Outdoor to indoor

My cat has just been diagnosed with FIV and our vet has reccomended we keep him in from now on. Problem is he has always been and outdoor cat and hates being kept in. The look of sadness on his face from the kitchen window when he sees our other cat going out is heartbreaking. That is the other problem our other cat has been tested and is all clear but is now reluctant to go out without his friend. We are having to go out with him, wait while he goes to the toilet and walk him back in again. If someone doesn't take him out he poos on my bedroom floor.

My question is how can help my cat be happy from being an outdoor cat to becoming an indoor cat. He is played with a lot and gets lot of cuddles but all he wants is to go outside.

As far as the potty issues go it is not hard at all to get an outdoor cat to start using a litter box inside. Most of foster cats were strays and have all learned to use the litter box. Most just did it instinctively but a few did need some help to get it. One cat, Elijah, who thought that the litter box was a bed, needed some help. With him I went outside and dug up some dirt and leaves and put it in the litter box for him. Once I did that he started to use it right away and kept using it after I got rid of the dirt and put litter in it instead after a few days.
With other cats it helps if the litter box has the right smell. So if they poop on the floor I pick it up and put it in the litter box and they soon get the hint. If they pee I wipe it up with a paper towel and put the towel in the litter box which works too. I'm sure both your cats can learn to use a litter box inside with a little help from you.

When it comes to the cat that can't go outside it's very important that you keep him entertained inside with toys and play with you. Get him a cat tree to climb on too if you can. It's all about breaking the boredom.
You could also try, as a compromise, to let your kitties go outside on a harness and a long rope. That way they can be outside but can't roam around which is what your cat shouldn't do. I don't believe that there is any harm for your FIV cat to go out in the yard as long as he stays there. I have a 30 foot rope for my cats and that works just fine. If I had a bigger yard I'd get a longer rope though.

It is possible to get an outdoor cat to get used to being inside. It just takes some work for some.

Hopefully someone else has some other suggestions too.

Sorry about your kitty. But as you know, it is not a death sentence. All my kitties are indoors. I have two of those bird feeders that attach to the window with suction cups. They love them.

Yea, cat trees are great. I have one in the west window. I hung a prism from an old lamp on it. When the sun sets it sets off all kinds of lights when it hits the prism. The cats chase these on the wall! So that keeps them busy too.

Those are great tips for getting a cat to use the litter box. Maybe your outside cat could become an inside cat. Seeing your other guy contacted FIV outside, he could also.

I would be hesitant to put a cat on a long line though unless I was out there with them. Great idea as long as I was around to keep them out of trouble!

Oh another thought, my DH built my cats an outside run. It is like a little deck that is accessed from a cat door in the garage. Totally enclosed with a hinged door for me to get in. A shelf runs the width so they can climb up and get a better look at all the scenery!

That way, he can be outside, yet very safe. They also sell cat enclosures in many cat magazines and catalogs...Foster and Smith ex.

I would not be without my enclosure.