When you want to train your indoor cat to become an outdoor cat

Cats, Featured — By Mario Monk on June 1, 2010 11:20 pm

Have you decided that your formerly indoor cat should start to live fuller life and you want him to train to become outdoor cat? Or maybe you have come to conclusion that you new kitten is now old enough to go outside? Congratulations! My opinion is that most cats should enjoy life that awaits outside.

However, there may arise some problems when you try to train your cat to go outdoors:

• Cat does not want to go outside
• Cat is afraid to go outdoors
• Cat does not want to return inside
• You are worried if your cat is out for too long
• Is there something else I forgot? I’m sure there is.

Solving above problems require somewhat different strategies, but there are some things to remember in all those cases. When your cat takes his first steps out of safe house everything is new, exciting, frightening and even dangerous to your cat. Especially in the beginning.

You have to ensure that your cat feels safe. In first days try to limit the time your cat spends outdoors. It may be easy or very difficult depending on your cat’s character. Also, during first days ensure safe return path for your cat. This means that you have to leave the door open or install cat door so your feline may come back home in any time.

Another good choice is to let your cat outdoors only under your supervision for the first times until he feels safe.

My cat does not want (or is too afraid) to go outside

In a case if your cat does not want to go outside, the best solution for him is to let him be. Cats are animals that likes all thing go their way. However, if you are reading this article, chances are that it is not the best solution for you.

Most important part is to increase your cat’s interest in outdoors. And best way to do it is using a toy (if your cat is crazy about playing) or food (most of the cats are crazy about it). It can be regular food, but for the best success it should be something super-delicious.

You may try to play or place a small piece of food at doors or one step outside or inside depending on your cat. Encourage your cat to approach it. Try to go a little further next time, but don’t push too hard. If it is successful don’t take the risk to spoil it. Take your time and wait before your cat feels totally comfortable before moving to next step. Sometimes it may take days. Patience is the key.

My cat is staying outside for too long and I can’t get him back in

Just like it is possible to get lazy or scary cat outside, it is possible to get outdoor-obsessed cat back in by using the same method. Food’n'playin’.

You might try to let your cat outside just before his meal time. In this case, it is a double hit with one stone. It will be easier to get your cat back in and it will help to limit time your cat stays outside.

Rattle your cat’s food bowl when you want to call him. I cannot remember that I had a cat that could resist this sound. But if it does not work you may try to feed him something delicious outside to make your cat come close enough so you can pick him up and bring in. Remember to give the same delicacy again when you are inside so your cat feels like there is a reason to come in.

Another option (but be careful with it) is to force your cat to come in. Stay in spot so your cat is between you and house entrance. Slowly start to move towards your cat and clap your hands or make some other noise. There are some high chances that your cat will get cautious and will try to run back home (I hope you did leave the door open). However, as I said – be extra careful with it. Don’t try to scare the hell out of him. If it happens he might try to run and hide somewhere else and will be afraid to approach you or your house. In this case, STOP! Go back to food’n'playin’ strategy described above.

And the last one advice is – don’t get too worried about all the bad stuff that may (or may not) happen to your cat outside. This is the price for you to pay when you beloved feline is starting to enjoy his life. Sometimes he may come home late. Sometimes he may not show up for several days or even weeks (especially for males). It sure will be worrying for you, but trust me – having full life is important for your cat. Take it easy and everything will be just fine.

Tags: indoor cat, outdoor cat