Cats are creatures of the night. At least, that’s what they’d like us to believe. So, you’ll often find them roaming at dusk and dawn, checking out their neighbourhood, their fellow cats, and maybe enjoying a sneaky snack.

Unfortunately, these darker hours are when cats are most likely to get into trouble. More cats out and about mean it’s more likely they’ll get into fights. And as they don’t get taught road safety in kitty school, they’re also more likely to get hit by a car due to lower visibility.

So, if you want to keep your cat as safe as possible, especially at night, follow the tips below.

Train your cat to come home

It is possible to train your cat to come home at night by setting up a routine. This could be by making their night-time meal at a regular time or providing them with an extra special treat that encourages them to come home. It might take a little while for the routine to settle in, so be patient.

Once they’re home, lock the door

This step might seem extreme, but once your cat’s inside that’s where you want them to stay. So, make sure their cat door is locked and there aren’t any other doors or windows open wide enough for them to escape. If you need to use the door to go outside, keep an eye on your cat to make sure they don’t make a break for it!

Get a Catio

If you don’t want to limit their ability to get some fresh air completely at night, consider installing a catio. This is an enclosed area set up outside for them to play or lounge around in. This is a great compromise between being allowed outside, but not being allowed out of doors. If a catio isn’t an option, set up a cat tree indoors. Cats love to climb, and this can help reduce their desire to perform acrobatic climbing tricks outside.

Stimulate your cat

One of the reasons cats go roaming is to cure boredom. So, give them plenty to keep them entertained at home. This could include you spending time playing with them, or special toys and treat puzzles that keep them occupied.

Spend time with them

While many like to think of cats as solitary creatures (and to an extent they are) they are capable of forming close relationships with humans and other animals and they do love a good scratch under their chin. When your kitty is at home, be sure to give them lots of pats and attention so they associate home with the good life.

Provide fresh water and a clean litter box

Whenever you keep your cat indoors for an extended period of time, you want to make sure they have access to fresh water and a clean litter box. This way they’re not needing to go outside to answer the call of nature and make their escape.

Finally, remember it’s not cruel to keep your cat indoors to keep them safe – as long as you’re meeting their needs for food, water, a clean litter box, and plenty of mental stimulation and love. While it may take a bit of time for you both to adjust, it’s worth it to help keep your kitty safer and healthier.