Transitioning an outdoor cat to indoor-only living requires careful management to prevent frustration, boredom, and stress while protecting wildlife and extending the cat's lifespan.
The decision to transition a cat to indoor-only living should balance the welfare of the individual cat against the welfare impacts on wildlife and the cat's own safety. Cats with high predatory drive and outdoor experience may find indoor confinement genuinely distressing if adequate enrichment is not provided. A gradual transition, combined with substantial environmental enrichment and play, is essential. For cats that truly cannot adapt, supervised outdoor access or a well-designed catio may be the most welfare-compatible solution.