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One cat is indoor/outdoor......

16:14:12

Question
I have an older kitty (Coco, 10 years) who has always been indoor/outdoors. I am getting a Siamese kitten in about 2-3 weeks and I want him indoors only. It is because I recently lost my beloved Siamese BUTU on (March 23rd) who was hit by a car and was an indoor/outdoor kitty. he was only 2 years old, and this has devastated me still. I know cats will live longer if they are indoors only, however I think they need to run and jump and play outside, and I have never had an indoor only cat. My question is: How do I keep my new kitten in when he sees Coco going in and out? Butu always went right for the door and sometimes when I didn't want him out (like at night) he jetted out the door. I live in a small condo, but I'm not ON the road as it is several hundred yards away. I live in the back of the complex where it is more private with grass, shrubs & flowers. I just am not quite sure how to deal with this.
Thanks~Lynda

Answer
I myself have struggled with this.  If you can get it to work you're miles ahead of me.  The indoor/outdoor dilemma is just something you have to accept.  Death is something you risk, and quality of life is something to consider also.  A thought might be to try to limit your cats' indoor/outdoor comings & goings during high traffic times.  My cats are allowed out at night after 10pm when there is less traffic, and are locked back inside at 6am.  They are also not allowed out on weekends.  

You have to put up with some whining, but you can regulate their in and out times to safer periods of the day.

Good luck!
Amy