Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Discourage a cat from running
• Method 2 of 2: Make your cat happy so it doesn't run away
• Tips
• Warnings

We do everything we can to keep our cats healthy and happy, but even when we've created the perfect feline world in the house, nature is calling. Cats may want to rush out for various reasons, but to keep them safe, it is important to ensure that they do not go out without their man. Making your cat happy and giving him reasons to stay indoors can keep him from running out the door.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Discourage a cat from running

1. Switch entry and exit. If your cat is constantly waiting at the front door for it to escape when someone opens the door, try using a different door. For example, instead of going in and out through the front door, you can use the back door or garage door. Another good option is to go out through a door with a hallway. After you go through the first door to the hall, close it well behind you and make sure your feline friend hasn't followed you. If your cat does come through the first door you see it right away and you can put him or her back inside before the second door that leads outside, goes.
   • When you have guests, you can move your cat into another room until the festivities are over. This way, your cat is not around to escape through the door when your guests come in.
2. Don't pay attention to your cat at the door. If your cat thinks you will pet it or play with it near the door, it will be drawn to the door. If your cat has a habit of greeting you and getting a pet when you come in, break that habit.
   • Don't even look at your cat until you've taken off your shoes and coat and are clear of the door. Then greet your cat warmly and pat it on its head in the living room, bedroom or hallway. That way, your cat learns to greet you where it knows it will receive attention.
   • Do the same when you leave. Instead of saying goodbye to your cat at the door, do so at the designated hello / goodbye spot.
3. Try a pet barrier or spray. A pet barrier is a small device that makes a loud squeaking sound when your cat approaches the door. The sound is activated by a wireless device that attaches to your cat's collar. When the cat approaches the door, the sound will turn on and your cat will be chased away. If your cat continues to approach the door, a small, harmless static shock will be delivered by the collar to keep your cat in. Over time, your cat will avoid getting near the door.
   • A pet spray serves a similar purpose, but has a different design. Place the spray near the door where the cat is not allowed to enter. Then turn on the device. The device then sprays an irritating but harmless liquid when your cat approaches the door. Make sure to turn off the device if you have no plans to open the door that the cat could escape through.
4. Close the cat door. If your cat when he wants to go in and out because he has a cat door, use a lock or bolt to prevent it runs out. If you do not have a cat door with lock or key, you can easily confirm and open the hatch at certain times of the day, when your cat go outside.
5. Teach your cat to sit. Choose a comfortable place where your cat can sit on it. A cat bed or a high spot with carpet are good options. Before opening the door to leave, bring your cat to its seat. Then use a biscuit or toy, such as a small bell, to get the cat's attention. Once your cat is in the desired place, say “sit”. Be strict, but not aggressive. Say it again a few seconds later. Repeat about 10 times and give a reward after 3 or 4 times.
   • Don't worry about your cat's actual sitting like you would a dog. As long as your cat goes to that specific spot when you give the command right before you leave, the goal has been achieved.
6. Irritate your cat. Place a spray bottle of water just outside the door. When you open the door to get in, just open it slightly so you can see where your cat is waiting to run out. Place the nozzle of the spray bottle through the crack in the door and spray your cat wet. It may take a few direct hits for your cat to walk backwards. After you have done this for about a week, your cat will associate the door with being sprayed and avoid the door.
   • Unfortunately, this method only works when you enter your house, not when you leave. If you do it when you leave, your cat will start to associate you with the irritation of the water bottle, not the door. This could drive a wedge between you.
   • You can also make loud noises when you enter, such as hissing, stamping or knocking to scare the cat away when you open the door.
7. Spay or neuter your cat. If your cat has not been neutered or neutered, he will have a greater urge to go outside to look for potential mates. Once your cat has been helped, it will not feel the need to mate, which increases the chances of it staying indoors.
   • It is generally safe to have cats treated from 8 weeks of age, but always consult the vet.

Method 2 of 2: Make your cat happy so it doesn't run away

1. Distract your cat's attention from the door. When you go away for a longer period, give your cat a treat. If your cat is busy nibbling his cookie instead of running out the door, your problem is solved. You can also give your cat a puzzle with food in it when you leave to distract him from the fact that you are leaving. A food puzzle is a small piece of equipment - often a rubber ball or other oblong shape - with a small hole in it and hollow inside. Cat chunks or biscuits are placed in the center. The food puzzle stimulates the cat, perhaps for hours, and gives it a tasty snack. The food puzzle will prevent your cat from running outside.
2. Provide entertainment. There are many different types of entertainment available for cats, although not all of them may get the cat's attention. Experiment with different options and determine which one will keep your cat busy.
   • For example, put a few plants indoors. These provide your cat with interesting smells. Avoid plants such as amaryllis, chrysanthemums, irises, lilies and tulips. These can be toxic to cats.
   • Hide cookies all over the house. You can hide them in a feeding puzzle or just in unusual but accessible places.
   • Offer your cat a variety of toys, such as balls, scratching posts, and some wads of paper.
   • Your cat may also enjoy watching TV. If you have Animal Planet, Nat Geo or other wildlife programs, those are the best options. There are also DVDs specially designed to entertain cats, showing other animals.
3. Let your cat explore the outdoors. Create a cat fence or walk your cat regularly. Your cat runs outside because he or she wants to explore. The cat wants fresh air, sunshine and new, exciting smells! Fortunately, you can lessen your cat's desperate escape attempts by letting your cat experience the outdoors a bit.
   • If you have a screened-in patio, allow your cat access to it. Make sure there are enough seating areas for your cat to see outside.
   • If you don't have a screened patio, you can easily buy some plastic or steel wire fencing and use it to demarcate a small space. This allows your cat to spend time outside without running out the door. Give the cat access to the outdoor area through a back door or open window. If the walls of the outdoor area are at least 2 meters high, you don't need to make a roof.
   • Walking your cat is another way to give him or her the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. Attach a line to the collar or harness on your cat and let him drag it for a while, so he becomes accustomed to its feel. Give your cat a treat or wet food while adjusting the harness to distract from this process. Then go outside to enjoy time with your cat. Walking your cat gives him the opportunity to experience the outdoors and stimulates his brain in new, healthy ways.

Tips

• If a cat reacts to certain actions (opening the refrigerator, cleaning an aquarium, the sound of a food bag, etc.), have someone else do those things to distract the cat from opening a door.

Warnings

• Do not try to close the door quickly. This cat thinks it's now or never, which could result in accidental injury to the cat if he is not fast enough through the door.