How to Keep Cats Out of the House

Providing foster care for cats waiting to be adopted or cats that have been turned loose by their owners can be very rewarding. However, caring for cats that have previously been house pets can be a bit difficult. These cats may attempt to escape the confinements of cage living and make attempts to flee into the house. Keeping these cats out of the house can be frustrating but not impossible.

Things You'll Need

  • cat carrier
  • large cages
  • food bowls
  • water bowls
  • canned cat food
  • dry cat food
  • litter box
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Instructions

  1. Keep Cats in Their Outdoor Shelter

    • 1

      Keep cats out of the house by feeding them in their outdoor shelter. Cats that previously were house cats are used to eating indoors. They will find various ways to sneak into the house. When this happens, gently pick them up and take them back outside to their food and water. Repeat this a few times, and the cats will get the idea and stay out of the house.

    • 2

      Play with the cats outdoors. Sit on the grass and hold and pet them lovingly. If you allow them to feel as comfortable and cared for outdoors as they were indoors, they will stay out of the house.

    • 3

      Cats that were previously house cats are used to using a litter box. To keep them out of the house, place a litter box in the caged area far from their food. Make sure that you keep the liter box cleaned and the liter changed when needed. Keep the cats out of the house by providing--outside of the house--the comforts they were used to inside the house.

    • 4

      Keep the cage door open during the day so the cats do not feel completely confined. They need running space and a place in the shade on the cool grass to rest and sleep. Make the cats feel like the outdoors is a great place to be, and they will stay out of the house.

    • 5

      Feed the cats canned food in their bowls (outdoors) twice a day. Leave dry food out for them in a feeder. Make sure they have clean water at all times. Unlike dogs, cats like to eat a little at a time.