Who let the cats in? Evaluation of the transitioning of cats to indoor life

Concern over cat safety and native wildlife conservation have led to calls for cat containment indoors. However, little is known about how transitioning cats to an indoor lifestyle impacts cat behaviour or effects their owners(s). The current study investigated cat behaviour and owner experiences during transition to indoor management. Sixteen cats with previous outdoor access, and their owners, participated in a four-week trial consisting of one week baseline outdoor access followed by three weeks indoors. Owner experiences and perceptions of the transition, collected through weekly surveys and daily diaries, were analysed through reflexive thematic qualitative analysis and using a Theory of Planned Behaviour model. Cat behavioural data, assessed through owner report and activity tracking using HeyRex2 activity monitors, was analysed for treatment effects on behavioural indicators of stress and behavioural frequency. Owners reported experiencing challenges with the transition process due to difficulties with household management, feelings of guilt, and difficulty with monitoring entrances. A total of 40 % (6/15) of owners indicated they would likely continue indoor housing post-study. Owners reported cat behavioural changes showed variability between individuals, with some cats adjusting with minimal problems and others showing increased stress-typical behaviours. No significant difference in activity monitor data were found pre- and post-transition. Findings suggest that some cats may adapt readily to indoor living; however, owner perceptions and housing/household variables may pose barriers to successful indoor transitioning. This study provides an initial investigation of cat and owner indoor transitioning that may inform future research, policy and strategies for transitioning cats indoors.