Training a cat to be an indoor pet

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 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!