How can I keep my cats from always wanting to get outside?

Question

I have two cats about 2 1/2 years old. About a year ago the male got outside through a screen door left open. After that he constantly meowed and clawed at the doors and window screens to go out.

Beginning last spring I started taking both him and his sister out of my apartment to get some fresh air. I didn't need a leash and they stayed near me, coming when I called them. In the last 2 months however they are constantly going further away from me and responding less and less when I call.

I feel bad couping the two of them up all the time, but I live in an apartment complex where there are many stray cats and I don't want them getting sick or attacked. They do have their claws, but still, you never know.

Have I opened a can of worms that I won't be able to close? Or is there some solution to keeping me sane and my cats happy? In 4 months I will be moving into a house with a fenced in yard and a quieter neighborhood. Until then, what can I do?

Answer 1

I believe cats are habit forming creatures. They do it once they will want to do it again. I had a cat who we let out in the back yard on a halter and leash to roam. I then had to move in to an apartment and had to cut him off this habit. It took about a month, but he did finally forget. I think you have a few options. 1) you could take them for walks on a leash like a dog. The benefits are that you get exercises too. 2) Tough love, they will forgive you and they will forget. You just have to be consistent.
Once you move I would maybe try what we did. Tie a rope up from a pole or tree from the front of the yard to the back and then have a another rope on a runner hanging down to the ground...then buy a halter and leash and let them have the whole run of the back yard. You will have peace of mind that they are safe from cars and strangers. Downfall...they some times get tangled so you will still have to be close. Good luck!!

Answer 2

Now that they've had a taste of the outdoors, they'll want to keep going. They will be in a better situation to do so at your new home. Until then just take them out, on leash I guess, enough to keep them from driving you crazy. Don't try to instill a fear of the outdoors in them. Cats need to get out and hunt and interact with other cats as long as it's pretty safe, ie. few if any free roaming dogs and not many cars that would hit them.

Answer 3

Its difficult to keep your cat indoors once they get a feel for the freedom of the outdoors but it really is safer for cats inside.
My advise to you is to never let them outdoors again...leash or no leash....

I adopted a stray siamese about 4 years ago. He was constantly trying to "escape" the house because he knew what was beyond the back door....

I held firm and never let him outside and now he doesn't try to stray. He really doesn't have that much desire to anymore.

I too live in a small apartment with my 2 cats and they are content and safer and healthier because I keep them inside.

Best of luck.

Answer 4

If u lived here where I do, u can't make the cat go out this time of year, cause it's to cold, but u could use something like a friends dog's blanket or something they don't like the smell of that scares them from the doors or windows maybe.

Answer 5

The best thing in the short term is to get a couple cat collars and leashes. When you get to your home, you won't need them any more, so don't spend a lot of money--in fact, 2 pieces of rope with clasps on the end will work great.

Answer 6

have somone stand outside the door and when you open it if the cat is there, they shoud soak it down with a water gun.
either that or set off a firecracker at the door when it tries to go out (I did these to my cat and it stays away from the door when it gets opened now!)

Answer 7

make them affraid of the outside.
worked for us, our cats wont step one little foot out there.
just stand with the door open, have someone outside the door with a water bottle and something loud, when the cat works its way to the door and begins to step out..scre the crap out of him with the n oise and squirt them with the water bottle. After a fews times of this, your cat may be too terrified to go back outside.

Answer 8

Having their claws for protection isn't all the protection they need being outside. Are they spayed, neutered? Do they have all their shots? Have you taught them to look both ways before crossing the street? Did you tell them to never take candy from strangers? bottom line, if you love them, you'll keep them indoors.

Answer 9

I have this battle with one of my cats everyday, but I win-lol- no outside for my kitty, I figure that when he reaches the ripe old age of 20, he will appreciate the fact that I kept him indoors for his own good. Good Luck.

Answer 10

Keep a spray bottle by the door to discourage them.