You are here:

Cats/Cat wanting outside

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/2/2007


Question
We have a 5 year old short haired neutered male. He's been in our family since we rescued him around 4 years ago. He's declawed and has always been an indoor cat.
Over the past couple days he has been acting very strange. He's loudly crying (he has a sound he uses with me that sounds like mommy) and wanting outside. He's taken to running out when the door is opened to our fenced backyard. Never tries the front door just the back. I am highly concerned about letting him out as he's declawed (front paws only), but don't know what to do.
He got out accidentally when I let the dogs out and I didn't realize he had gotten out but when I went out later he came right up to me letting me know.
I'm just at a loss as to what has gotten into him.
Everything else seems fine with him, he's eating, drinking, playing, going to the litter box just fine, just like always. He's just wanting outside to the point he stalks the back door waiting for someone to go out so he can make a mad dash for the outside.
I'm at a loss as to why he has suddenly become obsessed with outside. I did check to see if there were any other cats in the area that might be in season thinking maybe he was smelling them but there are no other cats around that I can detect.
At this point, any advice, or maybe insight would be great. I just want him to be happy and safe.
Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Kari,

It sounds like there is something out there that he sees and wants. You may not be able to see it but I bet there is a stray around. Or he is really wanting to go after the birds he sees. There isn't too much you can really do about this except guard the door real well. You also may want to try a little aversion therapy. Try using a spray bottle. Every time he goes near the door spray him. See if that works. I have one who used to make a mad dash all the time. I finally had to swat him and yell NO! That startled him and he hasn't done it in a while. You can try that. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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