Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/29/2009

Question
I have 6 cats and they are all strictly indoor cats.  In May, I adopted a cat from the shelter---a domestic long hair.  I assume he was a stray, because they could only estimate that he was between 4 1/2 and 5 years old.  He is very sweet,  but sometimes when I leave the house or come home, he'll go running out the door (he's gotten out 4 times so far.)  Only once was it night time when he ran, and he was waiting by the door when I came out the next morning.  The other times, it was daylight and he'll run out, go across the street to some woods, then be back anywhere between 15 min and 3 hours.  I always find him laying by the door.  He has a good home and is very affectionate, to the point of being clingy.  How can I stop this behavior?  I would appreciate any help you can give me.  Thank you!

Answer
Marissa,

Once a cat is used to being an inside/outside cat then he is will be happiest being able to still do it, and very unhappy if he made is stay inside, especially if he is a hunter. Cats are independent creatures and are not really meant to be locked up, even if it is for their own safety.

My cats are indoor/outdoor and are happy and well-adjusted. Personally, I would let him go out to hunt especially if he comes back like a good cat. The only thing I wouldn't do is let him out at night, that is the most dangerous time for a cat to be out.

With my cats I teach them "outside" and "stay". If the cat knows that he can go outside sometimes then he will be more open to training. When I don't want a cat to go outside I say "stay!" and throw (gently) them back from the door, or use a rolled up newspaper (the noise is scarry). Then when the cat CAN go out I say "outside" and hold the door open. Cats go by association and will soon learn the difference. When I say "do you want to go outside?" them the cat(s) will run to the door.

If possible, keep your other cats contained and leave the door cracked open for him to run back in when he is through 'hunting'. And if you let him out, do it before you feed him so he will be hungry and come back soon to eat.

Tabbi