Hi, a couple months back a stray 6 month old cat followed my girlfriend home one night on her way back from work. It was in a terrible state & since he was a stray we decided to look after him. Hes incredibly affectionate and is constantly leaping around the house with loads of energy, and isnt scared of visitors. About a month back I thought id get him used to the outside seeing as he was always so restless & full of energy. I took him outside on a leash and once i'd got him used to that I took him out without one, but hes so jumpy once outside, every little noise or even someone walking past about 10 metres away makes him scared and he runs straight back to the house. We live in a 2 floor block of flats so theres always people about. A couple times he's got his confidence together & has begun to explore, but as soon as I turn to go inside he runs after me & follows me in. Is there anyway to help him get used to going back outside on his own?
2007-10-05 06:29:38 · 9 answers · asked by A 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Please keep him inside as that is better for him emotionally even if he does seem to have lots of energy. Cats can get imprinted by a traumatic experience early in life. You can't really get in his head to know his past experience and it could be very upsetting to him to have to deal with his concerns of being outside. He can't rationalize as humans can that it might be better for him to overcome his fears. That's necessary when a human life is limited by fear, I don't think it will work for the cat and it's not necessary to "experiment" with him.
Do the leash bit occasionally and don't let him off on his own. Stress is one of the main reasons that can result in urinary problems and you don't want to deal with that.
He sounds happy and well-adjusted and he will always be safe from harm in the comfort and love of your home.
2007-10-05 07:06:00 · answer #1 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like people, each cat is different from the next. So, just pay attention to how this cat reacts to everything and eventually you will figure out what is normal for that cat. Then, when you notice him doing something not normal for him, thats a sign something is wrong. If he comes from a shelter, there is a good chance he didn't come from a loving and attentive home, that would explain the fear. Give him his space, let him know he can trust you. That's really the best way to a cats heart, trust. I used to have the same trouble with the carriers. Alot of cats love to have spaces they can hide in, so I just put the carrier in the corner of the living room with the door open and they use it to take naps in. So, they are used to it and don't care if I put them in it.
2016-05-17 04:43:20 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try not force that cat to be an "outdoor" cat. Cats have become so domesticated that many of them do not and can not live outside anymore. Since you live in such a people (and I assume car) congested area I would suggest letting this kitty stay indoors at all times. I have an "indoor only" cat as they are called. She just freaks out when she sees the outdoors. There are so many dangers out there for these animals who have become so removed from really toughing it out in "the wild." Its not worth pressing these cats to do what they are afraid of, and they really should be afraid with all the dangers for them in cities especially.
At the same time, I know that you are dealing with a very hyper cat. Kittens are supposed to be that way. You should either get the kitty a friend (aka another kitty around the same age) or you really do need to play with your cat a whole lot. They really need the stimulation and it can be pretty fun for you as you watch your kitty learn and grow. Good luck and enjoy!
2007-10-05 06:52:45 · answer #3 · answered by lala 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to put yourself in your cat's proverbial shoes.
You stated the cat was a stray and was in a terrible state. You've very generously opened your home and heart to this little animal and he's so grateful for this that he's willing to do most anything to keep a home and avoid the terrible trauma of having nothing and nobody.
I don't know if you've ever been homeless, but it's not fun and there are horrible dangers lurking in every shadow. Street cats are some of the most alert creatures on the planet because of this and your kitty now feels safe and protected, which is a wonderful feeling for him. Please don't force him to go out if he's not comfortable. He needs your love and your home.
Kudos to you for having an open heart and taking in this wonderful kitty. I wish there were more people like you.
2007-10-05 06:42:49 · answer #4 · answered by Leslie L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why do you want to make him go back outside? He is much safer indoors. There are MANY dangers of being outside..he could be hit by a car, poisoned, attacked by a wild animal or other cats or dogs, can pick up diseases, fleas, ticks, mites and other parasites, etc., etc. If he is happy to be indoors...let him be!!!
2007-10-05 07:42:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He knows how much better it is to be inside. He's lived outside, remember? It's the same with my cat, he trembles when I take him outside. So I keep him indoors, which is what I advise you to do, so that your cat is and feels safe.
2007-10-05 06:49:44 · answer #6 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i know this won't answer your question, but it's better off he doesn't......an open window with a screen in it is fine.......outside there are so many dangers.....feline aids, lekuima(sp) tics that can cause lyme disease......fleas (not life threating but, can cause much discomfort for the pet and if you get them in the house forget it......they will live in the rugs and blankets etc. and not only bite your pet but you as well.....then you have humans......(cars and just evil people who don't care about animals)
For your pets saftey rethink the idea of letting him out.
hope that you have many years of fun and laughs with your cat
2007-10-05 06:37:25 · answer #7 · answered by ny_werewolf 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he doesn't want to go outside then I wouldn't force him. Cats live longer and healthier lives if they are kept inside anyway.
2007-10-05 06:32:48 · answer #8 · answered by pixy_stix 5 · 7⤊ 0⤋
sounds like he wants to be an indoor cat so let him.
2007-10-05 07:03:37 · answer #9 · answered by macleod709 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋