Moving Outdoor Cats Indoors
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I'm moving to a place where the cats won't be able to go outdoors as they do now. How can I handle what is sure to be a big problem for them—and me?
You are right that it will be a big change for your cats. Outside is an ever-changing place with tons of natural enrichment for them. Your goal will be to best provide a changing and enriching environment inside to decrease the likelihood of them creating their own.
Instead of feeding them in bowls, have them hunt for their food around your house. Place their food on small plates, or in boxes or even in toilet paper tubes distributed throughout the house. They can spend part of their day hunting, just as they did outside!
You can also give them forage. Provide them with cat grass that you can buy from most large pet supply stores. This will give them the ability to graze just as they did outside.
Hang toys by vents so they flutter unexpectedly—this will provide them with hunting experiences that can occur “at any moment.”
The key is to change things often—and provide variety!