If you’re concerned that the cat will miss the sunshine and fresh air, train him to wear a leash and harness (not a collar) and walk him outdoors. Or build a catio (a 360° screened, secured outside space) that allows the cat to experience the outdoors while safely confined. Just be aware that once a cat goes outside, they often want to keep going outside and will have a tendency to bolt.

Myth 1: Indoor cats get bored. They need to outside to have more to do.

Fact: The truth is, indoor cats can and do get bored, but letting them outside is not a good solution.

Instead, make your home more interesting: Set up perches where he can watch birds from the safety of inside, build a DIY cat playhouse, hide his food or modify his feeder so he has to “hunt” for it. Finally, if your cat is up to it, you might consider adopting a second cat as a playmate.

Myth 2: Indoor cats are overweight. They need to go outside to get more exercise.

Fact: If your cat is overweight, the safest way to help her trim down is by combining portion control and a daily exercise and play routine. Stop free feeding your cat, or at least be mindful only to feed a healthy amount per day. Cats love a schedule. Try feeding him at the same times each day and he’ll get used to the routine quickly.

**Have a cat who won’t stand for an empty food dish? Keep him distracted with the activities mentioned above — a feeder toy/puzzle feeder would be perfect for him. If you feed wet food, try stuffing a smaller dog’s toy with the food so your cat will have to work to get the food out. You could also choose to use an automatic feeder that works for wet or dry food, so you have options.

Myth 3: Indoor cats are destructive. They have to go outside to scratch on trees and use the restroom because they won’t go in their litter box.

Fact: Destructive behavior or not using the litter box is often a sign that something else is going on. Is your cat sick? Bored? A talk with your vet or a behaviorist may be in order.

Solving the problem might be simpler than you think. If your cat won’t scratch a vertical scratching post, try a horizontal one. If they don’t like scratching sisal, try a carpeted post.

Myth 4: My cat’s always been allowed outside, so he can’t be indoor-only.

Fact: Many cats have successfully gone from outdoor-only or indoor/outdoor to indoor-only. The key, again, is making sure the indoor environment is just as interesting as outside — and being vigilant about preventing escape attempts. 

Myth 5: My cat is safe when he goes outside because he stays close to my home/yard.

Fact: A lot can happen even within a small radius of your home. Other animals could come in and your cat may decide to explore a little further out. So, if you really want to let your cat outside, consider harness training him or creating a screened-in enclosure for him.

Myth 6: I need to let my cat out of the house because I’m allergic to her.

Fact: You may very well be allergic to your cat, but it’s possible you’re actually allergic to something she’s bringing in: indoor/outdoor cats pick up fleas, ticks, pollen and other allergens from the environment. If you really are allergic to your cat there are several easy ways you can reduce the allergens in your home, even when your cat is indoor-only.