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Moving with my cat: How to make an indoor/outdoor cat indoor-only?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

I'll be moving soon, with my 13 y/o male cat. He has been indoor/outdoor for most of his adult life, with access to a cat door. I'm concerned because he will need to transition to being an indoor cat in our new home--litter box training, the works. (I hope to someday build a catio for him, but that will take time.) What can I do to make this easier on him?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Davis

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on August 26th, 2017

Start now with closing the cat door at night and keeping Kitter in with a litter box available. After a few days or a week keep him inside only. That way he will adjust before the stress of moving. Most cats naturally use the litter box but you may want to confine him to a smaller area with the box at night when he's in. Use plain litter without fragrance and clean it daily and fully empty it and scrub it with mild dish washing soap weekly. Cats are fussy and if the box is dirty they can start going out of the box. Also pick up bath mats and laundry so he doesn't start urinating on those. He should be fine, most cats adjust well. Make sure you play with him a lot and he may enjoy a cat tree since he is probably used to more exercise when he's outside. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Kitter.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 7th, 2017

    You can put a litter box next to the door once he uses it move it outside the door. Once he gets used to holding it and going outside to get to the litter box, you can get rid of the litter box so he will go outside. You may need to have him checked for an infection also to make sure there is not a medical reason he is going

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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