Q&A for How to Keep a Cat from Running out the Door

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How do I stop my cat from running out the door?

Francine Miller
Certified Animal Behavior Counselor
Francine Miller is an Applied Animal Behavior Counselor and Founder of Call Ms Behaving, a behavior counseling service for dogs and cats in San Diego, California. With over 16 years of experience, Francine specializes in treating behavior problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, fear reactions, destructiveness, urine marking, and compulsive behaviors. She uses a behavioral management and modification plan that is positive reinforcement only. She holds a Diploma in Canine Behavior Counseling from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). Francine has completed all coursework toward an MS in Applied Animal Behavior Science and Family Counseling for Companion Animals from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). She is a certified Associate of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the Pet Professional Guild.

Francine Miller

Certified Animal Behavior Counselor

Expert Answer

I suggest making an outdoor enclosure for your cat or using a harness to take them on a walk. This should satisfy their curiosity for the outdoors and make them less likely to bolt.

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Question

How do you keep a cat from rushing outside?

Francine Miller
Certified Animal Behavior Counselor
Francine Miller is an Applied Animal Behavior Counselor and Founder of Call Ms Behaving, a behavior counseling service for dogs and cats in San Diego, California. With over 16 years of experience, Francine specializes in treating behavior problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, fear reactions, destructiveness, urine marking, and compulsive behaviors. She uses a behavioral management and modification plan that is positive reinforcement only. She holds a Diploma in Canine Behavior Counseling from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). Francine has completed all coursework toward an MS in Applied Animal Behavior Science and Family Counseling for Companion Animals from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). She is a certified Associate of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the Pet Professional Guild.

Francine Miller

Certified Animal Behavior Counselor

Expert Answer

Try to make the inside a fun place to be by providing treats and toys. Get a variety of toys so your cat stays entertained.

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Question

Should I pick a leash or a harness for my cat? Do cats like them very much?

Community Answer

Some cats love to walk outside using a harness and leash (you will need both if you want to walk your cat, and you must never try to walk a cat with a collar and leash). Try to find a comfortable looking harness. To make sure your cat gets used to it, let it wear the harness indoors and use treats to make it a positive experience. However, keep in mind that some cats don't like harnesses at all.

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Question

Do barrier devices that emit noises or small shocks work to prevent cats from going outdoors?

Community Answer

No, for cats, those things don't work very well. If your cat is curious about the outdoors, you can try buying a cat leash at a pet store and taking your cat outside with it. Also, try to open things like windows and screen doors so that your cat can get outdoor smells.

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Question

My fixed male cat all of a sudden started running outside every time I open a door. He's never done this before. How can I make him stop this?

Community Answer

The first thing you need to do is watch his actions before he runs outside. Does he sit by the door and/or meow a lot? Try to distract him, so he doesn't run out.

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Question

What about when coming home? How can I tell if the cat is by the door or not?

Riley

Community Answer

Open the door slightly; if a nose pokes out, then reach your hand down and stop her while you enter the house.

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Question

I have a 2 month old kitten. Even after letting him sit at the window for several times, he still goes to the door and meows continuously at the door that he wants to go out. What should I do to stop it?

Community Answer

Don't let him out. Instead, let him roam around the house to get used to his surroundings and after a while it should stop. You can also follow some of the steps in the article to be safe.

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Question

Why does my cat sometimes have the tip of her tongue out? Like she is sassy.

CageyCat

Top Answerer

All cats' tongues are sensory organs. In short, your cat is "smelling" the air, or has breathed an interesting smell. She isn't being sassy... just being a cat.

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Question

Last week, I saw a different cat in the garden, so I don't really want to let it out. What should I do?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

Don't let your cat out. Simple. Cats who go out have an increased risk of injury, being attacked, scratched or bitten, needing a vet to correct the problem, and for unfixed cats boys can impregnate and girls can get pregnant. Keeping cats inside solve 99-100% of these issues.

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Question

Unknowingly, I took in a pregnant stray kitten in March (total 8). I get a very meager fixed-income and need help fixing them. Until then what can I give her to stop the manic "I'm in heat meOOOwWing"?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

Nothing. And soon, 9 will be howling. Take in a couple at a time to reduce the financial strain. Ask the vet if they will reduce the price for the rest (boys are cheaper because they don't require extensive surgery like girls). Ask about clinics that give reduced prices. Whatever way, get them fixed--soon--especially so you don't end up with all the girls pregnant.

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Question

My cat is fixed and is still sneaking out. How do I stop that?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

A cat cannot sneak out if doors and windows are kept closed. You could also put the cat in a room if you need to open the door to the outside.

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