5 Tips On How To Transition Your Kitty From An Outdoor Cat To An Indoor One

So you're considering changing your cat from an outdoor cat to an indoor one but haven't got a clue how to start the process. Fear not because your cat can happily live indoors. Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started.

1. Increase indoor time
If your cat comes home to eat or for cuddles, slowly increase the amount of time he or she is there. You can opt to close the doors and have some play time so they can associate being home as a positive experience rather than something they can't wait to get away from. Do this in short increments and then increase the time slowly.

2. Precautions
Make sure you are up to date with flea treatments so that your cat isn't bringing any unwanted friends home with him or her. You may opt for using a flea collar in the weeks leading up to bringing them indoors for good. You should also take them to the vet for a general check-up to make sure they are healthy inside and out.

3. Provide indoor points of interest
If you have previously kept your home free of any toys or activities for your kitty then it may be time to change that. Introduce some scratching posts, jungle gyms and some interactive toys so that when they come inside they have new things to explore and play with, thus increasing their interest in spending time indoors. You may also opt for allowing them in rooms they previously have never been in. Cats are curious so if there's something new to check out, they absolutely will.
  4. Fresh air and sunshine
Your cat is used to being out in the great outdoors so you they should have plenty of access to fresh air and a sunny place to nap in your home. You may choose to get them an outdoor netted playpen so that they can get the best of both worlds.

5. Save your furniture
Make sure your cat has plenty of places to scratch so that your furniture isn't torn to shreds. Place the scratching posts near lounges, chairs, and any place you've noticed he or she likes to dig into. 

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