Is it possible to turn indoor cats into cats which can go outside too?

[Daisymac]

In our first house we had 5 of our 10 cats,  they were all kept as indoor cats then as we were near main roads,  we moved specifically so that the cats could go outside and have some freedom,  we now live nowhere near any main roads and all of the 5 indoor cats have adapted perfectly to going outside,  Daisy Doo Doo who was our first cat still doesnt much like being outside on her own but if we are outside she is fine and we have a cat flap so they can come and go as they please in the day,  at night they are all locked in the house.  They did take a while to adapt and would go in and out for hours at first,  you will need to pick a nice day and leave the doors open so they know they can get in easily if they feel threatened or scared in anyway,  they will go further and further from the house each day and eventually you will wonder if they ever lived indoors    Good Luck xxx

[Janeyk]

I would agree with BC so long as they are not near main roads.

If they safe to go outside in your garden then it should be ok, if you are near roads I would catproof the garden - sometimes cats do prefer to stay indoors though.

[blackcat]

Yes, they do at times want to go out at night. Personally I prefer to keep them in from dawn to dusk as that is when they do their hunting and do the most damage to local wildlife. It is also not safe for them to be out at night as they are vulnerable to car accidents, attacks from other cats and foxes. I would strongly recommend you keep them indoors at night from the outset so that they understand this is the way it is.

[Steve1977]

When we originally had our two cats we decided they'd be indoor cats and it remained that way until one of them passed away. We then got another cat to keep our existing one company and this one was a little street wise fella so we decided to allow them outside - they enjoyed it so much! They absolutely love it!

The one we kept inside for quite a while does like to go outside - but only on the night time! lol Generally it's always asking to come back in the house and whatnot but no matter where they go, they'll always remember where there home is.

[blackcat]

I have had cats who were indoor and transferred to outdoor life quite happily and then back into being indoor cats. They are remarkably adaptable animals so that aspect I would not be too concerned about. As others have said, ensure they are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before they take their first big steps into the wide world. Also I would be inclined to let each of them out separately so that you can keep a close eye on where they go. Then when they seem to be individually happy wandering around then both of them can go out together. It sounds like you are making a bit of a welter of it, doing it this way, but trust me it is the best approach. Once they have had a sniff around the first day call them back with a food reward, and gradually build up the time they spend outdoors.

I am assuming you do not have any major roads around. If you do, then perhaps you could consider retaining them as indoor cats ....

[rosiesmum]

Our cat Rosie was an indoor cat when we lived in a flat, but when we moved to our house 18 months ago, we dicided that we would let her out. She loves it!!!

She has changed so much and really loves her freedom, she seems alot happier.

We had a cat flap put in and she and our other cat James come and go as they please. 

[Kay and Penny]

and let them out the first few times just before their usual feeding time

[Canterbury_cats (Sharon)]

Get them Chipped!!! Then let them out gradually.. Cats are not daft they know where home is and if you have had them for 3wks and they have settled in fine i would say little and often and encourage them in with a rattle of biscuits or something.. But dont let them out before you have got them chipped just incase..

Cats that havent been out for a while (or ever) do take a while to adjust but they soon learn and i have seen it make a huge difference to  a cat who has spent yrs indoors but we rehomed as outdoor cats. They may not ever wander far but do enjoy the outside life...

And of course makessure they are neutered, which i hope they are anyhow.. Good luck and good for you on taking on adult cats.

[sequenci]

Hello there,

We have recently taken in two cats as a work colleague can no longer look after them, they are both approximately seven years old.
Historically they have been kept in a flat and have so far enjoyed the run of our much larger house.
I'm keen to see if they would like to go out but am very worried about them running off, especially if they get spooked by something.
They have lived with us for about three weeks now and seem to have settled in very well!
Your expertise would be gratefully received!

Best wishes,

Seq