New Zealand study shows street cats quickly become indoor pets

A scientific survey in New Zealand examined how cats accustomed to outdoor life adjust to living inside. Researchers interviewed 87 owners who had moved their cats from the street to a home environment.

More than 40 % of the cats adapted immediately, 8 % within a few days and 17 % within a few weeks. Younger cats under two years were especially quick, with 75 % settling in within days, compared with 39 % of older cats. The study’s lead author, Dr Julia Henning, said the findings challenge the common belief that outdoor cats struggle to become indoor pets and provide useful data for owners hesitant to adopt stray cats.