Dear anyone with an "Indoors Only" cat.

allthetime

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Hello everyone!

Tomorrow my guy and I are going to see an indoors-only housecat with the pretence of adopting her. She can't live with her current owners anymore as she and their other housecat have started fighting a lot and she's become unhappy.

I've always had cats in my family home, but they've always been able to go outdoors. I'd love a cat at the moment as home doesnt feel quite like home without one, and I know I could give one a lot of love, but would like some advice as to how to give it the best life possible. We currently live in a flat that's situated on a main road with no garden, so there's NO WAY a cat could venture outside, its not an option.

So what I'd like to know is how do you make sure your housecat is happy if its indoors and we're not there? My guy works full time but is home weekends and evenings, and I'm studying so am home a bit more during the daytime.

How can I make sure my cat is the happiest she can be while being inside? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
 

cprcheetah

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Well I have 5 kitties so they entertain themselves.  They have toys and things that they can play with.  I'd be interested to see what they actually do when I'm not home ;).  I think as long as your cat has toys etc it should be fine.  My kitties are indoor only as well.
 

pocho

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I have two cats. One never knew outside the other knew it as a kitten. They are both indoor only now for the same reasons you have. The one that knew the outside has a confinement stress issue. They both are wild but she is frustrated and it is sad. I try to make up for it by having many very tall cat trees with sisal rope for climbing, tunnels, and interactive play. They also have eachother for play. I let crickets loose in apt for hunting sometimes... They have a good life but nothing can replace what nature could give. But yes the poles of sisal rope at either end of the hall makes for running and climbing to ceiling games every morning before breakfast. That was a hit for sure.
 

cat dad

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Im guessing you are in the UK? For some reason folks in the UK are more likely to let their cats be outdoor cats. Leads to some unhappy endings.

Have you thought of getting two cats? They can keep each other company - if they get along well obviously.

Some tips.

- Keep lots of toys around.

-Make sure you have a perch on or near a window to watch birdies and passers by.

-Hide treats around for her to find

-Have nice places to lounge and sleep (trees beds etc)

-I have a bird feeder that sticks to the outside of a window and my guys love it. It took about a month for the birds to find it, but once they did they are there all the time.

- Put on Radio 4 so she can hear the voices

-Get a CAT TV DVD and put it on repeat

Give lots of cuddles whenever you get home. Let her know that going out means coming home and getting lots of good things.

Good luck
 

sillywabbit

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Not much I can add here, lot of great advice here! Well, it's great that you're at home mostly. She will appreciate that, a lot.

I recommend you make sure you have at least one window set up that your new kitty can easily look out of. I mean, relax and perch. My kitty's indoor only too, and thankfully my apartments up high. He loves the window by the tree, so he can spy on birds. He also likes watching people and cars down below .

A fluffy blankie for the bed. If you smoke, please consider doing it outside.

Toys etc...

If you can afford one, she'd enjoy a tall cat condo.

If she's already an indoor cat , ask her present people what she likes.

Most of all, this is just a suggestion, spend some time with the cat before you take her home, so you know she's a good fit. Animals are furever!! Good luck, and indoor kitties can be VERRY happy. In time, if you can, perhaps a playmate?

Good luck. :)
 
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pocho

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outdoor access when possible leads to a quality cat life. Quality of life can be measured many ways. Avoiding being hit by a car takes precedence over being able to run in the grass and chase mice, of course. But security at all costs denies the fact this animal was made to hide in bushes, climb trees, catch butterflies, mice....be a cat. I had a bird feeder outside my window for a time and realized the frustration it was causing to my one cat. Now I find game where they actually can catch the toy prey more satisfying  to them. Each environment is different and some provide safe outdoor fun for a cat to be a cat. 
 

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I have 3 indoor only kitties.  The key to them being "happy" is to provide a stimulating environment.  A cat tree is a must as are interactive toys, such as those on a stick that you can play with her.  It also helps build the bond between the two of you.  Balls to chase, lots of comfy beds/sleeping areas.  A nice window with a view would be good for her to see what's going on outside.  If you can do it, put a bird feeder up so she has some bird entertainment. 
 

trevandbur

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Toys, scratching posts or cat trees, container of wheat or oat grass, etc. I've never done anything special, but my cats have never ever been allowed outside. this cat is used to being a house cat, he'll be fine.
 
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allthetime

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Thankyou all for some great ideas!

She has always been a housecat  and has never been outside. She's 18months old so she's used to that way of living. And as for a playmate, thats why she's being given to a new home. They bought her as a playmate, and she's unhappy. Her owners think she needs to be the only cat.

I plan on spoiling her with toys after working out what type she likes. My old family cat's favourite toy was a ball of foil, so I suppose theyre all different! I love the idea of growing cat grass/wheat grass indoors for her, I'm pretty green thumbed so that could be a good challenge!

Another quick question, how do you stop your cats escaping through windows when theyre open? I know some people get a screen, and I also know some people who's cats have never shown any interest in trying to leave even when there's a way out for them. Just wondering what everyone else's experiences have been so far.

Thankyou for all the positive replies :)
 

pocho

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Thankyou all for some great ideas!

She has always been a housecat  and has never been outside. She's 18months old so she's used to that way of living. And as for a playmate, thats why she's being given to a new home. They bought her as a playmate, and she's unhappy. Her owners think she needs to be the only cat.

I plan on spoiling her with toys after working out what type she likes. My old family cat's favourite toy was a ball of foil, so I suppose theyre all different! I love the idea of growing cat grass/wheat grass indoors for her, I'm pretty green thumbed so that could be a good challenge!

Another quick question, how do you stop your cats escaping through windows when theyre open? I know some people get a screen, and I also know some people who's cats have never shown any interest in trying to leave even when there's a way out for them. Just wondering what everyone else's experiences have been so far.

Thankyou for all the positive replies :)
I have screens that are really secure since we arent on first floor. My sister has three cats. One has to go out or he gets violent with other cats, he likes to hunt. The other two will only go if she leaves the door open so they know they can run back in. All cats are so different. It sounds like you have a good one for your environment . 
 

fleabags mom

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Have to agree to disagree that cats who have never been outside don't miss it - the cat I have is proof of that. He spent his whole 5 years trying to get outside, waiting by doors and windows and vocally expressing his annoyance. He was also aggressive, beating up his other cat buddies he lived with and was quite unhappy with his way of life. This was despite the original owner being an amazing woman, having many cat trees, setting up the whole sitting room as a cat play place and spending a lot of time with her cats.

Some cats also just do not have an interest in play - mine is the same. It's a rare moment I can get him to play indoors, even though I still buy new things and make up games around the house!   He changed from a very very stressed out cat the day we started walking outside on a lead.  The first week inside he had no interest in anything - food, play, sleep - nothing apart from rubbing his belly! He spent approx 12 hours a day going from window to window, trying to escape and crying full volume.  When we started out walk outside, he changed instantly, literally. Calm, quiet, happy, hungry, content. We still walk together once a day without a lead, play games & climb trees at a churchyard behind our house and he can come and go as he pleases.  It is a risk, it really is letting him outside and I worry but I am of the belief with my little fella that quality of life is more important and he was terribly unhappy.

Anyway, I am going off on a tangent!! Tree's are fab, mine sharpens his claws on it every day. He also has a bed right by a window - I pushed a piece of furniture up to the window and put a cat basket looking out which he loves. A bed on top of a cupboard which he also uses. Plenty of places to hide too. I guess the best thing is to ask the previous owners what your new cat liked to do? I would recommend walking on a lead too if your cat shows a lot of interest in outside - don't half get some funny looks in the UK but its fun too - so many people stopped to chat about it that I now know most of the neighbours!
 
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cccdlx

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Hello everyone!

She can't live with her current owners anymore as she and their other housecat have started fighting a lot and she's become unhappy.
Really super answers to your question about indoor only, but I would have to ask why are they suddenly not getting along and she is unhappy?  Sometimes if a cat is sick, other cats will instictively try to avoid it or chase it away.  How long have the cats been together?  Is there any health issue?  Cats seem to sense these things long before humans are aware or a potential problem.
 
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allthetime

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Really super answers to your question about indoor only, but I would have to ask why are they suddenly not getting along and she is unhappy?  Sometimes if a cat is sick, other cats will instictively try to avoid it or chase it away.  How long have the cats been together?  Is there any health issue?  Cats seem to sense these things long before humans are aware or a potential problem.
The other cat had a "date" with a male cat and became pregnant. Since she fell pregnant they've been fighting, and now the pregnant cat is starting to nest and their owners don't think she'll be happy around the kittens, or that they'll be safe around her. 

Don't worry, I've got loads of questions to ask her owners/previous owners (maybe) tomorrow, I hope theyre ready for a grilling! 

And as for the lead suggestion, I've got a friend who does that with her cat and her cat loves it! I'll wait and see how she acts I suppose. The roads around where I live are so busy though, I'd be scared stiff she'd slip through the harness. 

I really hope that she warms to us when we visit and that we'll all be a good match. My guy hasn't had a cat before so he's a bit unsure about everything. He once told my family cat to "sit"...sigh.
 

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My cats used to be entertained by watching my mice, gerbils, rats, hamsters and degus. Since I moved, I now have the rodents and the snake in the spare room that stays blocked off from the cats.
Now I have toys and two cat condos/trees for them. And my cats get along so they also have each other to play with.
Open window blinds are also good. My kitties enjoy looking out at the birds outside.
 

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You have had loads of good advice and suggestions already.  I hope you are able to spend time getting to know this little cat, and your grilling of her current human carers goes well.  I would like to reassure you on the single indoor cat thing.  Of course, if you do adopt her and she moves in to your home she may pine for her companions, and may have some difficulty adjusting to no company: one friend might be necessary if she doesn't settle.  However, as she has been distressed and fighting has been going on recently she may welcome the peace of a quiet home shared with 2 humans only.

If she has the run of your home and can feel that everywhere is hers, that she can check out that there are no threats in any of the corners and she is mistress of this new territory it may be just what she needs.  On the issue of wanting to go out, I have had 3 cats: one did try to escape from time to time and would have liked nothing better than to be out chasing and terrorizing the local dogs, the other two showed no interest at all.  My current boy will come out on to the apartment landing on a leash but will not go any further unless he is in his carrier.  He is super confident in the apartment and sees the place as his, he is not threatened by anyone coming in as he checks all newcomers out as they come in the door - usually at face height as he likes to be held up when someone comes to the door.  I play with him and he will spend as much time as he chooses in my company when I am in, and when I am out he will sit at the window watching everything going on outside, play with various toys like a Catit circuit, toy mice, balls, cardboard boxes and paper bags, and generally entertain himself until he fancies a snooze on the comfiest spot he can find.   When I had 2 girls there was more evidence of general destruction and play fighting but there is enough movement of 'stuff' when I come in from work to tell me that my boy has been busy .

On the window front, I do not open my windows more than about 1", there is no guarantee that even the most sensible of cats won't see a bird or a leaf and leap straight out after it. I'm lucky, I live in a relatively cool area and my apartment doesn't get too hot.   If you plan to open windows more than a fraction I strongly recommend you check out the screening.

Hope all  goes well with your introductory meetings.
 

stewball

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Im guessing you are in the UK? For some reason folks in the UK are more likely to let their cats be outdoor cats. Leads to some unhappy endings.

Have you thought of getting two cats? They can keep each other company - if they get along well obviously.

Some tips.

- Keep lots of toys around.
-Make sure you have a perch on or near a window to watch birdies and passers by.
-Hide treats around for her to find
-Have nice places to lounge and sleep (trees beds etc)
-I have a bird feeder that sticks to the outside of a window and my guys love it. It took about a month for the birds to find it, but once they did they are there all the time.
- Put on Radio 4 so she can hear the voices
-Get a CAT TV DVD and put it on repeat
Give lots of cuddles whenever you get home. Let her know that going out means coming home and getting lots of good things.
Good luck
I also have netting on all my windows and balconies so they can look out but not get/fall out.
I've only ever had house cats and if I was still in England I would there too.
 

cccdlx

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'Pregnant' definitely seems like a health issue to me.  Sounds like momma cat has a serious case of 'hissy, pissy, b___chy pregnant kitty' to me. Purrfecty normal cat behavior.  It's the hormone thing you know.  I think you are going to be a great   furr-ever home for her.  Indoor kitties are  tremendously entertaining.

Guys are so funny, aren't they???  Our little tigers can often tame their wee teeny beast, but they are too manly to admit it.  CATS RULE and dogs drool...I'm sure you and kitty will convert him in no time.

BTW  Don't  fixate on the 'only' cat thing, it's just a matter of getting the guy trained and finding the right friend for her. One is NEVER enough 


PLEASE keep us posted.
 

laurag

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I most definitely have screens on my windows. They provide a physical barrier, but also a psychological one too.  Cats seem to understand that they are also a type of window.

One of the best things we did was build a shelf that was window height and then put soft beds on it. The cats spend a lot of time there. There are also other surfaces that are outfitted with inviting cat beds. So cats have vertical space and not just floor space. I also have catnip toys, plain catnip  on hand as well as wheat grass for the cats to munch on. 

I provide a scratching post (cardboard surface). If I had room for it I would have a cat tree. The newest addition was first housed in a spare room and has claimed that as his space. He was a former stray. For a while he was pining for the outdoors but now he is seemingly not interested. It could be that we are in a deep freeze for the past few days.

The first cat we adopted arrived with no front claws and so she was clearly not to be outdoors but that is the cat that wants out the most. In warmer weather we take her out on supervised visits. She seems happy with that arrangement. I tried the harness and lead thing but she just rolled around like a seal.
 

pocho

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Have to agree to disagree that cats who have never been outside don't miss it - the cat I have is proof of that. He spent his whole 5 years trying to get outside, waiting by doors and windows and vocally expressing his annoyance. He was also aggressive, beating up his other cat buddies he lived with and was quite unhappy with his way of life. This was despite the original owner being an amazing woman, having many cat trees, setting up the whole sitting room as a cat play place and spending a lot of time with her cats.

Some cats also just do not have an interest in play - mine is the same. It's a rare moment I can get him to play indoors, even though I still buy new things and make up games around the house!   He changed from a very very stressed out cat the day we started walking outside on a lead.  The first week inside he had no interest in anything - food, play, sleep - nothing apart from rubbing his belly! He spent approx 12 hours a day going from window to window, trying to escape and crying full volume.  When we started out walk outside, he changed instantly, literally. Calm, quiet, happy, hungry, content. We still walk together once a day without a lead, play games & climb trees at a churchyard behind our house and he can come and go as he pleases.  It is a risk, it really is letting him outside and I worry but I am of the belief with my little fella that quality of life is more important and he was terribly unhappy.

Anyway, I am going off on a tangent!! Tree's are fab, mine sharpens his claws on it every day. He also has a bed right by a window - I pushed a piece of furniture up to the window and put a cat basket looking out which he loves. A bed on top of a cupboard which he also uses. Plenty of places to hide too. I guess the best thing is to ask the previous owners what your new cat liked to do? I would recommend walking on a lead too if your cat shows a lot of interest in outside - don't half get some funny looks in the UK but its fun too - so many people stopped to chat about it that I now know most of the neighbours!
How long did it take till your cat adjusted to the lead? And is there a certain type that works better? I tried the lead once and both my cats were very freaked out. Even in apt lobby they did the baby howl thing and belly crawling then frantic scratching at door. I assumed it wasnt for them but maybe I didnt try long enough. They also hated the pet stroller. I thought it wasnt offering the freedom they want but a new kind of trap? because they didnt feel safe....without the option to run and hide if trouble came their way. ?
 

pocho

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Actually in my mind, the ultimate solution to the indoor/outdoor debate is cat fencing or netting. For all the arguments there are against cats being outside and all the data on a cats true natural needs for outdoor experiences this can solve a lot. It is a compromise considering the roaming area is greatly reduced but still, the ones that yearn for the outside can have that. I have even seen metal sheeting placed on higher up branches of trees to protect birds. If I had land I would for sure use netting and let my lovelies have full access if they wanted.
 
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