We have two cats that were rescued at about 3 months old. One cat fears the outdoors and runs away from the door every time we open it. The other, however, always goes towards the door to get outside.
We want them to remain indoors for various safety reasons and I'm wondering if the cat will eventually get it that he's not allowed outside or are we destined for door patrol forever.
2007-07-21 18:26:15 · 13 answers · asked by Jessica 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
He will probably eventually stop trying but He's trying to get outside for grass. I don't know why but one of my cats is the same way & he craves grass! Try buying the cat grass from wal-mart or you can just pic some from outside! It would probably make him very happy! my cat will do anything for grass!
2007-07-21 18:32:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you know casts have personalities of their own. you are more than likely destined for door duty. the only thing you can do is teach the cat to fear the door by mind training. You must get some vinegar and water, and put it in a spray bottle. Every time the cat dashes for the door spray it. You can also teach the cat to fear the door by shaking a can with stones or pennies in it. Whatever you choose to make the sound it must be startling enough for the cat to connect the sound with the opened door. His mind will tell him that the awful sound is coming from the door and he will fear it. A boat horn would be a good tool to use. Squeeze it just enough to startle the cat. Choose your tool and good luck!
2007-07-21 18:41:53 · answer #2 · answered by rabbit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you'll be stuck patrolling the doors.
I have one cat that tries to get outside every night. He manages to escape once every few months. As soon as he is outside? He panics and hides under a bush. (silly cat!)
The point is, he doesn't *really* want to be outside. I think it has more to do with being on the other side of the door... ANY door! We don't keep many doors closed, but when one is, the cats want to be on the other side.
Ever heard the phrase "curiosity killed the cat"? Cats are curious, some more than others. I believe your cat will always *think* that he wants to be outdoors when the opportunity arises.
Good luck!
2007-07-21 18:36:21 · answer #3 · answered by susanmaried 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 13 year old neutered male was an
outdoor cat for the first year of his life.
When I moved to an apartment and
took him with me, he had no choice
but to become an indoor cat. I put 2
different sofa end tables in 2 seperate
rooms in front of the windows that are
exclusively for his use. I'm upstairs, so
he keeps entertained by all the birds
and squirrels in the nearby trees and
fence. I constructed a tall, sturdy,
cardboard barrier that I keep near my
front door when I come and go just
to keep his curious nature at bay. It
may not look like a piece of fine
furniture. But it keeps my 4 legged,
furry child from running off and
breaking my heart. If either or both of
your cats are male and haven't been
neutered, that's your first step. That
usually cures a cats wanderlust.
2007-07-21 18:51:50 · answer #4 · answered by Common Sensei 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cat should eventually get the hint. You can try to make loud noises when the door opens to keep the cat from nearing the entry if you are worried about it running out. My cats are all indoor cats and they were initially very curious about the outdoors, but when they figured out they couldn't go out, they left it alone.
2007-07-21 18:33:18 · answer #5 · answered by Sashua P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had 7 cats all at once so I'm a cat guru!!lol:)
Your cat wants to go outside because after like 3-4 months of having the cat, it will want to go outside to find othercats and mate with them! They will keep on trying to go outside and will never give up!!I had this problem, and found that once the cat is de-sexed, his cravings would go away and they wont feel like mating, and therefore have no interest in going out side.
If you don't want your cat to get de-sexed then buy a special kitty leash and walk your cat like you would a dog!!It REALLY does work!!!
Hope I helped!!
If you are still really concerned you can talk to your local vet:)
2007-07-21 20:36:08 · answer #6 · answered by chocoholic101 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat eventually got the hint. She very rarely tries to run out now. Just make sure they have plenty of window-sitting space.
Some cats will never stop trying for freedom, though. Be willing to do this forever, if you want to keep the cat and keep it inside. I totally agree with keeping cats indoors (my last 2 were hit by cars, and one was driven away after exploring someones car...), but it is a helluva job.
2007-07-21 18:36:07 · answer #7 · answered by Esma 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope, cats who are curious about outdoors will find a way to sneak out.
all the other suggestions are true....
keep a spray bottle of water by door for aversion training. it was the only thing that kept my cat indoors when it was time to leave with my kids for school.....
Oh and please, please, make sure your cat has a collar with an id tag (breakaway style only) and/or preferably a microchip id from the vet. Then if he or she actually gets out, then you will know there is at least a chance it might be back!
2007-07-21 22:35:21 · answer #8 · answered by catladyloveskaus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they do. It took a year on one of mine, and up to 4 years on my other one. But both adapted to a harness to going out side with me under supervision. Get the H harness not the figure 8 which they can squirm out of.
2007-07-22 10:30:17 · answer #9 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he will never stop... I had one that was so desperate that he learned how to open the door... cats are really smart and will trick you into thinking they don't care anymore and then one day, "WHAM" the cat will run out when you have the groceries in hand...
2007-07-21 18:34:53 · answer #10 · answered by lilly j 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋