Almost all cat owners want their cat to be healthy and happy. However, even though the home is already the perfect place for a cat, its instinct to explore the outdoors remains unstoppable. There are many reasons for a cat to leave the house, but in order to stay safe, it's important to make sure she doesn't go out unaccompanied by her owner. Keeping your cat happy and rewarding her to keep her indoors can prevent her from escaping.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preventing the Cat from Escape
Step 1. Use an alternative exit
If your cat is always sitting at the front door waiting for someone to open it, try another way out. For example, instead of using the front door, try using the back door or garage. Another alternative that can be done is to enter or exit through a connecting room that has two doors (antechamber). After passing through the first door, close it tightly and look around to make sure the cat doesn't follow you. If the cat manages to get through the first door, you can place it back into the house. Do this, before you go through the second door so the cat can't escape.
If you have guests, place the cat in a different room until all the guests have left. By doing this, the cat cannot escape when a guest is using the exit
Step 2. Do not pay attention to the cat when near the door
If the cat is used to being petted or invited to play near the door, he will continue to stay near the door. If your cat is used to approaching or being greeted when you enter the house, try to stop this habit.
- Don't look at the cat until you take off your shoes, hang up your coat, and walk away from the entrance. Instead, greet and pet the cat in the living room, bedroom, or hallway. Therefore, the cat will get used to approaching you where he is usually greeted and invited to play.
- This should also be done when you are going out of the house. Instead of saying goodbye by the door, say goodbye to the cat in a special place and not near the door.
Step 3. Try using a barrier or spray to ward off pets
A pet barrier is a small device that makes a sound when a cat approaches. The device will make a sound when it detects the sensor on the cat's collar. When the cat approaches the door, the device will make a noise so the cat will go away. If the cat continues to push closer, the collar he's wearing will discharge low-voltage static electricity. This electric current will keep the cat indoors and harmless. Therefore, the cat will stay away from the door.
Pet barrier sprayers have almost the same function. Place the sprayer near the door and turn it on. The device will spray liquid when approached by a cat. This liquid is harmless to cats. Don't forget to turn off the device if you are not going to open the door
Step 4. Lock the cat door
If the cat is used to using the cat door to get in and out of the house, lock the cat door so he can't escape. If the cat door doesn't have a lock, you can install one yourself. Unlock the cat's door at certain times if you want the cat out of the house.
Step 5. Teach the cat to sit
Choose a comfortable place for the cat to sit. A cat pillow or carpeted perch is a good choice. Before opening the exit, take the cat to a special place for him to sit. Use treats or toys such as small bells to attract the cat's attention. Once the cat has settled in that particular spot, say “Sit.” Say it firmly but not aggressively. Do it again after a while. Repeat this process ten times. Reward the cat after the third or fourth try.
Don't worry too much about where the cat obeys your commands. As long as the cat moves to a place where it will sit still and sit when given a command, your training is a success
Step 6. Annoy the cat
Place a spray bottle filled with water outside the door. When you enter the house, leave the door slightly ajar so you can see the cat waiting inside. Place the nozzle of the spray bottle between the door gaps and spray your cat. You may have to do this a few times to get the cat away. After this has been done for a week, the cat will associate the exit with the water spray. Therefore, the cat will stay away from the door.
- Unfortunately, this method can only be done when you are about to enter the house. If you do this indoors, your cat will associate you with the water spray. Therefore, the cat will feel irritated with you.
- Alternatively, when going into the house, you can make noises such as hissing, stomping on the floor, or knocking on the door to get the cat away from the door.
Step 7. Neuter your cat
If the cat has not been neutered, it will want to find a mate outside the home. On the other hand, if it is neutered, the cat will not want to breed so it will remain in the house.
Generally, an 8 week old cat is safe to neuter. However, you should still consult with your veterinarian to find out when it is safe to neuter your cat
Method 2 of 2: Keeping the Cat Happy from Running away
Step 1. Divert the cat's attention away from the door
When you are going out for a long time, give the cat a treat. If the cat is busy eating the treat and doesn't run away, your problem has been solved. You can also use a puzzle feeder to distract your cat when you're out of the house. A puzzle feeder is a small device -- usually spherical or oval -- with a hole and a hollow center for placing cat treats. This kit will provide your cat with stimulation -- for hours on end -- as well as a treat. This tool can prevent cats from escaping out of the house.
Step 2. Give the cat some entertainment
There is a lot of entertainment that can be given to cats. However, not all the entertainment can distract him. Experiment with different types of entertainment to find out what cats like.
- For example, place some plants in the house. This plant will give off a scent that is attractive to cats. Avoid plants that are toxic to cats such as amaryllis, chrysanthemums, irises, lilies, and tulips.
- Hide snacks all over the house. You can hide these treats in a puzzle feeder or in an unusual, easy-to-reach place.
- Give the cat toys such as balls, nail polishers, and paper balls.
- Cats may enjoy watching television. If there is an Animal Planet, NatGeo, or other nature program on television, cats will watch it. You can also purchase DVDs made especially to entertain cats.
Step 3. Let the cat enjoy the outdoors
Create a fenced yard or take the cat for regular walks. Cats want to get out of the house to explore the outdoors. Cats want to breathe fresh air, sunbathe, and smell new scents! Luckily, you can resist your cat's urge to run away by letting him explore the outdoors a bit.
- If the porch is fenced, give your cat access. Make sure the veranda has enough perch for the cat to see out.
- If your porch isn't fenced, you can use a wire fence to create a small cage for your cat to enjoy in the outdoors and prevent her from escaping. Provide access to the cage through a back door or open window. If the cage is 2 meters high, you don't have to make a roof.
- You can also accompany your cat to enjoy the outdoors by taking him for a walk. Put the leash on the cat's collar and let him get used to it. Give your cat treats or wet food when putting on the leash to distract him. Once the leash is in place, take the cat outside and enjoy time with him. Accompanying your cat for walks is a great way to let her enjoy the great outdoors. In addition, it can train the cat's thinking in a healthy way.
