have an almost 2 year old cat who just refuses to go out ?

Question

if we take her outside she freaks out completly . surely this isnt normal? any ideas ???/

Answer 1

Some cats are just house cats. I think its good, at least she can't get run over. I lost my cat that way.

Answer 2

Hi hun,

It's totally normal! Actually, most cats are pretty indifferent about going outside and there are only a few that either desperately want to get out or desperately want to stay in.

Perhaps he has had a bad experience outside in the past?

Cats don't need to go outside, they can live perfectly happy lives indoors and it is much safer and better for them all round. Personally, I'd keep her indoors as I believe you should keep cats indoors anyway.

If you really want her to outside for whatever reason, the best thing to do is not to literally 'take' her. Don't force her, or she'll become even more anxious and she'll associate the feelings of anxiety with being outdoors, thus becoming even more anxious!

One thing you could try is leaving the back door open and sitting just outside of it with some treats in your hand. Let her come to you naturally and be calm and talk to her in a soothing voice. If she comes out to you, give her a treat. Eventually she should learn that she might like the outside.

If she genuinely doesn't want to go outside though why force it? I honestly think it's better to keep cats indoors!

xx Emmie

Answer 3

It could be that something very traumatic happened to the cat while being outside at one point in its life. I have 2 cats both are indoor cats and I am sure that they would freak out if I even attempted to take them outside. Or the cat may just feel much more comfortable being inside. Doesn't have to mean that anything traumatic happened outside either. There are people who like to be inside rather than outside right? Well it may just be a preference thing. Good luck!

Answer 4

it really is carefully common habit. I had a 2 3 hundred and sixty 5 days old cat in extreme college after that were given a 6 week old woman kitten so as that he would have a pal (my mom now has both cats). We also moved about a month after we were given the kitten. He went by an similar mission. I nonetheless keep in concepts the day that they finally grew to develop into "acquaintances" (about a week after the flow), and now they're thoroughly inseparable. Your older cat is laid low with countless stress today. purely supply it some time and once issues are settled down from the flow, i'm certain each and every thing will be positive.

Answer 5

You seem to have got some freaky answers here. I am shocked.

All I can do is appologise for those freaky people.

Some cats like to stay in. I have had indoor cats before now although most of them liked to be outside.

You dont say how long you have had your cat, or if you have only just got her from a rescue centre.

Maybe something has frightened her from outside. Does it matter that she is indoors? if you want her to go out, then just leave the back door open and you go out and sit in the sun with a cuppa or a drink and a magazine and talk to your cat nicely when you come back in and cuddle her. Maybe do this before you go out into the garden/yard. But do NOT carry her out, leave it to her to chose if and when she goes out.

Maybe there is a nasty tom cat around, and your cat is being cautious.

Just be kind to her and show her that you are happy going out and stay within sight to let her see that you are enjoying yourself.

Thats the best I can offer.

Good luck.

Answer 6

How long have you had this cat living with you? If she/he has always been and indoor cat ... well ?????? Just think about that and maybe ask previous owners.

If the cat has always been indoors then slowly introduce it to the outdoors like you would a new kitten. A few minutes and under supervision. Show the ways to get inside the home safely.

If the cat is a mature adult, then it's up to you, if the cat remains an indoor cat. Just remember to keep the litter tray clean and keep it clean from any other cats spray if you have others in the home with you.

hope this helps
OX Vivi - 5XFelines in the house

Answer 7

Maybe he had a bad experience outside. My cat King came from a bad home, and was left out outside across the street in a carrier by an abandon house. He lived on the porch for a while, coming in only at night, then when we decided to make him a part of the family, he never wanted to leave, going out only very briefly onto the porch only to be scared inside by a passing car or truck. Anyway why would you want to take her outside, life for a cat is just perfect inside.

Answer 8

Many cats just like the security of being inside. My cat is 12 years old and he goes out maybe 10 or 20 minutes a day but mostly with me by him or near my back door so he can run in if he gets scared. He becomes very upset and meows loudly if left outside very long.

Answer 9

I am a breeder and all of my cats are indoor cats so they also freak out when u take them outside. The simple solution is dont take them outside. They are safer inside anyways. It is normal if they cat hans't been outside much or had a bad experience outside. Don't force the cat out there is no need. Good Luck!

Answer 10

Yeah if the cat is almost 2 years old and has never been out untill now they will be scared the house is all they know. Id say keep em as an inside cat if she is that scared its better for them inside anyways. My cat is only 1 year old and she hates being outside I dont mind it either.

Answer 11

If you don`t mind the cat being indoors, then don`t worry. If she feels safer indoors it`s the best place for her. Less chance of disease, run over, etc. If you don`t have a litter box and your cat goes to the loo outside, it may be a problem. Suggest taking her out just outside the door when it`s quiet, stroking her, lots of praise, maybe a food treat.
My cat can`t wait to get outside! Practically breaks down the door. Then when she`s out, she doesn`t like it and jumps up into our arms and squeals to be bought back inside. Some cats, huh?