|
|













Bunny Roo |
Beagle |
Bringing the Outside In! Turn your outside only cat into the perfect INDOOR ONLY pet! Yes, it can be done! |
As you probably already know, my cat Norman is an outside cat. He was a stray before I found him, therefore, he likes roaming the neighborhood and chasing birds (especially at night!). Well, for several reasons, mainly safety concerns, I have decided to transform Norm into an indoor only kitty. Though Norm enjoys the great outdoors, I fear for his safety and don't sleep well when he is roaming the streets. I'm afraid he is going to be run over by a car, attacked by a stray dog, or even poisoned. I know that I have a tough road ahead of me...but the transformation must happen. To help me with my journey, I purchased a book titled: "Twisted Whiskers" by Pam Johnson. Pam is a Feline Behavior Consultant (who knew they even existed!) and she seems to know her stuff. Outdoor cats (like Norman) have many fun and exciting things to do. Bird watching, chasing butterflies, or simply napping in a sunbeam on the hood of a car are just a few of Norm's favorite past-times. According to Ms. Johnson, I must make the "inside" just as much fun to keep Norman happy and stimulated. Bored cats tend to over-sleep, eat too much, and often, they become depressed. Norm, depressed...oh no!! Ms. Johnson suggests buying a cat tree (which I did), several "cat teasers" in order to keep Norm entertained, and setting up a routine feeding schedule. She also suggests scheduled play times (David, my husband, will be in charge of these)! |
So far, so good. However, my MAIN concern is Norman's potty habits. Norman has NEVER used a litter box. I don't even think he knows what one is. According to "Twisted Whiskers" I should use a litter called "Ever Clean." Supposedly, this litter is similar to sand and is unscented. Right now, Norman only goes to the bathroom in dirt. Dirt is what he likes. The book suggests mixing dirt into his litter until he has made his "potty transition." I will let you know how the potty training goes. When I first found Norman, I bought a litter box. He NEVER used it...but I'm ready to give it another shot. Well, that's it for now. Check back next week as I will update you on Norman's progress (or lack there-of). Wish me luck! Meow! |
Norman Loves His Cat Tree! |
Copyright © 2007 BunnyRooBeagle.com. All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. |
Ever Clean...Norman's New Litter |
Update!!!! |
Norman has pooped in his litter box!!!! This is a major accomplishment!!! While Norman still goes outside occasionally....his outside time has been dramatically reduced. Soon, he won't be going outside at all! If you are having issues with your cat, I highly recommend the book "Twisted Whiskers." It has really helped me turn Norman into an indoor kitty. Check back soon for another Norman update. Meow! |
Norman is officially an indoor only cat! He has not gone outside in almost ten months! He has his moments when he meows by the door....but those moments quickly pass. Norman is happy, healthy and much cleaner! Norman is proof that you CAN turn an outdoor cat into an indoor only feline! |
Update!!!! |
Update!!!! |
Norman has not gone outside in almost two years! Norman is VERY happy as he now has a girlfriend! We added another stray cat to our family (Claire the Calico!). To see a picture of Claire, please visit the home-page and scroll to the bottom. |