Expert: Jessica - 6/9/2011

Question
My cat is about a year old, or maybe a little older.  Her name is Mau.

She is an indoor cat, but about 2 months ago I started letting her out a little each evening.  She likes to hunt and I thought the fresh air and some hunting would be good for her.

Now she escapes every night and stays out longer and longer.  She comes home with her fur messed up and her makeup smeared - reeking of alcohol cologne :)  No, but seriously this has become a problem and is out of control.

I do NOT want her spending more than one hour outside in the evening.

Last night I was going to bed and she got out when I let the dog out, and would not come back in!  I tried tricking her with food, and waited an hour (it was about 1 in the morning).  Finally I just went to bed and hoped she'd learn her lesson and not do it again.  This morning she was at the door crying to be let back in.

Now I feel horrible because she is exhausted and sleeping all day - I hate to think of her spending the night outside, but I was hoping to teach her that she needs to "come in" when I call.

What can I do?  Can I train her to be an inside cat except for a small outing every night, or do I have to commit to her staying 100% inside all the time?

I am very good at training animals (my iguana is potty-trained, and I sucessfully trained two rival turtles to get along in the same tank).  I will whole-heartedly and patiently try any suggestions you think might work.

Luckily, she does not want to go out in the day time.  However, summer is coming and I want to squash this problem before we have the windows open all the time.

Thanks so much for your time.

Mau's Mom

Answer
Hi Amanda,

The best that you can hope is to teach Mau to "come" when you are outside with her, or keep her on a harness. Free-roaming cats with no supervision cannot be trained to stay within a certain area or to come home within a certain time, and they are generally little tempted to return if they hear their name called. Once in a while, shaking a bag of food or opening a can will tempt them if they're within ear shot.

Even cats who are outdoors with their family but aren't tethered on a harness are at very high risk of darting away, but I know of a couple of obedient cats who will come when called if they stray too far from their family. Each time the cat responds to his or her name, shower her with praise or maybe an occasional treat.

Harness trained cats are the most protected. I recommend a walking jacket, as these are more difficult for a cat to wiggle out of than a harness. Begin by having the cat wear the harness or jacket around the house until she's used to it. Then, attach the leash but don't attempt to walk her. Finally, try walking her. Most cats will lead while you follow.

Good luck!

Jessica