Many new cat owners often wonder how long their newly adopted feline friend should stay inside their home before being let outdoors. After all, cats are outdoor creatures and they love to roam around. So, how long should a cat be inside a cat house?
The general rule of thumb is that a new cat should be kept indoors for at least two to three weeks while they settle into their new home and get used to their surroundings. This will give them time to build up a strong bond with you and feel safe in their new environment.
Read on for more information about how long your cat should stay indoors, and what you can do to make the transition to the great outdoors a smooth one.
How Long Should A Cat Be Inside A Cat House After Being Adopted?
Your new cat should be kept inside for at least two weeks to allow them to adjust to their new environment. If your cat is self-assured and you think they are becoming frustrated by being kept indoors, consider releasing them a few days earlier.
If the cat is easily disturbed, you should keep them indoors for a longer period of time until they are completely at ease in their new place.
Put some of your cat’s old litter all around the edge of your new garden a few days before you allow them out. This would not only make your cat feel at ease when they walk outdoors for the first time (since the garden will now smell ‘familiar’), but it will also alert the neighborhood cats that there is a new cat.
How To Care For Cats That Live Indoors?
Now that you know how long should a cat be inside a cat house, you can make a wiser decision when deciding to let your cat out.
However, if you keep your cat indoors, they will be safe from busy roads. Although a drawback of this is that indoors can become boring and typical, which can lead to stress, laziness, and obesity.
It can be very challenging for cats to adjust to an indoor lifestyle if they have a lot of activity, a strong desire to explore, and have been given the opportunity to spend time outside in the past.
On the other hand, cats who have physical issues or health issues may fare better and be happier if they are kept in an indoor environment. This is especially the case for older cats.
How To Keep House Cats Happy?
Outdoors cats have numerous opportunities to engage in their naturally occurring behaviors, such as climbing, exploring, marking their territory, and socializing with other cats in the neighborhood.
On the other hand, an indoor cat will take significantly more of your time and effort in order to maintain their happiness and good health.
The following is what you will need to keep in mind:
- Put a litter tray in a quiet area and frequently clean it. It’s very common for cats to avoid using the litter tray if it’s not clean or in a very busy part of the house.
- Ensure that your cat has sufficient space; even indoor-only cats should be allowed access to a number of different rooms.
- Provide them with at least two different types of resting places: one that is on the ground and is enclosed on three sides, and another that is higher up and has a good view.
- Provide scratching posts in many areas for your cat so that they can properly mark their territory, exercise their muscles, and sharpen their claws.
- Maintain their activity level by giving them opportunities for daily exercise to maintain their level of fitness and health
- Come up with novel ways for your cat to maintain his or her level of activity, both physically and cognitively.
Extra Tip:
If a cat has lived outside beyond the owner’s property boundary, it may get upset if it is suddenly kept inside all the time. In these situations, cats may start to act out because they are stressed from being confined, and their health and well-being may be at risk.
For these cats, it’s best to make sure they can go outside by giving them an escape-proof enclosure or special backyard fencing. Electricity should not be used to power enclosures or fencing. The cat will also get used to being kept on the owner’s property over time.
Conclusion
So, how long should a cat be inside a cat house? It really depends on the cat’s personality and how they cope with change and can vary from two weeks to more than six weeks. If you do let your cat outside, make sure they are supervised at all times and that they have a safe place to go to if they feel scared or threatened.
