SITTING IN THE 
CATBIRD SEAT
The Long, Happy Life 
of an Indoor Cat

by Candyce H. Stapen, Ph.D.
Statistics show that indoor cats live twice as long," says Liona Rodan, a Madison, Wisconsin, veterinarian and president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.
  "The trend now is to have indoor cats," notes Rodan. "In my practice, probably 80 percent of the owners keep cats indoor, but 10 years ago it was more fifty-fifty." 
  Why the switch?

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS LIES SAFETY
Outdoor cats pay a hefty price for their freedom. When compared with their indoor littermates, unfettered felines are much likely to catch viruses and suffer bites from other animals, be hit by cars, and ingest toxins such as antifreeze.
  "Even though indoor cats do live more restricted life, they seem to be totally contented this way," says Susan McDonough, a Philadelphia veterinarian who limits her practice to felines. "Most cats raised as house cats do not have any particular interest in going outside. There are no benefits to a cat in going outdoors; only detriments."
  The benefit some owners cite for raising an outdoor animal - a house free of cat litter, cat box odor, and on-the-car-pet mistakes - does nothing for their pet. In fact, says Richard Thoma, a 

 Cheektowaga, New York, veterinarian, it "is a bit of a cop-out. Such problems come from the owner's poor training." If Cleopatra soils the rug, have the vet check her for a bladder infection or other problems. Then change the brand of litter - perhaps she didn't like its scratchy feel or floral aroma.
  Also try switching the litter box's location; sometimes moving it from the damp corner in the basement to the more accessible first-floor powder room cures the cat.

BRINGING KITTY INSIDE
Cats raised as home-bodies from kitten hood don't miss what's on the other side of the window. But in order to ease a former outdoor roamer into the indoor life, the cat probably will require between two and four weeks of careful retraining. Some older cats may need a few months to adapt to the indoors, however. 
Neuter or spay the cat, Thoma suggests. This curtails its desire to define territories and to search for mates. Be consistent. Avoid the temptation to let your cat out again. It's like smoking, Thoma says. If you're going to quit, you have to quit for good.
Eliminate the cat's desire to go 

 outside. To quell Tiger's interest in the front door, spray him with water from a plant sprayer, McDonough says. If Cleopatra is accustomed to chasing squirrels, don't frustrate her by leaving the window drapes wide open. 
Play with your cat. Frequent, vigorous exercise is a tonic for indoor cats. Grow cat grasses in a flowerpot on your windowsill so Tiger can satisfy his craving for his favorite greens. 
  A few newly housebound cats experience some initial distress. "If the cat's really upset," cautions Rodan, "use tranquilizers under a vet's supervision." Anxiety signs include frequent pitiful meowing, urinating everywhere but in the litter box, or pulling out hair.

MAKING THE OUTDOORS SAFER
Although the outdoors contains many potential dangers for felines, you may wish to give an indoor cat an occasional taste of fresh air. If so, use a leash or a harness. Stay nearby to protect your pet from roving toms and dogs. Of course, a well-adjusted indoor cat an get along just fine without ever stepping outside. You could just let Cleo prowl around a screened-in room.
  With perseverance and love, most felines quickly enjoy the benefits of becoming couch cats, not the least of which include added closeness with owners, and a longer, healthier life.

 

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