How do I keep my indoor/outdoor cat inside ONLY?

I applaud you for having him neutered. Neutered males will lose their desire to be out and "on the prowl" - be patient. The sign is a GREAT idea - we did the same thing (1 of our cats thought he was Houdini (escape artist). To find your cat faster, their are several companies that offer a safe return home by micro-chipping the pet. This might be available in your area. There is a product called "Scat Mat" - it lightly shocks the pet when made contact with - good for doors, windows, off-limits rooms, etc. Make him WANT to stay inside - plenty of food and water, toys, scratching post, etc. If he still insists on being outside, take him out on a harness/collar and leash (start with a harness first - easily restrained) - ours LOVE it! With plenty of love and reassurance, he'll be fine. Good Luck!

I have twenty-four cats and they all live inside (we have a large house and shop!) To let them have fresh air, we have built "cat runs" that they can access through pet doors to areas fenced over with chicken wire. I realize this isn't an option for everyone but the idea that a cat needs to go outside is just not true. They live longer and healthier lives if they are kept indoors. Your vet probably told you that not only is your cat being beat up but he is being exposed to several deadly viruses during cat fights and runs the risk of harm from dogs, autos and other people. Talk to your vet about medications to calm your cat down temporarily while he gets used to his new life style. I am assuming he has been neutered. Please do not declaw your cat until you have read the links at the bottom of this entry. There are better ways of handling your cats behavioral problems than maiming him and robbing him of his defenses. This can cause even more behavioral problems at a time when he is stressed already. A simple Google search on "indoor cats" should provide you with a lot of answers and ideas. There are some good links on the last site I have posted below. Give your cat extra attention and positive reinforcement. Good luck on a peaceful transitiion for him.

Pretty much all you can do is just watch the door every time it's opened...it becomes a blind habit after a while, trust me :)

There's a technique to opening doors that I think most cat owners know...open door slowly, stick foot in, push cat(cats) away, open door wider, grab for them as they make a run for it, pick them up as you walk inside, close door, put cat down.

If you could carry a squirt bottle(that has a spray option instead of the stream) around with you, and get him a couple times with it as you're coming in the door he might learn that way...it sounds mean but it won't hurt him. Water will deter some of the most determined of cats..

He's still young though, so that's good. Eventually he should stop trying to get out.

That's horrible that some ..person.. would do that to him, though...some people make me sick. I'm glad you got him back! Do you know who did it?

Good luck

I moved into a house that has an enclosed foyer with 2 doors to keep my 6 cats from getting out.

Get a baby gate and leave it across the front door. When you open the door it'll prevent him from dashing out by your feet. Don't leave the door wide open, though, as he could leap it. But at least it'll stop him for those few seconds of going in and out.

just have to be more diligent. i also have a male cat that went out the night before halloween and came back with his entire front leg and paw swollen. No cuts/scratches or bite wounds, just so swollen, as if he'd been hit, hasn't used that leg at all and hobbles around on three legs. have had him for 2 years with no problem, we are much more particular in doing our best to keep him inside now and he seems to have no problem staying inside. whatever happened must've been scary because his desire to be outside has diminished.

Although I understand your concerns A cat needs to be able to wander outside free It is not healthy to keep them confined to the house, They are much happier when able to come and go.

keep doors closed,window closed,don't have a pet door that he can get out through.

don't let him out