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How to train an outdoor cat to be an indoor cat and stop screaming?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

I took in a cat who is used to going outside some of the time. I have moved near a very busy street with construction. She screams to go out. How can I train her to be an indoor cat. The screaming at 4 am and all day on weekends are killing me! I feel bad for her but, I also know it's best for cats to be inside. For their safety as well as birds and other animals . What do I do?! I don't want to give her up.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Amber Da Silva, DVM

Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 28th, 2017

Once cats have gotten a taste of the outdoors, it can sometimes be difficult to get them to want to stay inside. I would recommend getting a cat tree where she has a view of the outside and can lay in the sun. If possible, put a bird feeder just outside the window so she can watch the birds. Place a Feliway diffuser in that area. This is meant to decrease stress and is available here:



This is also an excellent resource for information on how to make life for indoor cats less stressful:

https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats
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