"Training" outdoor cat to stay indoors all the time

[Rene S]

Originally Posted by Kavalier

It did take a little while...and he is absolutely destroying/scratching all sorts of door sides and my couch...that is another issue in itself since I don't believe in de-clawing cats. But other than that, it's been an okay transition.

Our formerly outdoor kitty absolutely loves the Ultimate Cat Scratcher. I was concerned given that she lived outdoors, but she adjusted to the scratchers easily. One note, though, she will not use a cardboard scratcher (perhaps she doesn't consider them scratchers after being outdoors?) so if you just have those I'd suggest another type of surface.

[catsmom21]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

Have you provided the cat with an appropriate place to sharpen his claws? Because you can't train this out of them. They need to do it.

Yes they do. Providing kitty with appropriate places (multiple scratchers of a kind he likes) to scratch will save the furniture. Also of course the cat needs outlets for his energy and mental stimulation. Sometimes cats scratch "destructively" out of boredom and frustration.


There are many posts in this thread about ways for the OP to give the cat a stimulating indoor environment. Places to climb and jump, hide and play, and multiple scratching surfaces, I believe, have all been suggested..


Cats scratch for many reasons, for exercise ( scratching exercises their whole bodies), stress relief, scent marking, communication, and because it feels good are some of those reasons. They don't do it to "sharpen claws" though, they do it to shed the outer sheathe so the new claw can grow through.

[Kavalier]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

Have you provided the cat with an appropriate place to sharpen his claws? Because you can't train this out of them. They need to do it.

I mean, I have a cat poll for him. But other than that, no. I understand I can't train it out of him because he just doesn't understand.

Originally Posted by Rene S

Our formerly outdoor kitty absolutely loves the Ultimate Cat Scratcher. I was concerned given that she lived outdoors, but she adjusted to the scratchers easily. One note, though, she will not use a cardboard scratcher (perhaps she doesn't consider them scratchers after being outdoors?) so if you just have those I'd suggest another type of surface.

I might have to look into that.