My cat won't go outside?

Question

My cat is now 4 years old, we moved house a year ago and she will never go outside unless i go with her. She was fine at the old house so i know the move did a affect her.
Anyway as much as i don't mind her around the house, she is getting really big, infact she's massive now and needs to get out and run around. I can't just put her out and close the door as she'll sit at the door and be really LOUD, she's terrified! My other cat goes out no problem, she's never in.
I need to get my cat to go out side and loose some weight!

Please help!

Answer 1

Poor thing, if she doesn't want to go out, let her stay in, it's cold out there.

Answer 2

she doesn't need to go outside to get excercize, get a string toy or a laser light and play with her 5-15 mins a day. get some toys especially something like sponge balls http://www.petco.com/Shop/SearchResults.aspx?Nav=1&N=0&Ntt=sponge+balls my cats love to play with those and will run around for hrs with them. and you can throw them and they will chase after them. also cut down on the portions you are feeding your cat, if you are free feeding (keeping dry food out all the time) stop that and put the cat on a feeding schedule. Look at the bag of food and see what the recomended amount is to feed your cat usually goes by weight. and they usually give you a range start and go with the lowest amount and divide that into 2 or 3 feedings. Or the other way is put out the daily recomeneded amount of food in the morning and your cat can eat through the day.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I've trained my cat to go walkies with me wearing a harness and leash. We walk and walk and walk... even though there are many stops when my cat just wants to sniff, sniff, sniff... but he does trot and walk when I insist. I stopped doing it for a while and noticed that my cat was gaining way too much weight. So, out for walkies we go again. After 3 months, cat lost 2 pounds! and I lost 10 pounds!!! ha ha ha. So my suggestion is:

1) buy a cat harness and leash from Petco or Petsmart (make sure that it will fit your large cat - you may have to get one meant for a small dog)

2) get your cat to become accustomed to the harness by putting it on her and letting her wear it around the house (she will lie down on her side the first time but don't despair)

3) Once your cat realizes that she can walk with the harness around her body, attach the leash and let her walk around a bit with it.

4) in just a few days of this, you will be ready to take kitty outside. Try just a short walk around the garden, gradually extending the walkies as your cat gets accustomed to the leash.

Of course, this needs much dedication on your part.

Answer 4

You can get leads so that you can take your cat outside and walk it. In time she will be more confident to go out by herself.
I've never tried with an older cat, but my kitten was nervous at first, I just went and took a coffee and a mag and sat with him- obviously if your in UK like me you migth not want to do this right now! He stuck around me for a while and kept coming back to check I was still there just like a toddler would if left to explore. He loves it out now though. Take some treat he loves with him and this could encourage him to sit with you rather than race back indoors til he gets used to it. I know you don;'t want him to get any fatter- but it's the end goal that's important.
Good luck!

Answer 5

Maybe there is something bad about that area, animals especially cats tend to sense things real easy kind of like they are physic so that would be the reason take your cat some where to learn about it and if it stays same or gets worse try finding out if anything bad has ever happened in your neighborhood or area.

Answer 6

Getting outside has no bearing on a cats weight gain or weight loss. The activity they pursue indoors is no different than the way they'll act outdoors.

Cats spend only 10 per cent of their day on physical activity. This lessens as they get older. At 4 years old, don't expect your cat to be doing much in the way of physical activity. If you're concerned about her weight, invest in cat foods that regulate vitamins for weight control and speak to a vet.

Answer 7

My kitty is 6 and weighs 19 pounds. the vet put him on Science Diet weight control that way he can eat as much as he wants but doesnt get the fat.I stopped letting my cats out about 3 years ago when our oldest died of FIV from a cat fight.With all the wildlife outside its alot safer to keep them indoors. You can play with your kitty that will help and they even have leashes to take them for walks good luck to you.

Answer 8

my cats never go outside, i even have a doggie door, as i have 6 dogs and 3 cats, some of the dogs even come in the house, my cats seem to know that if they are in the house, they are safe, if they go out, well, they have no choice, maybe your cat smells something that is not quit right, animals somehow know these things.

Answer 9

Hi there. What you need to do is NOT feed your cat on a certain morning and so this. Trap him/her outside for 1 hour only. Then let him/her back in but only in one small room and feed her/him. Then put him/her back out and leave him/her out there for at least 2 1/2 hors and then let her/him and do nothing. Repeat this everyday until her/she gets the idea that when her/him comes back in she/he will get praise and food.

Answer 10

Hunnie i know just how you feel dont worry mabey your cats just afraid try putting his/her bowl outside with food in it then watch them go out!Watch out though cats need exersise too!best of luck by the way remember cats have minds of there own!

Answer 11

Lose weight inside the house.
Consult a pediatrician. Perhaps shes developed a phobia or fear of going outside. Some pets tend to get extremely attached to their owners.