How to raise a cat - How do I make my cat an outdoor cat?

Train your new cat like an outdoor cat. Is it the best for your kitty?

Many people believe that kittens and cats are happier outside, roaming around the yard or neighborhood. Although people don't seem to feel this way about their dogs, many people want to know if they should train their kittens to be outdoor cats.

Training a kitten to be an outdoor cat would include making sure the kitten stays in a safe area like your backyard and comes to you when you call them. Cats usually don't stay in their backyard because they are territorial animals and have a certain radius, maybe half a mile, that is their territory and that your cat will roam in. Since your kitty is very likely to be roaming her 'territory', this means that it will be difficult to impossible for your cat to come when you call her, unless she happens to be within earshot when you call her (and at that point, she will feel like coming to you).

Should your kitty be outdoors or indoors?

While many people believe that their cats won't be happy if they can't roam outside, statistics show that cats live longer if they are kept as pets. If cats are allowed to roam outside, they are exposed to predators (a terrible possibility), get into fights with other cats, or even get hit by a car.

If you let your cat outside when he arrives at your house, he will expect to go outside and you will then have to deal with the cat jumping out the door every time you open it. Cats learn habits quickly, including going outside. However, if your kitten has never been let outside, he probably won't be interested in going outside because he'll be happy with the indoor life you've provided him with.

Keep your cat stimulated

If you keep your cat indoors, you can still offer stimulation. Place cat trees near windows. Place perches on the windows so your kitty can look out at the birds, butterflies, and bees. They will be fascinated by observing the outdoors without the dangers of being allowed to roam freely outside.

In addition to giving your kitty access to the outdoors for observation, it's important that you spend time playing with your kitty every day. Cats love anything that mimics a hunting activity, so cat shows are an ideal way for you to communicate with your cat, prevent your cat from getting bored, and also provide healthy exercise.

Some cats will actually play fetch with you, so if you have fur mice or a similar toy, you can toss it to them so they can retrieve it and bring it back to you. Most cats will not retrieve as eagerly as dogs, but even having a toy (your cat's prey) handy for them to chase and catch will keep your cat busy.

Indoor cats are healthier and safer cats

While you may feel like you're conditioning your cat by not letting them roam outside, you're actually keeping them safe and living longer and healthier lives as a result. They will be very happy kitties if you give them the time to play and give them the love and attention that cats really crave.