bite. Pulling toys along on string is a safe way of playing with your cat.   

A food ball (a specially designed ball which you fill with your cat's dried food) is also a good way to keep your cat active. As your cat pushes the ball along pieces of his food fall out occupying his time and providing something for him to 'hunt'. Read our cat leaflets, particularly How to play with your cat.

Further information
Indoor cats may not have the same opportunity to express all their natural behaviours and are therefore more likely to develop behaviour problems than cats with outdoor access. Further advice and information to help you prevent and manage any problems that arise can be obtained from our All About Pets website.