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and cat pet tips - on Pets.ca
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Tip - 29 - Outdoor
cat to indoor cat
One of the easiest ways to extend your cat's life is by keeping it indoors.
Indoor cats that eat well often live to 15, 16 17 years and more. Outdoor cats
on average live far shorter lives due to road accidents, disease and injury.
If you want to turn
your outdoor cat into an indoor cat you're going to have to provide
it with stimulation and other goodies that will substitute for
what the cat was getting outdoors. Good sturdy scratching posts
are a must and a multi-platform cat tree is something that your
cat will love. Cat toys, even movies for cats are all good ways
to keep your cat stimulated. Extra petting, grooming and lounging
with kitty is another good way to keep a cat happy indoors.
The key factor in a
successful conversion from outdoor to indoor cat will be determination
on YOUR part. Expect that your cat will put up a fuss. It will
probably meow and lead you to the door or window constantly during
the transition. NEVER EVER GIVE IN. Choose the day and stick
with it. Give your cat access to several GOOD WINDOW SPOTS OR
LEDGES. Extra toys, catnip, edible grass etc. will all help make
the transition easier. Pet kitty more. In about 2 weeks or less
cats usually adjust.
If you have a balcony,
a cage for a large dog is a great compromise. Put a blanket inside
and once in a while treat your cat with some edible cat grass
which is available at most pet stores. Remember to double check
the cage door when you lock it.
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other pet tips here:
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