Why has my cat suddenly decided she prefers outside to inside?

Question

I acquired my from a cat 6 months ago from a cat shelter. She'd been abandoned by (or run away from) an owner who had taken the trouble to have her neutered.

Most of the time I was living in London, I kept her inside as my flat had nowhere to put a cat flap. Outside, the garden was shared by a number of other cats.

Since moving to Cornwall 2 months ago, and having a cat flap installed, she is now free to come and go as she pleases. Originally, she was very much an indoor cat, constantly coming to find me in bed, on the sofa, etc and curling up to sleep there. But over the last month, she has remained almost exclusively outside. She tends to stay within about 5 metres of the house, only really coming in to feed, after which she immediately leaves. She is perfectly friendly and affectionate when approached outside (or on the rare occasions she is inside).

The only thing that I can think may have happened is that she has got fleas.

Can any pet psychologists shed some light?

Answer 1

Hi there,

I don't think it as much to do with having fleas as it is to do with her liking the outdoors! :-)

When you lived in London, she probably did not wish to go outside because traffic noises (if there were any) and the other cats in the garden put her off. Now that you live in Cornwall, I imagine that it is more peaceful and that there aren't as many other cats invading her territory.

It's great that she stays within 5 metres of the house. That's where you want her to be, ideally!

Do you treat her for fleas regularly? If you do, she shouldn't have fleas. If you don't, I recommend Frontline either from your vet or bought online (you cannot buy it anywhere else). Apply this every month (or every 3 months if the spot on treatment is a long-lasting one) and continue to apply this for the rest of her life as a preventative. I have two indoor cats and was told by the vet not to bother with flea treatment because of this. Low and behold, my cats somehow got fleas. If I had followed my initiative instead of listening to him (!), I would have given him flea treatment regularly and prevented him getting fleas in the first place!

Your kitty is just enjoying being outside. If you are worried that you are losing your bond with her, because you do not see her as much, perhaps you can try to keep her indoors at night time, if you don't already. This is recommended by cat protection organisations, because so many more dangers appear at night time - animals, cars that cannot see kitty in the dark and even cat theft. You may also wish to have a message sewn around her collar which tells neighbours not to feed her - you don't want your beloved kitty finding a new home!

All in all, it sounds like you are giving your cat the very best life she can have and it sounds like she loves you a lot for it!

xx Emmie

Answer 2

Outside is probably a lot more interesting! Some of it may just be her personality. I had 3 indoor-outdoor cats for many years. One preferred to be outside most of the time (even in the rain!), one preferred to stay indoors and had to be coaxed out to get some exercise, and one was somewhere in between.

I did insist they all come inside at night. I trained them to come to the sound of a spoon tapping the side of the cat food can - then I'd feed them and close the cat flap for the night.

I wouldn't think it would have anything to do with fleas.

Answer 3

She probably enjoys the difference in scenery and the lack of other cats around may also be why she is more comfortable outside more than at your last home. You should be able to tell if she has fleas, if unsure, please buy a flea comb sold at pet stores and groom her with it to make sure. Fleas wouldn't keep her from coming inside, though. You just want to ensure that she isn't suffering from fleas, or have the possibility of fleas infesting your home (they bite people too.) If you would like her inside more, you could maybe bring her in at night by offering her food, and closing the cat flap for the evening. Find other things she enjoys such as brushing or petting and encourage her to come inside while you do these things. I am surprised she would choose to sleep outside unless she is completely comfortable, and maybe she is. If she is safe from strangers, strange animals and running away, I would just let her enjoy herself outside. Pull up a chair next to her and enjoy it too!

best wishes

Gina

Answer 4

I'm sure she's had a taste of freedom, so to speak, and enjoys it!
Seriously, the outdoors right now to her is very exciting and interesting. My cat loves going out during the summer, and is perfectly happy to spend the winter indoors without even asking to go out.
If you'd like her in a routine, so she knows when it's outside time, get rid of the catflap and let her out at similar times each day. Call her in for dinner at the same time each day and then keep her in overnight.

Answer 5

You should let your cat out for example in the morning then after few hours call her back every day at he same time and give her some food and then keep her inside. Cats are like children you have to teach them some roles they cannot do what the like all the time.

Answer 6

Cats like to be outside, they come in to sleep and eat but will spend alot of time out side. Any cat that is an indoor cat will try to get out. Also if she is in Heat then she will deffinately want to be were all the male cats are. I think your cat is happy and just likes to be out side playing, looking around, relaxing!

Answer 7

Cats are naturally outdoor and independant animals. In Cornwall epsecially, the outdoor environment is invigorating and interesting for a cat, or any animal. Lots of different smells, lots of places to explore. Plus there's local wildlife, birds, mice etc to chase. Just make sure she's wormed frequently and leave her to it. Cats need a lot of freedom.

Answer 8

Mine spends more time outside during fine days and nights. It is a bit chilly tonight in London and is sat next to me now - which is an extremely rare occurence! Perhaps as the weather gets colder, yours will come in for a bit of warmth.

Answer 9

Your cat looks like mine each and all the time. My cat consistently is on the door even regardless of the shown fact that she is an indoor cat. I enable her out on the balcony of our house and then she needs to return in and then she needs to pass out. there is yet another cat that lives on the balcony next to ours, i'm unsure if it fairly is the reason or no longer yet i've got given up lol. as quickly as she comes decrease back in thats it for the day. And specific my cat has made that growl while napping. no longer in many cases yet she does it. I dont understand why regardless of the shown fact that.

Answer 10

Think yourself lucky. Ive got 2 malingering cats that can just about make it outside for a wee.
Well done on moving to Cornwall, Im from Praze and Beeble.
I eat wine corks.