There is a growing acceptance and understanding of the benefits for keeping cats in.
Most cats adapt well to staying home, especially if conditioned from an early age. However, adult cats used to roaming may have some difficulty adjusting. If this is true for your cat, RSPCA recommend keeping it inside overnight, gradually increasing the time you keep it in.
Some councils have introduced by-laws to enforce curfews. Contact your local council to find out if you have a cat curfew in your area.
Start by giving your cat a climbing/scratching pole, food, water, a litter tray and toys to keep your cat happy inside. Here's some other tips to make an indoor cat comfortable.
Give your cat the best of both worlds by giving it access to your home and your yard. Before you make fence modifications or build an enclosure, check with your local council to find out if you need development approval.
Cat-proofing your fence gives your cat complete access to your whole garden. Ask your local council if they have restrictions on fence extensions or adjustments. Below are ways you can cat-proofing your existing fence:
These additions may also keep other cats from entering your garden.
You can confine your cat in an enclosure attached to an existing structure or have a free-standing enclosure.
In an enclosure, provide your cat a warm dry bed, shelter from wind and rain, and shade from the sun and access to fresh water and a place to toilet (away from where they are fed). They’ll also enjoy having access to platforms at different heights and climbing structures.
There are commercial free-standing enclosures available, you can design and construct your own or commission a contractor. The size of your free-standing enclosure will depend on the number of cats you have and how they behave together. They need enough space to be comfortable.