Can an outside cat become an inside cat?

[CaroleService]

My FiL is moving to a 'sheltered' flat on the top floor soon; he is disabled and cannot cope with a house and garden any more.

His eleven year old cat has been used to spending most of the night and part of the day outside, since he got her as a kitten. The matron of the block of flats has said (reluctantly) that they would allow FiL to keep the cat as she is an existing pet and , realistically, hasn't long to go.

But - can an outside cat ever adapt to life inside? I'm worried she would make a leap out of the window.

[CaroleService]

bUMP

[WinstonWolf]

The flat would have to be totally cat-proof (including windows that only open a fraction on latches). It's very likely that she will try and escape given the opportunity.

The real question is whether a cat that has been an "outdoor" cat would be happy as an "indoor" cat. That, balanced with the likelihood of a successful rehoming and the suitability of the new accommodation should form the basis for the decision in my opinion.

[CaroleService]

That's what I'm trying to establish Winston - could she settle? Does anyone have experience of outdoor happily settling down as indoor? . Re-homing is pretty much out of the question - we've tried very hard, and even offered to pay food and vets' bills. We want the cat to be happy and loved.

[WinstonWolf]

That will depend on the temperament of the individual cat.

Why not give it a trial run (keeping the cat in at the existing address) to see what happens?

[CaroleService]

Existing house is history, I'm afraid - everything happened as a real hurry/emergency, and FIL is currently living with us until new accommodation comes through. Cat is currently boarding, but has apparently adapted well there to being inside so we are now feeling quite hopeful that FIL can keep her in the new place. The cattery lady has given us a few tips - there are some pheromone diffusers which calm cats apparently, and catnip will keep her distracted for a bit. Cross fingers.