There is an opinion that a cat should definitely have the opportunity to go outside.
This is probably due to the literal interpretation of the proverb: a cat walks alone. It is a fact that cats often force their owners to let them out of the house to roam around the area on their own.
However, not every owner wants to let their cat outside, realizing the dangers that await their pet outside.
After all, a cat may go missing, be hit by a car, be bitten or even mauled by a dog, or encounter a person who is hostile to cats.
But what should a cat owner do when the pet meows unbearably, urging him to open the door and let him out into the street? How can you wean a cat off such behavior without making it unhappy? Everything is possible, but not entirely simple.
1. Castration
The first thing that can help eliminate unwanted behavior in a cat is castration of the pet. A female in heat or a male driven by the instinct of procreation will certainly demand to go out into the fresh air to fulfill their reproductive duty.
After the castration procedure, there is a high probability that with the loss of instinct, the desire to wander will also disappear. However, sometimes it happens that the cat, despite sterilization, still bothers you and drives you to despair with its plaintive meowing.
2. Ignore or pay more attention
You can try to apply the tactics of patience and consistency, but it should be noted that not everyone can cope with this.
Considering the hassle associated with living in an apartment building, where you have to coexist with neighbors who may not like cat "concerts" in the neighboring apartment.
However, if you have time, dedication and persistence, you can ignore your pet's requests. Eventually, he will understand that he will not get anything from his owner this way and may stop asking to go outside.
It is worth considering that this is a risky method that does not always bring a positive effect, because all cats are different and among them there are truly stubborn individuals.
So instead of just ignoring your pet, you can try to distract your cat from the door and tempt it with other entertainment. For example, offer your cat a full-fledged game on the territory of the house. Perhaps the yard is so interesting to her because she is bored within four walls with nothing to do.
It is best if you find your cat a companion of the same species to spend time with. The two cats will look after each other and all the stimuli associated with pack life provided by the outside world will now be available at home. Chases, games, simulated fights or simply the opportunity to be with a companion will provide the cat with the necessary amount of activity and the home will become an attractive place for it.
If you cannot afford to get a second cat, then you should try to interest your pet in human company. Arrange fun games with your pet, hold its attention, spend more time with it. All this will provide your furry friend with movement, during which it will use up its energy within the home and there is a chance that it will refuse additional entertainment on the street.
3. How to provide your cat with safe access to the outdoors
If your pet is in dire need of fresh air, you can create a semblance of a yard on your own balcony, by the window or in the garden. You can open the windows in the house or on the balcony, attaching a special net to them. Of course, a window implies fewer opportunities, but it can always provide minimal access to fresh air and give the cat the opportunity to observe what is happening on the other side of the window.
You can make your balcony much more interesting: attach a net to the windows (for example, a fishing net or one from a pet store), install different types of shelves, scratching posts or even tree stumps, and sow grass for cats. Put pots of catnip on the shelves or windowsill and the substitute for the outside world is ready. When the cat starts asking to go outside again, you can simply let it out onto the balcony so that it has contact with at least this tiny corner of nature.
If you have a garden, you can give your cat a lot of fun by building a aviary or some sort of large enclosure. Then you won't have to worry about creating a natural environment because the natural environment will be all around it. Your only job is to limit it so that the cat can't go beyond its territory.
When choosing a location, it is worth using such elements of the terrain as trees and bushes. Of course, you can make the interior of the enclosure more attractive by using additional cat "equipment". Hopefully, your pet will like this solution so much that it will no longer feel the need to make long forays outside the house and garden.
4. Joint walks
Another way to keep your cat connected to the world around you is to teach it to go for walks with you using a harness and leash. However, not every cat will accept the new accessory right away.
Many cats protest when you attach a harness to them. They roll over, try to reach for their paws, refuse to walk, but with a little patience, you can train your cat to go outside with you. Eventually, she will get used to the harness and leash, stop noticing them, and start enjoying exploring the area under control.
Just in case, attach a tag with the address to the collar, because cats are wily and can slip out of the harness. Also remember that after the cat gets used to walks, it is necessary to take it out of the house periodically so as not to lose the progress made. It will be most effective to accustom the cat to walks from the age of a kitten.
When going for a walk with your cat, you need to remember about current vaccinations and protect your cat from potential dangers (dogs, roads, and other troubles).
Summing up
So, there are many ways to deal with a cat that, against your wishes, wants to get out into the street:
- castration;
- patient and consistent ignoring of her whims;
- alternative entertainment at home;
- imitation of the outside world on the balcony or in the garden;
- walking on a leash.
The method that is right for you depends on your time, budget, location and personal preferences, as well as your cat's personality and level of persistence.
However, you should take care of your pet's safety and not let him walk alone on dangerous residential streets.
