Keeping an outdoor cat inside

[Dasher789]

I am moving house later this year but will have a gap of 2.5 months during which time I will need to rent. I am finding it hard to find rentals which do not require a minimum 6 months contract and have so far only managed to find an upper floor flat which will take me. My cat currently has a flap and comes and goes as he pleases. How difficult will it be for him to be indoors for the period? I am happy to buy a harness and take him for a walk each day if that might help.

I’m sure he would be absolutely fine indoors, he will get used to it. And when you move into your new house later in the year he will have to stay in for a few weeks then anyway. Maybe not use a cat harness though, it can cause them stress. But it’s personal choice. Good luck!!

Thanks, that is reassuring. Il try and keep him inside the whole time unless he is clawing at the door all the time. Will definitely allow him a few weeks to settle once moved to new house before getting him a flap again. Thank you

I would say best not to confuse him with taking him for walks. Make sure you are very aware of leaving windows open they can get out of really small gaps if they decide to!

For such a short period he’ll be fine as long as he’s occupied. Tall cat trees are available online at reasonable cost, lots of toys, edible treats and attention.
We had to put ours in a cattery for what turned into nearly 6 months. It was horrid. We could visit but the poor things couldn’t walk properly for several days when we could finally bring them home. It was a good cattery with an outside enclosure but they were so stiff from lack of exercise that they walked around like little, stiff robots for several days. Being indoors with you will be much better for him.