From Outdoor Cat to Indoor Cat

The second key to a smooth transition from outdoor living to indoor living is gradual integration. As the old adage says, slow and steady wins the race. Dr. Christensen explains further: "Until you know this cat very well, it is a good idea to keep him/her confined, especially when not supervised." Make sure that the cat has access to litter, food, water, rest areas, scratching posts, etc. Not only does confinement help the cat to acclimate gradually to the new environment, but it can also help ensure the establishment of good litter habits. Dr. Christensen explains: "Most cats will naturally use unscented, clumping clay litter without specific training. But until a cat is very reliable and settled in at the new location, it is a good idea to only allow her out of the 'safe area' when supervised. If possible, you can reward the cat with a small bit of food immediately as she leaves the box."

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Make Your Home Cat-Safe

This is also a good time to kitty-proof your home, if you haven't already done so. A good rule of thumb is that, if it's not toddler-safe, it's not kitty-safe. Poisonous plants, pest poisons (like ant traps) and small choking hazards should be removed from any rooms that the cat has access to. Until the cat is settled in and settled down, it may be a good idea to pack up any special items that could be broken. Window-blind cords, phone cords and electrical wires (including computer cords) can pose a threat if the cat plays with or gets tangled in them; they should be securely anchored or placed out of reach.

Gradual Introduction to Other Pets

Introducing the cat to the rest of the household, including any resident cats, has the potential to create the most stress for everyone involved. Dr. Christensen advises, "If you have resident cats, they should be strictly separated from the potential addition to the family. Gradual integration is the best way to go. Keep the cats separated for several days; feed them on opposite sides of the door for a couple of weeks. If they do well, you can gradually allow them more and more exposure at mealtimes. Additionally, whether you're adding a new cat to an existing family with cats or this is a first cat, make sure to have plenty of litter boxes, food bowls, water bowls, toys and scratching posts available. You may also want to consider using feline facial pheromones to help decrease anxiety and the tendency to mark by urinating or scratching."

Provide Physical and Mental Outlets

Last, but perhaps most important (next to the initial vet visit), is offering plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Dr. Christensen says, "If you will be moving an outside cat indoors, keep in mind that you will need to provide ample opportunities for scheduled, interactive and solitary play, puzzle-solving, food-searching, cat videos, etc."

In addition, she recommends staying open to the possibility that the cat may not adjust to indoor life at all; some cats will always be more at home outdoors: "Even though being inside is safer and seems more comfortable to humans, some cats will inevitably prefer the stimulation that only the outdoors can provide." But ideally, your time and patience will be rewarded, and your previously outdoor kitty will settle in comfortably with you in your home and leave you wondering what life was even like before he came along!

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Advice at a Glance

To take care of your new indoor cat (while protecting your resident pets), here are some rules to follow:

* Obtain a clean bill of health.

* Cat-proof your home. If it wouldn't be safe for a toddler, consider it unsafe for a pet.

* Gradually integrate the cat into your household.

* Establish good litter habits from the start. Keep the cat confined to a small room when you're not around to supervise.

* Provide adequate physical and mental stimulation.

* Remain open to the possibility that the cat may not adjust to indoor life.