Owner-reported experiences of transitioning cats from outdoor to indoor living

An increasing number of people are choosing to keep cats indoors due to concerns for cat health and safety and to reduce cat-related pressures on native wildlife. However, limited research has been undertaken into the impacts of transitioning cats indoors on both owner and cat. The present study investigated owner perceptions and experiences of transitioning a cat with previous outdoor access to indoor-only living, through an online survey of 87 cat owners. Questions related to owner motivations and planning, experiences of the transition period, cat adjustment and perceived benefits and challenges. Participants most commonly cited cat safety as the motivating factor for, and perceived benefit of, keeping cats indoors. Participants reported facing practical and emotional challenges associated with the transition, such as struggling with doorway management and indoor litter maintenance, feelings of guilt over confining their cat, and concern about meeting their cat’s needs. Participants generally reported increased financial burden associated with the transition indoors, with the exception of veterinary bills, which were reported to reduce. Over 40% of participants perceived that their cat had adjusted to indoor living within days, a quarter indicated adjustment occurred within weeks, while 12.6% reported that their cat had still not adjusted. Faster adjustment periods were reported where cats were younger at the time of transition. While most owners reported minimal changes in their cat’s behaviour following transition, some reported increases in social behaviours such as play, vocalisation, and attention seeking. Only 13.8% of participants reported preparing for the transition prior to bringing their cat indoors, with 46% of participants reporting they made no preparations prior to transition, and 35.6% reporting an unplanned transition that was initiated due to a medical need or safety concern. Most participants reported implementing at least one housing modification during or after moving their cat indoors to support the transition. The majority of participants found the transition easier than expected, perceived their cat as happy post-transition, and stated that they would keep future cats indoors. Owner experiences reported in this survey provide valuable insights to inform future indoor cat management initiatives, and to provide support for those who choose to transition their cat indoors, when indoor management is an appropriate and viable.