What should I do with this cat?

[UncleEJ]

I have a one-year old, neutered, male cat who desperately wants to go outside.

 

I am very committed to him being an indoor only cat. I don't feel that the outdoor world is safe for cats. We live out in the country and there are coyotes and bobcats, not to mention roaming dogs and other cats. Plus the danger of being hit by a car or shot by someone who doesn't appreciate random cats on their property. And diseases.

 

This cat is obsessed with outside. He bolts out the door at every opportunity. If he hears someone heading toward a door he races that way. He cries and howls at the door all day and sometimes at night. He sits in the window sills and cries.

 

This has been going on for months now. I keep hoping he will eventually give up and figure we are not letting him out. When he escapes, we immediately bring him back in the house. Is there anything else I can do? Should I just let him out? Maybe some cats are just outdoor cats no matter what you do? Help!

[Dmmetler]

Can you do a Catio? (Screened porch or otherwise similar enclosure)? My former stray mama cat spends about 90% of her time on ours. We also do agility training with her, which seems to help bleed off that need to hunt and give her the stimulation she needs (and gives DD a chance to try out animal behavior techniques).

Edited April 22, 2016 by dmmetler

[UncleEJ]

I would love to make some sort of catio for him, though I'm not sure I can convince DH of it (he is not quite as fond of cats as I am.) I have tried taking him outside on a leash, and while he actually liked it, he got much worse as far as meowing at the door goes.

[UncleEJ]

How would I know if his neuter didn't take? It looks like it did.

[mom2bee]

I don't know, the idea of never allowing an animal--especially one that WANTS to go out--to go outside sounds cruel to me.

I'm a cat person and I live in the country.

 

Would you keep your kids inside all their lives because the outside world has risks and dangers in it? I think that you should allow him out of the house.

[MercyA]

I'd definitely try to make some sort of safe outdoor space for him. If you can't convince your husband to put up a catio, here are some other possible options.

 

We cared for a stray who showed up at our house. We weren't able to bring him inside due to allergies, but built him his own room in our garage with a cat door leading outside. We believe a coyote killed him on one of his outings.  :( I'm glad you're keeping your kitty safe. 

[Dmmetler]

It's not just dangerous to the cat, though-cats are hunters and are bred to be hunters, and they are not a native part of the ecosystem. For the sake of native wildlife, it's simply not good to let cats roam. In some places, it is also illegal, depending on how leash laws are written.

 

https://www.nps.gov/samo/learn/management/cats.htm

[Tsuga]

A catio is a great idea.

 

We let our cats choose and they have all chosen indoor/outdoor lives.

 

With many predators nearby including large hawks, and a forest, there is a lot of risk for kitties around here and I respect the fact that you are choosing to keep your kitty indoors. It will no doubt prolong his life.

[mom2bee]

It's not just dangerous to the cat, though-cats are hunters and are bred to be hunters, and they are not a native part of the ecosystem. For the sake of native wildlife, it's simply not good to let cats roam. In some places, it is also illegal, depending on how leash laws are written.

 

https://www.nps.gov/samo/learn/management/cats.htm

This does not change the fact that it is cruel to keep a living, breathing, animated being imprisoned against its will its entire life simply because...what? You don't want it to get hurt? Or hurt anything else? Human laws can not regulate nature. What does the cat know about human laws? Its unnatural for a living being to never go outside and I think its down right unhealthy. The cat is desperately trying to get outside because being outside is natural

 

While they may or may not be a native part of the ecosystem, neither are a lot of creatures and peoples currently living on each continent and yet they've integrated themselves into ecosystems. The natural world adapts and life goes on. I'm sure that human development has encroached upon and pushed down the numbers of some other native predators. Cats can live 15 years. It is cruel to keep an animal imprisoned for their entire life span simply because of its species.

 

As a pet owner, its our job to look out for our pet, not every creature that draws breath. As for keeping the cat inside all the time against its will for the cats well being, OP there are risks and dangers inside the home too--water, chemicals, human foods that may make it sick, bits of paper or cloth that may be ingested, chewing on electric cords, etc. The cat can get it's self hurt or killed in the house. OP, in case you can't tell, I absolutely I think that you should allow the cat to go outside, I think it is cruel to keep the cat inside due to your own fears of what may happen to him/her.

 

You know that there are rapists, murders, kidnappers, riots and wars being fought outside. There are car accidents and robberies and random acts of violence. There are venemous creates, allergens and freak accidents outside the walls of your home that could kill any one of you. Yet you go out into the world. Your kids go outside and go into the world. Your husband goes out into the world. So should your cat.

[hornblower]

I agree that a catio is a great idea. 

also consider: 

Is he an only cat? 
If so, consider a companion. 

 

Consider more attention, clicker training, harness & leash training. It's possible your cat is bored. 

Set up play areas, get cardboard boxes, more imaginative toys and play areas. 

 

Feliway is a plug in pheromone that helps calm cats. 
 

 

I would also consider whether there is a retained testicle. If the neuter was done when he was a kitten, it's possible to miss tissue.  You can do a test for testosterone level to verify if this is a problem. 
 

[UncleEJ]

mom2bee, I understand where you are coming from. That is why I am even considering letting him out. He should be able to get fresh air and be outside but I do want to keep him safe. The dangers for a cat outside are greater than the dangers for people outside. No, I don't keep my kids locked up in the house, but they are not at nearly as high of a risk of danger as the cat. There is a difference.

[UncleEJ]

Hornblower, we do have another cat. Another male of similar age. They are the best of friends. The other cat has very little desire to be outside. We also has a four month old puppy who is eating up a lot of time. I am clicker training with the puppy, I can try to with the cat as well!

 

As far as the neuter, he has his yearly vet check-up next month and I will inquire about having his testosterone checked. He was fully six months old when he was neutered.

[HSmomof2]

mom2bee, I understand where you are coming from. That is why I am even considering letting him out. He should be able to get fresh air and be outside but I do want to keep him safe. The dangers for a cat outside are greater than the dangers for people outside. No, I don't keep my kids locked up in the house, but they are not at nearly as high of a risk of danger as the cat. There is a difference.

We live semi-rural and have a male cat that we got from a shelter that had been a stray. He was neutered and about a year old when we got him. We really tried to keep him indoors. He just became too destructive though trying to go out---tore down a shade, ripped a hole in a rug, literally climbed up the wall by the door leaving deep scratches in the wall. We now let him go out during the daytime. He has a neighbor cat 'friend' and they pretty much hang out in our yard or the neighbors. He always comes in at night, which I figure would be the more dangerous time for him to be out. We're all living in peace now and he seems happy and healthy. (he's 6 years old now).

[PagesandFields]

We live in the country and feral cats are all over... We have 2 outdoor cats (that found us... One a feral kitten we found and one that was probably dumped on the road)... We have one indoor cat that was feral but very sick when we found her... She is unhappy outdoors, very skittish, and lives inside...

 

If you live in the country, the real country, there are probably feral cats around... One cat we have who is now outside was miserable inside... Bored, tried to sneak outside, I felt the same as you... Then she took to sneaking in our bedroom and pooping right under where I slept during the night... She was... Not... Happy...

 

She is now a very happy, very healthy outdoor cat... We have dogs that chase away large predators, they have heated kitty condos if it is cold...

Maybe a kitty patio or something might work... But I will say that what makes my cats happy is walking around our property, sleeping in the sun, chasing bugs ( and other things yes) and generally being a farm cat...

Eta: we have acreage.. If you have close neighbors or busy streets that's more complicated...

We live rurally, and there's more of the farm attitude around here... But I just wanted to pipe in because I know for certain that my 2 outdoor cats are living far happier lives outside. My indoor one? Also happy as a clam hiding out till it's dark then snuggling on the couch with me... Animals are all different. Good luck...

 

I have worked in animal rescue before and a spayed/neutered, wormed, flea prevented outdoor cat who is fed has a life 10 times better than many who are either feral or euthanized... Good luck... I find cats obnoxiously hard to train, we only have ours cause they found us... :) I hope you can work it out that he stays inside if that's what you want... But cats will be cats... :)

Edited April 22, 2016 by PagesandFields

[gingersmom]

My brothers cat lived the first 7/8 years of his life in a NYC high rise.

 

They moved to the country and the cat made it very clear he wanted to be an inside/outside cat.

 

He was till he died at 15.

[regentrude]

My indoor/outdoor cat is 16 years old. She can go outside as much as she wants to, is smart about traffic (looks before she crosses the street), avoids dogs and other animals. In all the years since we had her she had one wound that required medical attention. She comes in to feed, is more inside in winter, but spends most of her time outside when the weather is nice.

 

Let him be an outdoor cat. There may be dangers, but his quality of life would be so much higher.

I personally would not want live in confinement - I'd rather live a full life with lots of experiences and die earlier.

Edited April 22, 2016 by regentrude

[Pawz4me]

Let him be an outdoor cat. There may be dangers, but his quality of life would be so much higher.

I personally would not want live in confinement - I'd rather live a full life with lots of experiences and die earlier.

 

I used to be adamant that cats should be inside only pets.  But over the years I've changed my thinking on that almost totally, and come around to what Regentrude said above.  Our cats are both elderly now and used to being inside.  They don't show much interest at all in going out.  But if we ever have another cat it will be inside/outside.  I'll also never have a caged pet due to the quality of life issue.

[MercyA]

Yes, I will say that our semi-indoor / outdoor cat had an absolutely joyous life in the country before he was killed. It was the life I think he would have chosen--people who loved him, great food on a regular schedule, a soft, clean bed, freedom from pests and disease due to good vet care, and the freedom to be outside and to hunt. I could have put him on a months-long waiting list for a no-kill rescue, but I know they would have required an indoor home, and I think that may have been very difficult for him. He likely would have spent weeks in a cage before being euthanized had I taken him to a standard humane society.

 

It's hard. I feel like we really did do our best for him, but at the same time I feel like I let him down by not protecting him. Like Pawz4me, I used to be an adamant "indoor cats only" person. However, so very many cats are euthanized in shelters due to overcrowding and due to neurotic behaviours that might be solved by being outside. I'd rather see cats placed in indoor/outdoor homes or even placed as barn cats rather than being euthanized.

 

Here's hoping you're able to get a nice roomy catio for him!

[ktgrok]

Some cats really do need to be outside. Not the majority, but I've had one in my life. he was miserable otherwise. He did end up dissapearing one day and we never found him. So I'm not saying it is safe. But that cat wouldn't have survived mentally inside. 

 

I do think keeping them in at night is important. That is when the majority of predators are out. 

[texasmama]

I had an outside cat that I tried to make into an inside cat, and it was as you describe.  Had to put him back outside.  Our two cats now know only inside and are afraid of the outside world.  They are very happy where they are.  Both are adopted rescues, and one was declawed when we got her so she would not fare well outside even if she wanted to go.

[UncleEJ]

Thanks for all the thoughts. I'm concerned that if I make him a catio, he will still want to go all the way out. I have a feeling that a catio won't be enough for him. Sigh, it just like raising kids, you say all the things you will or won't ever do, but once you have the actual child it all goes out the window.

[poppy]

I'd let him out if I was you.

 

You've done your darndest to make him an indoor cat because you think that's right.  It is admirable! But, he's made his wishes pretty clear.  All creatures deserve to be happy, not just to live as long as possible .  He will face risks, but he will see rewards as well.

[Reefgazer]

An enclosed porch.

[City Mouse]

Get an outside dog. I know, not really helpful, but the only thing that ever cured any of our cats from wanting to go outside was being chased by a dog every time he stepped outside.

[chocolate-chip chooky]

It's not just dangerous to the cat, though-cats are hunters and are bred to be hunters, and they are not a native part of the ecosystem. For the sake of native wildlife, it's simply not good to let cats roam. In some places, it is also illegal, depending on how leash laws are written.

 

https://www.nps.gov/samo/learn/management/cats.htm

 

:iagree:

I think that it is part of being a responsible pet owner to ensure that our pets don't harm native wildlife.

[Pippen]

Hornblower, we do have another cat. Another male of similar age. They are the best of friends. The other cat has very little desire to be outside. We also has a four month old puppy who is eating up a lot of time. I am clicker training with the puppy, I can try to with the cat as well!

 

As far as the neuter, he has his yearly vet check-up next month and I will inquire about having his testosterone checked. He was fully six months old when he was neutered.

 

 I know of a neutered male cat that was calm and content as a totally indoor cat with a companion cat for many years. Out of the blue he started acting like a tom cat--spraying, yowling at night, desperate to go outside. I sent the owner a Feliway diffuser that didn't work great for my cat, and that helped some. Finally out of desperation she let him outside and the problem behaviors all stopped. 

[sewingmama]

We adopted a male stray. He was about 18 months when he was desexed so already had roaming and spraying habits. He doesnt spray in the house but by the smell of him...does outside. He likes to go outside as well..it is what he is used to. We have tried to train him to be inside but althpugh he now spends about half his time i side he still likes out.

 

We let him out in the day and he usually stays in the backyard now or doesnt roam too far. Having been a stray he is pretty streetwise plus in Australia we don't have worries like cyotes or hawks...the biggest danger to him would be cars and dogs.

 

At night he sleeps in the enclosed garage otherwise he annoys us to get out..night is prime wondering time for male cats.

 

As for protecting the wildlife...that is an issue. Our cat bought home two half grown rabbits the other day...but since they are considered pests in Australia I am not worried about that. I do get upset at the birds he gets though..but there are millions of them around here so one or two probably help keep the population in check.

 

Anyway..I don't have a solution except that we let our cat outside because he clearly loves it and would go crazy inside. We let him in as much as possible to encourage him to be in...but since we rent it is best not to cause him to go crazy and destroy stuff with pent up energy.

Edited April 24, 2016 by sewingmama

[katilac]

I just watched The Firm after reading this thread, and a character said that the worst thing about prison was not seeing the sky. "It's amazing how much you miss the sky." Set the kitties and secondary movie characters free! 

 

Honestly, never going outside when you want to does seem like a miserable life to me, and the risk to reward ratio is quite high. 

 

Our 15-yr-old shelter kitty is indoors/outdoors and always has been. I honestly don't see how you keep a cat inside when it wants to be outside. Do we just open our doors a heck of a lot more than some people? 

 

I love to look at cat enclosures and tunnels, but anything of a reasonable size is pricey and will have to wait for us to win the lottery. We haven't screened in our porch for the humans, so we're not going to do it for the cats. 

 

There are web sites that argue the other side as well (that cats are not a harm to the ecosystem), like alleycat.org, and their arguments make a lot of sense to me as well. They claim to have some research on their side, although I haven't reviewed it in any detail. The idea that domestic cats aren't native to the ecosystem seems like a thin one to me: cats have been popular pets in America since at least the 1800s, and certainly wild cats are native to the ecosystem. 

 

I can see trying to keep cats out of nature preserves and parks, but I'm sure they pretty much rule suburban America, and woe to the person who tries to dethrone them.