Hello,
I've got a cat that I adopted as a stray about 18 months ago. My intent was to have him be an indoor cat because I don't like to let my pets roam around outside (too many dangers out there!). The problem is that he's got an insatiable desire to go out. He's always looking for a chance to escape and scratches and meows at the outside doors several times a day. He's actually damaged two of my doors with his claws in his attempt to get out of the house. I knew keeping him inside would be a big transition, but I didn't expect that he'd still be so fixated on going out a full year and half later!
He seems fairly happy otherwise. He's affectionate and interactive. He likes attention and has plenty of toys and treats. My other cat isn't particularly fond of him, but they do tolerate each other.
I allow both cats to go out on a screened porch in the evenings when I'm home from work, so they get a semi-outdoor experience there. It's not enough for Chauncey though. He just really, really wants the freedom to roam at will. I think he gets downright bored and frustrated at times being kept in the house.
I've been toying with the idea of letting him be an indoor/outdoor cat, even though I really do not like the extra risk it poses to him. Growing up, we always had indoor/outdoor cats and several of them were hit and killed by cars, or just disappeared one day, never to be seen again. I hate the thought of that for Chauncey, but I worry that he'll never be satisfied to be kept indoors. I want him to enjoy his life. I don't want him to feel like he's being imprisoned (however pleasant and loving the actual "prison" envionment may be...).
My veterinarian estimates his age at ~5 to 6 years. He's a neutered male and has all his claws intact.
My second concern is my other cat. He's also very curious about the great outdoors although he doesn't exhibit the same single-minded fixation on getting out of the house. He's an older cat who needs to take medication twice a day. I absolutely do not want to let him go outside, and I wonder if allowing Chauncey to go out will open a big can of worms with Verdell.
What do you guys think? Is it better to let Chauncey have what he wants, even with the higher risks that might be attached?
Sorry for the lengthy post! I really appreciate any ideas or feedback anyone wants to share!
I've got a cat that I adopted as a stray about 18 months ago. My intent was to have him be an indoor cat because I don't like to let my pets roam around outside (too many dangers out there!). The problem is that he's got an insatiable desire to go out. He's always looking for a chance to escape and scratches and meows at the outside doors several times a day. He's actually damaged two of my doors with his claws in his attempt to get out of the house. I knew keeping him inside would be a big transition, but I didn't expect that he'd still be so fixated on going out a full year and half later!
He seems fairly happy otherwise. He's affectionate and interactive. He likes attention and has plenty of toys and treats. My other cat isn't particularly fond of him, but they do tolerate each other.
I allow both cats to go out on a screened porch in the evenings when I'm home from work, so they get a semi-outdoor experience there. It's not enough for Chauncey though. He just really, really wants the freedom to roam at will. I think he gets downright bored and frustrated at times being kept in the house.
I've been toying with the idea of letting him be an indoor/outdoor cat, even though I really do not like the extra risk it poses to him. Growing up, we always had indoor/outdoor cats and several of them were hit and killed by cars, or just disappeared one day, never to be seen again. I hate the thought of that for Chauncey, but I worry that he'll never be satisfied to be kept indoors. I want him to enjoy his life. I don't want him to feel like he's being imprisoned (however pleasant and loving the actual "prison" envionment may be...).
My veterinarian estimates his age at ~5 to 6 years. He's a neutered male and has all his claws intact.
My second concern is my other cat. He's also very curious about the great outdoors although he doesn't exhibit the same single-minded fixation on getting out of the house. He's an older cat who needs to take medication twice a day. I absolutely do not want to let him go outside, and I wonder if allowing Chauncey to go out will open a big can of worms with Verdell.
What do you guys think? Is it better to let Chauncey have what he wants, even with the higher risks that might be attached?
Sorry for the lengthy post! I really appreciate any ideas or feedback anyone wants to share!
hey they dont need to know) and one or two likes to go out if its ever an issue let me know before you want to kill my cat(said with humor to lighten mood/let them know I really want them to let me know)
) but I have heard leash training your cat, and taking him for a "walk" every day get a lot of positive responses. There are websites on how to do this, and it basically just involves slowly getting your cat used to a harness and leash. This may satisfy his need to go outside and keep him protected at the same time. I am a FIRM indoor kitty person too, but I suppose it can be done if you have one that is adamant about going outside once in awhile (....or several times a day). 
