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If you have an outside cat that you're bringing indoors permanently, you're going to need some tips on training an outside cat. It's easy to think that just bringing the cat in and giving it food and water and a clean litter box will be enough to keep it inside, but the transition is not that easy. Cats can get very restless inside a home and of course a responsible pet owner will want to care for a cat's emotional needs as well as their physical ones. So how do you go about training an outside cat and what do you need to remember in this regard?

Entertaining Your Cat

For one thing, you need to give your cat lots of experiences that will mimic what he gets outside. Put something in front of a large window that he can curl up on so he gets a good view of the outdoors. Like humans, cats like to look out windows when they need entertainment. When training an outside cat, don't think that keeping the outdoors from them is somehow better! Big windows where they can watch birds fly by and get lots of sunshine will help to keep them entertained and therefore happier indoors. Giving them as much of the outdoors as you can is a kindness when training an outside cat. Put a cat bed in your sunroom or enclosed porch or in view of the sunniest areas of your home. Don't scold them when they get up on furniture that gives them a good view either.

Toys For Your Cat

When training an outside cat, remember that the outdoors gives them an endless variety of entertainment options. These cats will need more toys and more interaction than other cats. You should plan on setting aside at least twenty minutes every day for uninterrupted playtime with your cat; two of theses sessions every day is ideal! Be aware of the fact that when training an outside cat, you may also need to provide new toys on a consistent basis or rotate the toys he has since he'll get bored with his current toys very easily. Hide one or two toys for a week and when you bring it back out, take another toy away. This way it will seem like a new toy when you give it back to him. You also need to be generous with your praise and your treats for him when training an outside cat so that he feels happy and content as well. Being inside should be a pleasant experience for him, not one where he feels imprisoned or caged.

Make It Special For Your Cat

Training an outside catis possible but much of that success will depend upon you as the owner and your efforts to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. You need to make up for the fact that your cat can't go outside and be entertained out there. Making it special for him is part of training an outside cat, so make sure you do your part.

If you'd like more of my Cat Training Tips, check out my "Insider Tricks and Secrets to Training Your Cat".

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