i have 2 cats aged 1 and 11 months and we have just moved house so they have a garden. But when we let them out for a sniff the youngest ran off, not far but it really scared me and now dont wont to let them out at all. Any tips please?
2007-02-09 14:17:53 · 33 answers · asked by marcus f 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
There really isn't any reason to let your cats outside. There are too many dangers out there: pesticides, dogs that don't like cats,people who don't like cats, parasites (fleas, ticks), live traps-I could go on and on.
Don't let them go outside anymore! You are the human responsible for them. Focus on cat enrichment inside the house for them. Laser lights, cat trees, interactive toys, window perches so they can safely see the great outdoors.
If you notice one of them hanging out by the door, spray them with a water bottle or startle them with a sharp noise. That way they learn to associate the door with something unpleasant
2007-02-09 14:25:05 · answer #1 · answered by paris26 3 · 10⤊ 2⤋
A couple of things you have to keep in mind if you just moved into a house or later on in the future keep your cats inside the house for at least 2-3wks so they can remember the house and the smell the first time you let them out DO NOT let them out for too long let them out for like 1-2 hrs then call them back in call them by shaking the treat container or what I do I use the can opener an electric one before you let them out know what kinds of things they will come running back home for like treats can opener the can opener for that everytime I use it the cats know they will be getting their tuna fish. You always take that chance of them getting hit by a car or possibly someone else staeling your cats I say if they are happy inside the house I wouldnt even introduce the outside to them or you might think that this sounds wierd BUT I have even seen people take their cats for walks with a leash well the best of luck to you all
2007-02-10 04:40:28 · answer #2 · answered by kim h 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The best method to use and it does work, have you ever heard of buttering a cats paws? the theory is that if you put a bit of butter on your cats paws that by the time they have licked it off they are quite happy and won't disappear. How long have you kept them in the new house? a week is a good time for them to get their bearings, I have moved many times and haven't lost a cat yet! Incidentally I have used the butter method as I don't shut my cats up when we move they go out in the new garden straight away and it has always worked for us.
Cats should be allowed to go outside they are by their very nature hunters and you can never completely tame a cat...never! My last cat died of old age 22 years old and she had never ever been confined apart from when she was a tiny kitten and for a week after she was spayed.
Quick edit here. We used to look after my mums cat when she went on holiday, we would keep him in for a couple of days then butter his paws and he would be in and out for the rest of the holiday he also died of old age!
2007-02-09 19:09:13 · answer #3 · answered by Pawstimes16 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hi, We too have just moved house 6 weeks ago and our cat was very stressed,we just let her roam all over our ground floor appartment looking through the windows we kept her in for 4 weeks to get her bearings when we thought she was ready we opened the window and out she popped for a very short time 2 mins she has now settled very well and is a very happy little cat,
2007-02-10 01:20:59 · answer #4 · answered by kitkat 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My best advice is keep them inside. You dont need me to tell you the long list of risks since at least 50 others already have. I will say this. My cat Simon is obsessed with going out even though he is declawed and has always been an indoor cat for his nine years on this earth. I have 5 cats all indoors and he is the only one even interested in the great outdoors. So as a compromise, I do allow him out supervised and on a harness. I am sure he is quite embarrassed in front of all the outdoor cats on my street, but so be it, its a compromise. His dignity for my peace of mind.
I have found quite the jewel in the last month, however. I purchased something known as a cat tunnel. Found mine on Ebay but I know they sell them in catalogs. It is a green mesh rectangular tunnel and about 5 feet in length it has holes cut out on the bottom so Simon can eat grass. Yummy! And it is easily folded up when not in use.
So on Saturdays for a bit of time out he goes into his 100% contained garden of eden. He loves it! He gets to bask in the sun, eat a little grass, and feel special, while I watch from the kitchen and family room windows. And its cooler than a harness, right? Simon thinks so!
2007-02-09 16:10:23 · answer #5 · answered by Fancy 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
It's always a good idea to let them out first thing in the morning before they have had there first feed of the day. They are always starving and are sure not to stay out for long. Maybe give them some extra special treats when they come back...they'll love you for it!! (butter on the paws, as someone else said, is a good idea too) Try not to worry too much...but I understand how you feel as I always worry when my cats go out...it's a lovely feeling when I know they are all in!
2007-02-10 00:58:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Okay, here's the deal - if at all possible, your kitties are best inside at all times. Having said that, I have 4 kitties that have been inside/outside kitties for years. Here's what I researched and have found works best:
First and foremost, they should both be spayed or neutered - they don't wander as far and you're not going to be populating the environment with more unwanted kitties that way.
If you just moved, you really need to keep them in the house for a couple weeks so they get to know their new home - that's a general rule of thumb. Once you let them out, I know it's like letting snakes out of a bag, but go out with them so they know where you are. And just let them know you're there - call them frequently if they disappear.
If it's possible, open both your front and back door so they can wander in and out for a while to get their bearings. I always - and I mean always - have a kitty door open for them when they're out so they can safely get in the house if need be. And mine are always in the house at night - they get to stay out later in the summer - I close the kitty door and they are safely inside for the night.
After a while, they really should be okay. I think the most important thing is having a way for them to get in the house, even if it's just into a laundry room or something. And it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway - make sure they've got their shots if they're outside guys, especially feline leukemia shots.
I'm sure they're going to love stalking all kinds of things out in that garden!
2007-02-09 14:42:22 · answer #7 · answered by stellargoddess01 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
i av 2 cats suzie an felix suzie is 18month an felix is 12 an i keep them in doors/as long as thay toys and things 2 play with thay are fine,and the way i luk at it witch thay av done in some eccasionse thay will not get any diseses fronm out side from any other cats or infections so if i was u i will keep them inside there is no harm in it what so ever, so just keep them safe
2007-02-10 05:15:42 · answer #8 · answered by PAMELA A 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When we moved house which we did twice in 1 yr I bought harnesses for them, I took them out in the garden on their harness for a few times to let them sniff about, eventually I took the plunge and let them out on their own and they were fine. They will have a scent so they know where to come back to and I dont think they will go too far the first time.
2007-02-09 14:54:42 · answer #9 · answered by lesley s 1 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Cats dont miss the outside if they have never been out. to many air born cat diseases out there. Do they have all thier shots?r cats live alot longer that are indoor cats. cats are very territorial and will fight other cats that come around.make sure they have had the feline lukemia shot because fights and bites are what cause it if bitten by an infected cat. please take precautions. cats are attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze leaks from cars and can kill quickly from kidney failure.I say keep them in unless you go out and back in with them
2007-02-09 14:28:46 · answer #10 · answered by petloverlady 3 · 7⤊ 2⤋