How can i get my cat to like being outside?

Question

How can i get my cat to like being outside?
i have had my cat since he was 8 weeks old.
he is now nearly 2 years old.

he has been brought up indoors as i live in a block of flats and untill recently all the neighbours had dogs.

even tho he has had the snip, my cat can be vicious so when he was six months old i started walking him on a lead to get him used to being outside as the vet suggested letting him out as maybe it would help calm him down.

since last week i decided to take him out without his lead. he didnt run off to explore like i thought he would he just ran straight to the front door of the block and meowed ever so loudly untill i let him back in.

its a safe area where i took him near the flats and its quite as its away from the road.

he always runs straight back to the block.
if i dont let him in he meows untill someone lets him in.

Answer 1

I'm not sure why you want to take him outside - but it really isn't a good idea. He has been a house cat his whole life, so it's natural that he is scared of the great outdoors. Also, it's very dangerous for him out there. Other animals, cars. Even though you're away from the road, he might eventually wander that far. And other cats (who are NOT house pets & can be quite mean) could find him, as could dogs - and then you'd have no more cat - or perhaps a very large vet bill to get him sewn back together.
Then of course, there is the chance that he will get leukemia & die of that. Cats who go outside are MUCH less healthy than house cats & live much shorter lives.
Do your kitty a favor & let him stay on the couch where he obviously really wants to be.

Answer 2

Yes, the others are right, this is animal abuse and neglect. Some ignorant people think animals don`t have feelings, or they just don`t think about it at all. That`s easier! You can anonimously report it to the local animal abuse police, (look in the phone book, or call the humane society, they will direct you) What will happen is an officer will go check things out, they are allowed to go on the property, and see if they need food, water, shelter, and medical care. They will give the owners a short period of time to "clean up their act" and will take the animals if not, also fine the owners if they just ignore it. I had a neighbor once that I would hear beating his puppy, as me and my 2 daughters would cry, I would call animal control and they were out there so fast, warning first, then every time we heard it again, I would call, they finally took the poor little thing from this a__hole, and although damaged emotionally for life, was adopted to a loving home to live in peace. He never knew it was me, I didn`t need the aggravation. Speak for them, they only can speak through their love.

Answer 3

I'm not sure you can "get" a cat to do anything. The outside world is a big scary place to a cat who is used to being indoors. Take it slow. Just a little time outside every day and maybe he'll get used to it.

Answer 4

Don't worry, if he does not like being outside he does not have to go outside! mine has a litter tray because she does not like it outside either. however, you should find that if you go out with the cat it will gain more confidence. walk around the garden with the cat in your arms and hold it up to smell any trees and flowers, it will gain confidence. when you've done that for a few times, start putting the cat down and sit next to it. if i was you i would never leave the cat out when you go up to your flat, he doesn't have anywhere safe to hide so stay in visual distance.

Answer 5

why not bring the outdoors inside by creating an indoor garden with simple things like a small log,some grasses and shrubs brought from outside so he can be accustomed to the sights and smells then try him outdoors. if after all this he is still not keen then let him stay in

Answer 6

I wish i had that problem. My cat got outside once and fell in love. Now everytime we open the door she is there askng to go out. Its ok i worry about her though being declawed and getting ticks and other parasites. I don't know why your kitty won;t go out though. Try letting him out on a very sunny day so he can lay in the sun and take a nap. My cat loves to do that.

Answer 7

You are fortunate you have a cat that doesn't want to wander. Many have cats that are always slipping out on them. They either get in a lot of trouble, injured or pick up an illness while wandering outside. I personally prefer not to have them fishing in my koi pond and hate even more to see them smashed on the road.

Answer 8

Hmm,,,guess my main concern is why you want him to be outside and WHY force him when it's quite obvious that he doesn't want to be. Since he was brought up indoors, being outdoors is scarey to him. That is why he ran straight back to the front door. I have taken in many strays (born outside, or dumped outside because they weren't wanted), and they wanted NOTHING to do with being outside. Unless they are feral, "most" are afraid of being outside their domain(inside their home). I have been involved with Veterinary medicine and animal behavior/training since '79,,,I have never heard of "letting them outside to calm them"...I'm NOT contesting your Vet's suggestion, just never heard of this being a remedy to being vicious. I do hope that he is "current on ALL vaccinations", because this is VERY important with him being outside. Animals can't talk to us, therefore they show their emotions via their actions. I believe it's obvious that he doesn't want to be outdoors. Why subject him to something that he is fearful of if it's not necessary? I know I haven't "answered" your question,,,I've just given you the reasons for his actions and my knowledge, suggestions and opinion. I recommend that you discuss this with your Veterinarian. Hope you find the answer you are seeking.

Answer 9

he may be an interior cat, and feels alot more comfortable being indoors, continue taking him on the lead, because he is 2 years old, it will be alot harder to train him to do something new, for example if someone introduced you to something to you, like a new language, you would find it harder to learn than if you were brought up learning that language...
keep taking him out, and he will learn eventually

Answer 10

Once you get him to like being outside he's not going to want to stay inside. He will dart out the door every chance he gets. Leave him alone he wants to be inside so let him.