How to Train an Indoor Cat to Become an Outdoor Cat

For your cat's optimum health and safety, he should ideally remain an indoor or indoor/outdoor cat. A kitty that has lived indoors all his life is not going to comprehend basic outside dangers like cars, wildlife and neighborhood dogs. If possible, let your cat at least sleep indoors at night--it's much safer. However, there are cats who prefer the rugged outdoors to the comfort of hearth and home. Also, if a family member develops allergies or asthma and you're not willing to give up your pet, moving him outside may be a solution.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian appointment
  • Microchip
  • Weatherproof shelter
  • Shelter bedding--old towels or blanket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have your cat thoroughly checked by a veterinarian. Before you move your cat outdoors, make sure she is up-to-date on all her shots--especially the rabies shot. Also, if your cat has not been spayed or neutered, do it now. Outdoor neutered male cats will get into far fewer fights with other cats than intact males, and spayed outdoor females will not wear themselves out having kittens--kittens that will just increase the local feral cat population.

    • 2

      Microchip your cat. While you're at the veterinarian's office, arrange to have an identifying microchip injected into your soon-to-be-outdoor cat. If she wanders too far away or if she's picked up by an animal control officer, she can be returned to you.

    • 3

      Slowly introduce your cat to the outdoor life. Let him out for a while during the day for an hour or two. Go out with him at first to reassure him. Gradually, over a period of days and weeks, increase the time he stays outside.

    • 4

      Make the outside a preferred place to be. Move your cat's food and water bowls outside as soon as she is spending most of the day there. Make sure she has a warm, safe, dry place to sleep--a wooden box or old plastic dog crate (minus the door) with an old blanket or towels inside will work nicely.

    • 5

      Don't neglect your cat. Just because he's outside hunting small rodents and not on your lap while you're watching television doesn't mean he doesn't miss you. Go outside and hang out with your cat once in a while. Pet him, just sit in the sun with him, or maybe find a piece of string and play with him for a while.