make my outdoor cat an indoor cat

Question
I am preparing to move into a loft apartment from a neighborhood with big yards and other kitties.  My cat roscoe really, really loves it outside, and i generally cant get him to spend more than 10 minutes a day inside (i think he's moonlighting with other families, but i try not to take it personally...).  Do you know of any good method for getting him to stay inside without being miserable and hopefully, without crying 24/7?
thanks

Answer
Hi, Betsy.

Well, change is always hard on a cat.  But to look at it on the bright side, making an outdoor cat and indoor-only cat is always easiest done when you move into a new home.  They feel safest in a fixed amount of space when they are in unfamiliar territory, so the indoors is actually a comforting place for them to be.

My cats all used to go outside, but when I moved near a highway, we made them all indoor-only cats.  They did have cabin fever for a few months.  They cried at the doors, sometimes tried to dodge outside.  But then they settled down and have all turned into happy, healthy housecats.

Some things that may make his transition easier:

Feliway.  This is a synthetic facial pheromone sold in a spray.  Pheromones help make a cat's surroundings smell familiar, and it helps calm stressed cats.  It's imperative to use prior to, during, and after a move, in  my opinion.  I'd recommend using the plug-in diffuser which contains Feliway, called Comfort Zone.  It would be ideal if you could also purchase the spray bottle to apply Feliway directly to his bed, moving crate, etc.  You can learn more and order at www.felineway.com.  It's also available at pet stores.

Toys.  Fur toy mice are a favorite.  Balls and feathers, even balls made of crumpled aluminum foil, or paper bags to hide in, all make for plenty of entertainment.  My cats love a toy called the Turbo Scratcher.  It's a round toy that sits on the floor, with catnip-treated cardboard in the middle, and a ball in a track around the outside.  They'll play with it for hours.  Don't forget a nice, tall scratching post.  Actually, it would be best to provide him with a full piece of cat furniture he can climb.  They start at about $100 for a good piece, but they usually prevent cats from scratching furniture and climbing on counters and tables.

Plants.  It's an excellent idea to provide your kitty with a pot of fresh cat grass or catnip.  Seeds or ready-grown pots are available at pet stores.

Window perch.  There are a few different versions available through pet stores.  They are easily installed with a couple of screws.  This will allow your kitty to soak up the sun, breathe the fresh air (when a screened window is open), and watch birds, butterflies, etc.

Videos.  For cats who are left alone often or seem to become bored, videos especially made for cats can keep them busy.  For some examples, see www.videocatnip.com.

You may have to deal with a little bit of crying, a little bit of clinginess, but these will pass.  I promise!  And your kitty will be safer, healthier, and a friendlier pet.