From Barn Buddies to Housemates: Helping Your Farm Cats Adjust to Winter Indoors

Farm cats are often independent creatures, thriving in the outdoor environment. However, when winter's icy grip takes hold, bringing them indoors becomes a necessity for their safety and well-being. This transition, while beneficial, can present some challenges for both the cats and their human caretakers.  Especially if their human friends have allergies! 

One of the biggest hurdles is the change in environment. Farm cats are accustomed to wide-open spaces, hunting opportunities, and the freedom to roam. Confining them to a smaller indoor space can lead to stress, anxiety, and even behavioral issues. Overall they did really well, adjusting within probably twelve hours. Minus three broken pieces of dinner ware (the ones we know about anyway LOL).   

Creating a warm and comfortable indoor space is crucial for a smooth transition. Consider these tips:

• Designated Area: If possible, dedicate a specific room or area for the cats. This gives them a sense of territory and helps them feel more secure. A spare bedroom, laundry room, or even a corner of the living room can work well. Laundry is our cat room; litter box, food and water bowls out of the way and allows them their privacy.

• Comfortable Bedding: Provide soft bedding, such as blankets, cat beds, or even cardboard boxes lined with towels. Place these in quiet, draft-free areas. We have to do the extra cleaning when it warms back up but we just let our three snuggle buddies have the recliner, chase lounge and love seat.

• Vertical Space: Cats love to climb and perch. Provide vertical space with cat trees, shelves, or even sturdy furniture they can safely climb on. This helps them feel more secure and provides exercise.  And boy do they love to climb. Wish I had a photo but you can probably imagine the very top kitchen cabinets.

Litter box training is another essential aspect of bringing farm cats indoors.

•   Multiple Litter Boxes: Provide multiple litter boxes, especially in larger homes or if you have multiple cats. Place them in easily accessible locations, away from food and water.   

• Different Litter Types: Experiment with different types of litter to see what your cat prefers. Some cats prefer clumping clay litter, while others prefer non-clumping or natural litters. We are very particular about using natural litter without all the chemicals and fragrances here at RGM Farms - see our www.cdrnaturals.com store page for more on natural products.

• Regular Cleaning: Scoop litter boxes daily and completely change the litter regularly to maintain hygiene and prevent odors. 

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, and providing appropriate scratching posts is essential to prevent them from damaging furniture.  We feel blessed that our three-some really do not do much scratching - well, as far we know. We do correct them about the mats in the kitchen. (Our home design includes one 26 x 35 great room and we keep the bedroom doors closed for off limits).  

• Variety of Scratching Posts: Offer a variety of scratching posts in different materials (sisal, cardboard, carpet) and orientations (vertical, horizontal).

•   Strategic Placement: Place scratching posts near areas where the cat likes to scratch or near their sleeping and eating areas.  

If you have other indoor pets, introducing the farm cats gradually is crucial to minimize stress and conflict.

• Scent Exchange: Before direct interaction, allow the cats to exchange scents by rubbing a towel on one pet and then letting the other pet sniff it.

• Supervised Introductions: Start with short, supervised introductions in a neutral area. Gradually increase the duration of these interactions as the pets become more comfortable with each other.

• Separate Feeding Areas: Feed the cats and other pets in separate areas to avoid competition and conflict.

  
  

By taking these steps, you can help your farm cats adjust to indoor living during the winter months, ensuring their safety and comfort while also maintaining a harmonious household.

Overall the indoor experience of our cats for the last two weeks turned out pretty well. They were anxious to get back outside and do their hunting and we were a little tired of the maintenance.

Enjoy the rest of our winter season and send photos of your animals!

#welovefarmlife #countrylife #welovehosting

Talk soon, Chuck n Donna