Expert: Tina - 4/30/2007

Question
We have a 4 yearold tabby, declawed and spayed who wants to go outside all the time and meows continually until we take him out on a leash.  We live in a senior condominium complex so cannot let him out on his own.  The meowing is starting to get to us as it goes on and on.  We got him 9 months ago from people who sometimes let him out and he was okay during the winter but now that good weather has arrived he just meows all the time.  Otherwise, he is a lovely friendly cat and we love him very much.  Is there anything we could do to cure or at least lessen this very annoying behaviour.

Answer
Hi Margaret,

In most cases you just have to be resolute and ignore the meowing until the cat understands there will be no going out. Stop taking him out on the leash because he now thinks he can demand walks whenever he wants. I don't believe in allowing cats outdoors loose and especially not a defenseless declawed cat!

If it's an option, you could make him happy and keep the peace with some type of cat enclosure (safe outdoor access) that he can access any time on his own. This article showcases many options from window-mounted cat  "windows" to fully featured enclosed cat kennels.

There is also a few links at the bottom of this article to tips on making your outdoor cat a happy indoor cat!

http://catnet.stanford.edu/articles/enclosures.html

Good luck!