Every time the front door opens, your cat is there, ready to slip out. Or it sits at the window chattering at birds, or cries at the back door in the evening. You keep your cat indoors for good reasons, but it clearly wants more. The good news is that much of what a cat gets from going outside can be brought indoors.
Why indoor cats want to go outside
Writing for Vetstreet, Dr Khuly points out that outdoor cats enjoy a far greater degree of engagement with their environment. Indoor cats may miss the chance to climb a tree, chase a lizard or watch the neighbourhood. She also notes that common factors such as solitude, inactivity and subtle aggression between cats can affect a cat’s mental wellbeing, citing The Ohio State University’s Indoor Cat Initiative.
How to enrich your indoor cat’s life
Dr Khuly groups indoor enrichment around a cat’s daily needs:
| Need | What to provide |
|---|---|
| Hunting for food | Hide small portions around the home; use food puzzles |
| Drinking | A fountain-style bowl for sight and sound |
| Toileting | More litter trays; try different sizes and litters |
| Scratching | A dedicated post with different materials |
| Hiding | Cubbies, baskets and soft beds in several places |
| Attention | Daily brushing and petting |
| Nibbling | Catnip and indoor edible grass such as wheatgrass or oat grass |
| Thinking | Training, even cat agility, to problem-solve |
Related guides: a cat that will not use a puzzle feeder, a cat that scratches the sofa instead of the post, and a cat that drinks from the tap.
Stopping door dashing and crying at the door
- Give a better option at door time. Toss a toy or a few treats away from the door as you come and go, so your cat learns that good things happen elsewhere.
- Do not open the door in response to crying. If crying gets the door opened, your cat learns that crying works. The same learning pattern explains a cat meowing at your bedroom door.
- Build daily play into the evening. RSPCA Australia notes that cats are most active in exploration at dusk and dawn, so an evening play session can take the edge off.
- Consider safe outdoor access. An enclosed garden space or cat enclosure can give fresh air safely. International Cat Care has guidance on fencing in a garden to keep a cat safe.
When to see the vet
FAQ
Why does my indoor cat want to go outside?
The outdoors offers much more to do. A vet writing for Vetstreet notes that indoor life can be boring by comparison, so cats need enrichment indoors.
How can I keep my indoor cat happy?
Hide food and use food puzzles, add scratching posts, hiding places, a water fountain and cat-safe grass, and give daily attention and play.
Should I let my cat out if it cries at the door?
Opening the door in response teaches your cat that crying works. Offer enrichment and play instead, or consider a safe enclosed outdoor space.
Is it cruel to keep a cat indoors?
Not if the home meets its needs for hunting, climbing, scratching, hiding and company.
When is crying to go out a health issue?
If it starts suddenly or comes with other changes, especially in an older cat. See your vet.
Sources
- Khuly P. On the prowl for adventure: 7 ways to enrich your indoor cat’s life. Vetstreet (originally HealthyPet magazine, 2015). Read
- RSPCA Australia. My cat is very active at night and keeps waking me up, what should I do? Read
- MSPCA-Angell. Why is my cat meowing so much? Read
- International Cat Care. Fencing in your garden to keep your cat safe. Read
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
