There's no greater joy than seeing your pet cat have the time of their life frolicking and roaming freely in the great outdoors. However, leaving them to their own devices unsupervised can be a big risk to your feline friend.
As the old adage goes, nothing good happens when a cat gets too curious. And, sure enough, these pets do enjoy wandering around in places where they shouldn't be if you let them.
The good news is that you can mix the best of both worlds with a proper outdoor cat enclosure. This structure allows your cat to feel and sense the outdoor breeze and sights, while simultaneously eliminating the risk of various outdoor hazards that may pose a risk to your cat.
That said, getting your cat accustomed to an outdoor enclosure can be a challenging experience. While some cats may naturally enjoy the transition to this new outdoor home, others may be a bit more hesitant and need a bit more encouragement to move in.
Just like people, every cat is different-and it's important to respect your cat's initial reaction to the move-in and tailor-fit your approach to best suit your feline pal.
If your cat falls under the category of not wanting anything to do with the enclosure, then worry not. We'll give you some tips to help your cat transition into this new outdoor space with less pushback. Let's jump right into it!
Pick the Right Enclosure
Before introducing your cat to its new outdoor space, it's essential to pick one that actually meets your cat's standards. Some cat enclosures may be too cramped, too uncomfortable, or even too unstimulating for your cat, which would make them naturally want to avoid that space altogether.
You know your cat and its little personality quirks best. With this knowledge, you should pick an enclosure that fits your cat's personality and its general nature.
If your cat loves to play and jump around, it would appreciate it more if you pick cat enclosures from Somerzby with various shelves, ramps, and tiers. If your cat, on the other hand, is more laid-back, it may prefer a cosy space with a kennel to sleep in and stay away from the sun.
In any case, it's also essential to pick a high-quality cat enclosure. Don't skimp out and go for value all the way-as this may mean compromising the quality of the cat enclosure and making them feel more imprisoned instead of relaxed when in the environment. Plus, a strong physical force may cause the enclosure to break, rendering it useless altogether.
Instead, pick a cat enclosure that features durable materials like steel mesh and treated timbers. This ensures that your cat is comfortable and safe at all times. You'll also have peace of mind knowing that the cage will hold up across a variety of conditions, keeping your cat safe all throughout their outdoor time.
Put Your Cat's Favourite Items in the Enclosure
A bare enclosure can be intimidating to the cat. After all, it's a new place where they have limited mobility, which can be quite restrictive for the cat at first.
To make it more inviting, it's a good idea to equip the space with some toys or things that the cat has positive associations with for them to transition into it more comfortably.
For instance, you can put in a scratching post or a blanket that they use at home inside this place to give them some sense of familiarity. You can also put beds or ramps to let your cat rest or play more easily, making the environment feel like a nice, livable place instead of just a cage.
By adding these small touches, you can make your cat feel more comfortable in their new space. In turn, this can make them transition to the space with greater ease and less discomfort for both you and your cat.
Play Around With Shorter Sessions
Despite these additions, it can still take some time to get cats used to the idea of staying outdoors in the cage. This is especially true if your cat has lived indoors for most of its life-and the garden is unfamiliar territory for them.
Never force your cat into situations where they feel stressed or cornered. If your cat is hesitant to get inside the enclosure, gradually build up their confidence by letting them stay in it for just short bursts of time on occasion.
Start with just a few minutes indoors. Then, gradually increase the time until they get used to sticking around in the enclosure for longer periods. Repeated sessions can gradually build up your cat's trust in the new space. This, in turn, can make it feel more routine and thus easier for them to enjoy.
Reinforce Them Appropriately
Another essential habit to do at the start to gradually get your cat in good spirits while in the cage is by reinforcing them with the proper rewards.
Bring along items they love (such as their favourite treats) and let those things be used to reward them for each time they set foot in the enclosure or behave appropriately in it.
If your cat shows curiosity or chooses to linger, reward them right away so they start to link the experience with something positive. You can also play with toys and kibble to ensure that they associate the space with something fun and light-hearted.
When your cat learns that the enclosure is where fun happens and rewards appear, they will become less hesitant to approach it and more excited and interested. This, in turn, can gradually let them get used to their little cosy cat corner and the great outdoors in general.
We hope these tips will serve you well when training your cat to be used to their new cat enclosure. All the best in giving your cat its best life!
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