Outdoor to indoor kitty

[AnnaMartha]

Hi, we have to move out of our rented house and I am worried we might not find anywhere with a garden. We have a cat who is used to coming in and out as she pleases. Would it be cruel / distressing for her if we moved into a flat without a garden and she became an 'indoor cat'.

How old is she? She may well get used to it if she has enough to keep her entertained inside.

Depends on the cat. Our current pair would destroy the place if we locked them in.

@Blowyourowntrumpet she's around 11 years old. Do you think her being older makes it more likely or less likely she'd adapt?

All the cats I've had have wanted to go out less as they've got older. It's definitely safer for them to be inside and if she had things to occupy her, I would think she'd adapt. Good luck. I hope it works out for you.

@Blowyourowntrumpet thanks 🙏

It's just a lottery.

One of mine used to be outdoors and is absolutely fine as an indoor cat, but I know others who became incredibly stressed and miserable and sadly they had to be rehomed.

@thelobsterquadrille oh god I'd hate for that to happen. Appreciate the heads up. 🙏