I thought cats' insticts were to love the outdoors and to hunt for food...so on. I have a two yaer old cat she has never been outside by herself but when I'm holding her and take her out there she gets so scared she clings on to me. I kind of understand since she has never been out there but she is a cat and they have instincts and should love the outdoors, whats her deal?
2006-07-20 12:43:48 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
She's been domesticated. The same thing happens to dogs when their owners decide to use potty pads or litter boxes instead of taking them for walks. They are simply afraid of the unknown world outside.
2006-07-20 12:47:30 · answer #1 · answered by Meg...Out of Hybernation 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poor little thing...it's all about nature vs. nurture and your little darling hasn't been exposed to the great outdoors too much. She obviously feels secure in her home so perhaps the best thing to do is just leave her where she's safe.
If there is a reason that she needs to be out of doors or maybe you now have an area for her to 'play' safely in then the best way to acclimatize her to it is by placing her in a travel carrier (same one that you'd use to travel in the car to the vets or on a long trip). Usually they're on the smallish side with a wire mesh door on the front....Anyways, place her in it, take her outside in the carrier for 5 minutes with you sitting beside the carrier. Don't open the carrier door and don't stroke her or make a fuss...she should be able to see that you're nearby so that she feels comforted. After 5 minutes, take the carrier back in the house and let her go. A few hours later go through the same exercise and stay a little longer When she is comfortable with being outside in the carrier with the door closed for at least 15 or 20 minutes(i.e. she isn't displaying any signs of stress or fear) then start opening the carrier door when you're outside. Don't pry her out....just let her determine when she's ready to take the next step. It may be the same day could be a week later....but sooner or later curiousity will take over and she'll come out to investigate. Once she's gotten to the point where she's actually hanging by the door wanting to go out, you'll know your job is done.
One word of caution, please ensure that your cat's vaccinations are up to date and y ou should be aware that cat's that spend significant amounts of time outside do not live as long as cats that are kept in doors.
2006-07-20 12:57:21 · answer #2 · answered by baciandrio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wouldn't you be afraid of going outside if you had never been there before? In there eyes, the world is so much larger than what we perceive it to be. If you want your cat to enjoy the outdoors but don't want her to be scared you could (a) train her to walk on a leash (practicing indoors of course) and/or (b) get a pet stroller. If you have a screened in porch you could let her go out on the porch. Any of these ways would let her enjoy the outdoors without having to feel too terribly scared.
Besides, it is better that she stay indoors. It is cheaper as a pet owner. You won't have to get certain vaccinations or worry about her getting ticks. Also, getting hit by a car or running away is no longer something you would have to worry about.
2006-07-20 12:53:14 · answer #3 · answered by fieldworking 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We're pretty much bred the wild out of cats. I have one who's absolutely terrified of the outside world - which is good since I prefer to keep her inside - even though she spent her first 6 months of life as a stray in the woods. There's no reason to let a cat go outside anymore. Too many cars, weird people with poison, and other animals make it a scary place.
2006-07-20 12:47:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat has been born and raised and never been outside, and acclimated to being indoor. Of COURSE she's afraid of being outside!! It's big, loud, scary and unfamiliar. Why is this hard??? There's an instinct for survival, but since she doesn't HAVE to use those instincts, she hasn't kept them in practice. Since she's an indoor kitty, DON'T take her outside. A) It scares her and B) she has no desire to go out, so you won't have to worry so much about her trying to get out and disappearing on you. Indoor kitties don't do too well outside by themselves!!! Keep her indoors and safe
2006-07-20 13:42:33 · answer #5 · answered by Shadycat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You answered your own question... "I kind of understand since she has never been out there". Shes just not used to the outdoors. Especially if theres cars around, they freak out! My cat was like this. But since we moved to a quiet neighborhood away from the main street she loves to hang out, outside. I would leave the front door open and she would sniff around and calmly walk outside. =)
2006-07-20 12:50:09 · answer #6 · answered by Crazy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Cats teach their kittens to hunt. They are born with the ability. So if your cat was separated from it's mother early, it probably won't be able to hunt. They might pretend, but won't know what to do with any thing they may kill. Mostly, they play with their prey until it dies. Sounds sad, doesn't it?
Mine are slightly afraid of being outdoors, also. The smallest little sound that you wouldn't hear inside frightens them.
Just stay close to them, they will eventually adjust to the outdoors more.
Be blessed! :)
2006-07-20 12:49:18 · answer #7 · answered by God'sGirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmm...that's odd. when my cat sees the outdoors he's meowing to be let go. I guess that also has something to do with him being a kitten. His previous owners let him roam around when he was little but now, i dont take the chance of letting him go outside. Its too dangerous by the streets.
Maybe your kitty is scared because she didnt grow up with outdoors.
:)
2006-07-20 12:47:35 · answer #8 · answered by sharimonk 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She just has a scared type of personality. I think it's a good thing that she is scared to be outside. It's dangerous for cats to be outside - they can get hit by cars, abused by people who don't like cats, attacked by other animals.
2006-07-20 12:51:22 · answer #9 · answered by sharbysyd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey hun....well every thing has instincts but if not exposed regularly to somethin' that should seem normal then it can be pretty scary....as you said even though she is a cat if she hasnt been out side much then its a whole new and scary world to her...if your tryin' to get her used to goin' out side with you then just take er' out like you have been doin' and set there for a while while she wonders a bit (even if its to the end of your shoes....she has to start some were lol)....take it from my sis and her cat...she did this with her cat for a while and her cat has successfully put her wonderin' gears to work.....from the front steps that is....love daisy
2006-07-20 12:54:32 · answer #10 · answered by crazy_daisy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋