Indoor cats are safer than outdoor ones; that’s just common sense.

Risks for outdoor cats include parasites, heartworm, leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus (AIDS for cats), skin cancer, hanging or choking, and toxoplasmosis—not to mention the potential for death by car accident.

If your kitty is used to having the lay of the land, you have your work cut out for you, but you can make the transition. Cats are creatures of habit, so don’t expect her to forsake the outdoors cold-turkey. You’ll need to slowly create a new routine by bringing her in for short periods of time.

Offer items to keep her entertained inside—like toys, a cat condo, and a scratching post.

Devote as much time as possible to playing with her.

This will be the main attraction, since she’s likely been isolated in her open-air adventures. If you can get her a feline playmate, that’s even better!

Providing a safe outdoor enclosure will help her during the adjustment period.

This way, she’ll still see the sunlight and feel less confined. You can build your own unit by securing chicken wire to a simple wooden frame. Add shelves, tires, and boxes for climbing and lounging, and make sure to place it in a shaded area to offer respite from the heat. Always supervise your cat when she’s in the enclosure to make sure she doesn’t get out and roam.

If you can’t provide safe outdoor space, you may want to walk her on a leash—really!

It isn’t just for dogs. She probably won’t scamper up to you with the leash lodged between her teeth, but in time she’ll get used to using it. And she’ll grow accustomed to her new lifestyle as it becomes more fun and familiar.

Tags: cat leash, indoor cat, outdoor cat, walk your cat