Moving cat indoors

snapcat

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Due to neighbor complaints about my cat killing too many birds I've decided to move him indoors 24/7. He's a VERY unhappy camper. He stands at the door whining constantly and seems completely bewildered that I won't let him out. I'm concerned that as it gets warmer out and I start keeping the windows open that the sounds and smells of the outdoors will make him even crazier. It's been about a month now and he's still acting upset. When he started out as an indoor cat he also whined at the door- He's just not one of those cats that thinks being inside is just fine. I try to engage him with a variety of fun toys but he could care less- nothing compares with the real hunt. Any advice appreciated! Also- no lectures about having him outside please- we all have different philosophies about this. :)
 

Freedom

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Is he neutered?  If not, having him neutered will help.

I brought in a stray and decided he was going to be indoor only.  This was my first cat; about 17 years ago, now!  I remember that frustration, poor kitty, wanting to go out and not understanding why.  First, you need to be aware, that the cat will likely be a 'door darter' with the Spring weather.  Everyone in the home will need to be aware of this and be cautious; especially difficult if you have young children living with you.

The way I brought Mr. Amber Cat around was to teach him to walk on a leash and harness.  For the next 8 years, Amber and I would be out at least once a day, and we would walk around the apartment complex where I lived.  We had a definite route, and we had to go around TWICE.  Not ONCE, and Not THREE times, TWICE.  Back then, being this was my first cat and my only pet since I'd become an adult, I had one of the extendable leads.  Amber would be out in front, 10 feet ahead of me.  I used to say he would do his 'tiger' routine: stalking, creeping, checking under all the shrubs etc.  As we followed our route, we would at times cross a parking lot.  If I wasn't paying attention, my sneakers would make a noise on the gravel.  Amber would stop, stand upright, turn and GLARE at me.  How DARE I make a noise and disrupt his hunt?!!!  I would apologize, he would settle down, return to his tiger stance, and off we would go.  We were a regular sight at the apartment complex, as we were out in sun, rain, snow all but ice.  I absolutely REFUSED to trying walking him on ice!  Amber learned where I kept his lead and harness and would go meow at that closet when he wanted his walk.  And woe to me if I was busy and could not comply!  It was easiest to just stop and take him twice around the route.  You see, I was well trained!!!

It took time, several months, for us to settle in to this routing.  As I recall, I scooped him up and brought him in, in June. 

Maybe this will give you some ideas of how to work things with your boy.  Good luck, and give us an update!
 
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snapcat

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Thanks Freedom. My cat has been outside for over 6 years. He's about 8. I did try a leash at one point but it was a mess. He was completely freaked out and alternately hissed and layed down. I even attempted to cat proof fence my yard- a huge endeavor- but even then he acted desperate to get out- any feeling of being restricted is anathema to him. It could be that I just didn't give the leash option a long enough time to allow it to work. I might just give it another go. 
 

Freedom

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Initially you just use the harness, put it on the cat indoors and that's it.  Yes, the cat will lie down.  It throws off their balance.  Leave on for 2 to 3 minutes then take it off.   I used to set a timer to remind me to take it off.  You have to do that several times over a few days and the cat will adapt to the feel of it.  Then move on to attaching the lead and walking INSIDE.  It is a slow step by step desensitization process.  Think it took 3 weeks.  Yes Amber was about 4 when I brought him in; he was a stray.
 
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snapcat

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Thanks Freedom- I'll follow your advise and see what happens. 
 
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