Almost two-thirds of cats in the U.S. already live indoors most or all of the time. They live longer than outdoor cats and are protected from car accidents, diseases and parasites, fighting with other animals, and getting lost.
As a Pono Cat Parent who keeps your cat indoors, you also spend less on veterinary care, are a good neighbor, prevent cat fights and other neighborhood disturbances, and protect wildlife near your home.
Tips for Your Cat’s Best Life Indoors
Make your home a safe haven
Just like baby-proofing, you’ll want to make sure your home is safe for your new furry family member.
- Repair any holes in screen doors or windows and block any other areas they could squeeze through, such as jalousie windows.
- Screen in your balcony or make sure that balcony doors remain closed.
- Ensure potential hazards such as electrical cords or pest traps are inaccessible to your cat.
- Remove any toxic indoor plants.
Give your cat time to settle in
It can take time for cats to adjust to new spaces, especially in households with other pets or young children. A slow start is key! Every cat is different; this could take from two weeks to a month or more. Set up a room with your new cat’s litter box, food, water, and bed, and make sure there are places to hide and also vertical spaces to explore. Refer to these behavior resources to anticipate and avoid common situations. As your cat gets used to its surroundings, you can add cat-friendly elements to your home and make sure it has safe access to outdoor stimuli.
PRO TIP: Start early! It’s easier for young cats to adjust to being indoor-only.
Tips for getting through the new home adjustment period >
Bring the outdoors in!
You can still give your cat controlled access to outdoor stimulation while you’re preventing it from roaming freely. There are many creative ways to bring the outdoors in.
- Create window seats or place cat climbers by windows to allow them to feel the breeze, smell outdoor scents, and watch birds.
- Build a catio. These are patios specially designed for cats with climbers, perches, and toys.
- Grow an indoor cat garden with cat-safe herbs like cat grass or catnip.
Enjoy safe excursions outdoors
You can also allow your cat outside in more controlled settings. If you can’t build a catio attached to your house, you can use a tent, covered playpen, or other detached outdoor enclosure.
Taking cats on walks is also becoming popular. You can use a cat backpack or teach your cat to walk on a harness and leash. Some cats in Hawaiʻi even surf in harnesses! Remember that walking cats is very different from walking dogs and they can slip out of harnesses easily if you are unprepared, so start by practicing inside. With any behavioral training, it’s easier the earlier you start.