Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Training cat to go outside

Advertisement

Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/15/2008


Question
I recently got a cat (Echo) to keep my other one (Cooper) company.  Everyday Cooper comes outside with me on a harness and long leash while I clean stalls.  I want to bring Echo out as well but she is terrified to go near outside.  I tried putting the harness on her and having the leash so she could go inside and out and she freaked out got out of the harness and ran upstairs.  When I don't bring her out she cries at the door cause she wants to be with me and Cooper.  I don't want to let her out without the harness cause if she gets scared she will run away and not come back.

How can I get her ok with being outside?

Answer

large dog crate
Rebecca,

Probably the combination of being on a leash if she is not used to it and scary things outside are spooking her.

I would hold her (if she will let you) and walk around the area a few times without letting her down, letting her look around.

Next I would take her outside near your door and set her down, but sit with her and let her explore. It will make her feel secure knowing you are there. Do that 2 or 3 times for short periods.

Then I would leave the door cracked open and let her go out on her own as she feels comfortable. Having the door left open allows her to run back in if she gets scared of something. But keep an eye on her the first couple of times.

She will follow you but let her be able to run back in if she wants to. But if she is the type of cat you couldn't catch if she gets outside loose then I would keep her inside or put her in a big dog crate until she is used to the movements and noises outside. I am attaching a copy of mine that I use for numerous situations. They are great!

I hope this helps

Tabbi  

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

Education/Credentials
***********

Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.