Since we moved to another apartment, my outdoor cat no longer wants to go outside. We'll get him to go outside but after a couple minutes he's ready to come back in. I don't know what to do to motivate him. He's been so lazy and just staying underneath the bed all day long. Usually at night, he's a little bit more active which is when we usually get him to go outside. We've tried sitting outside with him to encourage him to go down to the lawn but with no real luck.
2006-08-12 13:39:59 · 15 answers · asked by belissima7 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
My cat has always loved to be outside, plus we only moved about 2 blocks from our old place so he's really familiar with the area.
2006-08-12 13:46:42 · update #1
Cats adjust to new surroundings very slowly and reluctantly. He is scared right now and you must give him as much time as he needs to overcome his fears.
So off to the store for a litterbox and litter. Many people here will suggest that he become a totally indoor cat from now on. I feel strongly that that is the right thing for him too.
Never have a cat outdoors at night. Cars are more unlikely to see him in the dark or the rain. Predators are on the prowl after the sun goes down. You are in a new living situation and you do not know if there are aggressive dogs in your neighborhood or even if you happen to have a neighbor who would harm your cat if the neighbor becomes annoyed with him. If there is a mouse or rat problem in the new area people put out poison which can kill your cat if the cat eats any portion of the poisoned rodent.
2006-08-12 13:49:22 · answer #1 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I also have a cat that I actually found living at my last apartment she lived in the sewer and would come to my house everyday to get food and be petted. I finally took her in and she always wanted to be outside. When we moved to our new condo. She went outside a few times, but now she stays in all the times in the exception to go out and get a few bites of grass. She doesnt run off now because it is a new place she is not familiar with. The same with the house it is new to the cat so he is scared mine were too. I couldnt find them for a whole day. Just let him get situated and if he doesnt feel comfortable going outside anymore than let him stay inside where he feel more at home.
2006-08-12 20:53:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cat knows better than you do. It's good it doesn't want to go outside, especially moving to a new area. It could wander off chasing something and then realize it doesn't know the way back. Could be there are some nasty big old tom cats that are just waiting to pounce on him.
Anyway, wouldn't you rather have him lazy in the house than lost or torn up by another cat?
2006-08-12 20:46:13 · answer #3 · answered by trusport 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He's just nervous being in a new place. He'll adjust. Just give him time. I moved with a cat. We lived in a mobile home, so the home was moved. He still had the same house, just not the same yard. He wouldn't leave the house at first. After about a week or so he'd run from the front door out to the car. He'd sit under the car and observe the world from there and run back in the house later. After a while he got out from under the car and returned to his normal self. (-:
2006-08-12 22:18:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are creatures of habit. They get really scared of change. They especially hate any changes in living arrangements. Your cat is thinking that you are going to move again and leave him behind. He is not being lazy. He is frightened and doesn't want to be abandoned. You should probably speak to your vet for some help. I would purchase a litter box for him to use for now. Do not force him to go out until he is more used to his new surroundings. Good luck and have a good night!
2006-08-12 20:48:30 · answer #5 · answered by Sue F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well cats sometimes don't like change. Maybe he wants to get used to the house! Also why can;t he be an indoor/outdoor cat if thats what he wants to do?
2006-08-12 21:23:39 · answer #6 · answered by Bloop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a new place and cats are naturally skiddish about the unknown. Give him some time to aquaint himself with his new surroundings. There may even be something outside that spooks him, but more than likely it's the new home.
2006-08-12 20:47:29 · answer #7 · answered by dreamchsr 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hey...perhaps his feelings has changed.....so what....let him stay inside...not all cats are outdoors ya know.......and by the way hes a little more active at night because cats are nocturnal......and they sleep away 80% of there lives.
2006-08-12 21:36:02 · answer #8 · answered by Nikki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a differnet home and will need some time to ajust, but u really shouldn't put your cat outside.
2006-08-12 20:44:52 · answer #9 · answered by Ash Nickel 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your cat must feel like he is lost. Animals usually don't like change. When he gets more used to his surroundings, he'll probably loosen up.
2006-08-12 20:55:56 · answer #10 · answered by pmz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋