(PIKES PEAK REGION, Colo.) — How does an outdoor cat who is used to a life on the street become a cat adopted into a loving home? The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR) shared with FOX21 the behavioral signs they look for when treating outdoor cats.
HSPPR recently shared the story of Stevie, an alley cat who was brought into the shelter by a Good Samaritan with an injury to her back leg. Stevie was later adopted after showing signs to HSPPR staff of wanting to retire as an alley cat and become an indoor cat.
Courtesy: Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
Courtesy: Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
According to HSPPR, outdoor cats will usually show signs of wanting to become an indoor cat and that is how the shelter will determine whether a cat is ready to “retire”. Staff said an outdoor cat will show social characteristics to be a safe and thriving indoor cat, such as in Stevie’s case who while in HSPPR care was a social butterfly, loved interacting with staff, and enjoyed her time in her foster home so HSPPR made the decision to have her be adopted into a home when she was ready.
Other times HSPPR might receive word from a colony manager that a cat keeps trying to enter their house or they won’t leave the house even when the door is left open for them. Outdoor cats in some cases might be retired if they are not medically cleared to live outside and HSPPR’s team will discuss having the cat adopted into a home that can take care of them.
HSPPR said if a former outdoor cat is adopted, they recommend providing enrichment and creating an environment indoors that resembles the outdoors, such as lots of pet-safe plants, cat trees for climbing on, and having these in spots that get lots of sunlight. HSPPR said even bringing in some sticks and leaves from outside for them to sniff can be enriching, especially if you mix some treats in. The best cat enrichment HSPPR recommends is a secure “catio”, a safe consistent access to fresh air.
Former outdoor cats may also enjoy walks either on a leash or in a backpack.
“Just like people like to hang photos of memories up around their home, retired outdoor cats will also appreciate reminders of their roots (so to speak)!” said HSPPR.
