Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Which is the best way to turn a cat from being an indoor/outdoor kitty into just a indoor kitty? I'm getting a mother cat who may be pregnant again and her 2-3 month old kitten. And i'd rather not give her the option to have the kittens outside if she is pregnant....I live in Maine and those kittens would die as soon as they are born.

I can only tell you the way I do it and it has worked for me many times. Most of my 15 cats are former ferals or rescues that came from outside. I bring the furball in and put her in a small room, like a bathroom, with toys, food, litterbox and a box to sleep in. I keep the kitty in there until she/he is consistantly using the box and has shown signs of at least tolerating me. Then I start letting the kitty out for brief periods to look around, meet the others and settle in. After a couple weeks, I turn them free and loose in the house. If any of mine go anywhere near a door leading to the outside world, I spray them with a squirt bottle. If I don't have a bottle handy, I stamp my foot at them and yell "No". Most of mine will go within about 2 feet of the doors and stand there looking silly. They know they are not getting out there and seem satisfied with looking out windows. Good luck with your baby and let us know how it goes

-----
PHWildCat
Cat Board Monitor and Chat Host
Pet Hobbyist
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

WOw someone else from Maine on the boards finally.
You should probably bring both your new cats to the vet for a check up. The vet will be able to tell if she is pregnant. If you don't have a room you can keep her in. Keep a can with pebble in it near the door or a spray bottle. When the cats go near the door either shake the can or spray them. They will learn to keep away from the outside door.
Good luck.
-----
Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker