Cats raised outdoors get used to apartments? How do they adapt?

A very common question among cat parents is the following: will a cat raised outdoors get used to apartments?

All posts about pets here on the site are always a success! 

Whether it’s gathering interesting facts, giving tips or even talking more about the health and behavior of certain species… Success is guaranteed!

After all, pets are true national passions, right?

And after some content more focused on topics involving dogs – from breeds to cleaning tips – it’s only fair that we talk a little more about these beloved felines, right? 

And today's topic is a very common one among cat parents, whether they are first-time cat parents or even those who already have/have had cats before: adaptation.

After all, does a cat raised outdoors get used to an apartment? What are the best ways to adapt them after such a sudden change of environment?

That’s what we’re going to talk about today! Throughout the content, we’ll understand a little more about the felines’ adaptation process in these cases. 

In addition, we will also give you tips to make living together easier during this period and how you can help a cat raised outdoors while it gets used to the apartment.

The routine of a house X the routine of an apartment

You don't have to be a big fan of pets to know that there are several differences when comparing a pet's routine in a house and the routine in an apartment.

As a house tends to have more space and, consequently, more activities for your pet to do throughout the day, moving from a house to an apartment can have a big impact on your pet.

And this tends to be even more intense when we are talking about felines.

As everyone knows, cats are much more independent than dogs. And along with that, they usually have a more adventurous personality and love to explore every possible place.

For this reason, these animals – especially those raised more freely – tend to do better in houses rather than apartments. This is because they are freer to roam around whenever they feel like it, spend the day outside, explore the neighborhood, and so on.

In apartments, the situation changes a lot. 

With the exception of properties located on the ground floor of buildings, it is extremely dangerous to have a cat in an apartment and not install screens on windows and balconies.

Despite being extremely agile and smart animals, accidents can happen and your cat could end up falling. 

And depending on the floor your apartment is on, this type of fall can be fatal.

Therefore, the first thing that a cat finds strange is when moving from a house to an apartment. But there are solutions for this type of situation.

Does a cat raised outdoors get used to an apartment? 

As much as you and your cat/cats enjoy living at home, we never know what changes the future holds.

And often, for reasons beyond our control, these changes can include moving from house to apartment.

And at these times, just like felines, we may have to adapt to a new routine in a new home.

But, as difficult as it may seem, a cat raised outdoors can get used to apartments.

Of course, this type of adaptation takes a certain amount of time – which can vary greatly from one cat to another, depending on their temperament and personality.

But with a lot of patience, dedication and using the right tricks, a cat raised outdoors can get used to the routine of an apartment.

But we won't lie to you: in some cases, this adaptation can be more difficult than in others. 

At first they will probably try to escape into the street at any opportunity they find the front door open. 

Therefore, at least during the initial adaptation phase, it is important to monitor yourself in this regard.

Another example of adaptation that can end up being a little more difficult than normal is when you already live in an apartment and end up adopting a stray animal or one that was in a shelter.

When cats have been living under these conditions – living on the streets and everything – for a long time, it can be even more difficult for them to adapt to this completely new routine.

But know that there are practical tips that can help in the process of adapting cats to their new homes. And that's what we'll talk about in the next topic!

Tips for helping a free-range cat get used to an apartment

The adaptation process itself may not be the easiest, but by following some of the tips we have gathered here today, this phase will become easier for your cat and also for you!

Invest in toys Cats raised outdoors get used to apartments

Since these cats no longer have the “entertainment” of walking around the streets, they need to have new options to pass the time.

Toys and objects specifically for felines can be a great option!

And if your cat already had one in his previous home, keep that toy nearby at all times. This will give your cat a sense of familiarity. 

Bet on cat-friendly spaces to help free-ranging cats get used to apartments 

Another great way to get a free-range cat used to an apartment is to invest in cat-ification in your new home.

In fact, we have already created content talking about this procedure. To read this material, just click here.

Take him for walks around the neighborhood. Cats raised outdoors get used to apartments

Just because he can't go out alone anymore doesn't mean the walks are over. 

You can take your cat for a walk around your apartment. And if you live in a gated community, it's even better.

But of course, always using the chest harness to avoid accidents.

Conclusion 

It may seem like an impossible mission in some cases, but a cat raised outdoors can indeed get used to the routine of an apartment.

But it is important to stimulate your feline so that he is always moving and, in a way, compensating for the walks that no longer exist.

This way, he will be able to adapt well without becoming sad or depressed during the process.

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