Tried to take my indoor kitty out for some fresh air, he was not feeling it 😭😭 any advice on how to make him less scared and enjoy going outside?
44 thoughts on “Tried to take my indoor kitty out for some fresh air, he was not feeling it any”
James Tucker
You have to think of it from the cats perspective. Being tied to a leash is a death sentence. Outside a trapped cat is a dead cat. There are so many animals that can kill a cat. All the cats I have ever had like to roam around outside every now and then but never on a leash.
The thing is you may also have to accept that your cat doesn’t want to be outside. Depending on its age and temperament trying to get your cat to enjoy being outside may just stress it out regardless of what you try.
I was told my rescue cat was an indoor cat, but after a few months he showed interest in going outside and sitting next to me at the front door. He then explored round our front door and eventually walked with me to my mums house which was 7 houses up the street from me. After a while he wanted out by himself, so i don’t believe he really was a house cat as he was road aware. I got him at 7 and he’s now 20 and only ventures out twice a day.
I wouldn’t force the cat to enjoy the walk or worry about it, if your baby shows a bit of intrest then take it slow, sit with it on your lap at your door so it can run back in to it’s home if need be rather than take it out in a harness straight away. If it’s natural curiosity doesn’t kick in after a month or and it doesn’t want to explore further than your lap then you defo have a house cat. Xx
Cats can be trained to leashes but they don’t really like them. Usually a cat is going to be happiest free roaming in a safe outdoor enclosed space. Also, they like to stalk and explore alone, but have a path back to their people and a safe familiar place.
Cats are anxious with unfamiliar places. After reapeating walking the same path for a few times, the fear will go away and they are willing to explore further each time.
Get a XXL large dog cage to put him in so he can desensitise to the smells, sounds and movements of the outdoors safely.
Put something in the cage that he’s really familiar and comfortable with so there is a sense of security.
All cats will be ultra cautious for the 1st 5 ish times before they become familiar and feel secure in the initial area they stand in, move in.
Patients and showing them that they are safe by not reassuring. This is a human condition/behaviour that differed greatly to showing reassurance to most/ the rest of the animal kingdom
he will come around. take him on rides with u too. I been walking my cat since he was about 10mo. hes been riding with me since I got him at 3/4 mo. loves it.
Nope, I like that my kitties are afraid to go outside. This way they don’t dash for the door every time it opens. Actually, they show extremely little interest when the door opens. They can sit in the open window that has a screen if they want to experience outside.
I have the problem of we use to live out in the country and the cats went out when they wanted.. now.we live near a busy road and are afraid to let them out
Small short periods of time. Not around other people, cars or dogs or loud areas…all this stimulation of such new foreign surroundings and the smells can be overwhelming…just reassure her with pets and warm voice..be careful you don’t lose her…she is scared so flight is her only means to get to safety….her favorite treats handy will help
My cat does anything he can to get outside. He loves making me chase him down the back alleys at midnight because he snuck out as I was trying to come in the door after work.
Me and my dad are doing the same with ours. Do it gradually, starting with 15 minutes a day. Gently pull the leash to get your cat to explore. Give her constant praise so she knows it’s a good thing. If possible, give her treats, so she’ll learn to associate good things with the outdoors. And when you’re done, carry her inside, don’t lead her in on the leash. The idea is to get her comfortable with being on the leash.
Try putting him a carrier while on the leach inside first let him get used to the noises and distractions do this for couple days and each day stay out longer then try taking him out if it don’t work the first time try try again may take a whole heap of patience
You could let him sit next to a window with a screen on it, or if your porch is kind of enclosed he may enjoy that, too. They just have to get used to the sights and sounds, as long as they know they have a safe place to come back to they don’t care much
I don’t have advice because mine love it but I was wondering how you have yours keep the leash on?? Both of mine get it off so fast so I usually just let my older cat walk around without a leash since he doesn’t run but I’d like to keep them on a leash for safety
You have to think of it from the cats perspective. Being tied to a leash is a death sentence. Outside a trapped cat is a dead cat. There are so many animals that can kill a cat. All the cats I have ever had like to roam around outside every now and then but never on a leash.
It would be great if they stayed in the backyard but if they wander then you are worried about their safety
IV got six cats and one of them never use to go out I just left the cat flap open and he went out on his own now he gos in and out when he wants to.
The thing is you may also have to accept that your cat doesn’t want to be outside. Depending on its age and temperament trying to get your cat to enjoy being outside may just stress it out regardless of what you try.
I was told my rescue cat was an indoor cat, but after a few months he showed interest in going outside and sitting next to me at the front door. He then explored round our front door and eventually walked with me to my mums house which was 7 houses up the street from me. After a while he wanted out by himself, so i don’t believe he really was a house cat as he was road aware. I got him at 7 and he’s now 20 and only ventures out twice a day.
I wouldn’t force the cat to enjoy the walk or worry about it, if your baby shows a bit of intrest then take it slow, sit with it on your lap at your door so it can run back in to it’s home if need be rather than take it out in a harness straight away. If it’s natural curiosity doesn’t kick in after a month or and it doesn’t want to explore further than your lap then you defo have a house cat. Xx
Ebay sells strollers for cats, I got my cat one and she loves it. Just type cat strollers and you’ll find them. I spent $40 on mine.
looks like you have a good harness for him. make sure he doesn’t get loose! you need to get some kind of ID tag on him just in case…
Some cats don’t like it outside we took ours out one time and she rushed back inside.
Cats can be trained to leashes but they don’t really like them. Usually a cat is going to be happiest free roaming in a safe outdoor enclosed space. Also, they like to stalk and explore alone, but have a path back to their people and a safe familiar place.
Kitties need to get used to the leash first. Put the leash on him, without the lead, and let him wear it around your place, until he gets used to it.
Where did you purchase this it looks nice( if you got it online ) thanks.
Cats are anxious with unfamiliar places. After reapeating walking the same path for a few times, the fear will go away and they are willing to explore further each time.
Get a XXL large dog cage to put him in so he can desensitise to the smells, sounds and movements of the outdoors safely.
Put something in the cage that he’s really familiar and comfortable with so there is a sense of security.
All cats will be ultra cautious for the 1st 5 ish times before they become familiar and feel secure in the initial area they stand in, move in.
Patients and showing them that they are safe by not reassuring. This is a human condition/behaviour that differed greatly to showing reassurance to most/ the rest of the animal kingdom
If you think he needs fresh air open a window with a screen.
Just see what each cat wants
It is not against nature to let your cat live indoors. In fact, they will live longer, healthier lives away from what nature and man can do to them.
If he’s an indoor cat let him be, don’t force it.
it definitely helps burn energy
he will come around. take him on rides with u too. I been walking my cat since he was about 10mo. hes been riding with me since I got him at 3/4 mo. loves it.
Patience and frequency. Or they just might not like it. One of mine goes off like an explorer, the other just loafs in the grass and naps.
keep taking him out for short periods – he will get more used to it…
Just Let him be happy inside. Don’t stress the kitty, please.
Trying opening the window if you have a screen and let him smell the air and get used to that first. It will just take time
Mine are not interested in going out. I open the door and they only come to the door.
Plus I don’t want them to catch fleas.
Never take mine out they both are indoors only
Nope, I like that my kitties are afraid to go outside. This way they don’t dash for the door every time it opens. Actually, they show extremely little interest when the door opens. They can sit in the open window that has a screen if they want to experience outside.
Why does everyone feel the need to take their indoor cats out? Open a window screened in of course or build a catco.
My cat is never afraid, feels safe indoors.
I started Ziva out when she was 6 months old. If I pick up her harness & leash she runs right to the back Dior ready to go.
He is scared because he is so used to being in doors
I have the problem of we use to live out in the country and the cats went out when they wanted.. now.we live near a busy road and are afraid to let them out
If he is scared outside, keep him inside.
He will live longer.
Cars will startle them So we walk on the grass or away from the road and reassure him it’s ok when he hears one
Small short periods of time. Not around other people, cars or dogs or loud areas…all this stimulation of such new foreign surroundings and the smells can be overwhelming…just reassure her with pets and warm voice..be careful you don’t lose her…she is scared so flight is her only means to get to safety….her favorite treats handy will help
My cat does anything he can to get outside. He loves making me chase him down the back alleys at midnight because he snuck out as I was trying to come in the door after work.
Treats, time and helps to reassure them by walking close to them until they feel safe enough to wonder on their own
Me and my dad are doing the same with ours. Do it gradually, starting with 15 minutes a day. Gently pull the leash to get your cat to explore. Give her constant praise so she knows it’s a good thing. If possible, give her treats, so she’ll learn to associate good things with the outdoors. And when you’re done, carry her inside, don’t lead her in on the leash. The idea is to get her comfortable with being on the leash.
I walk my on a leash. Put the harness on in the house. Then the leash. Walk in the house first.
One of mine says nope, nope, nope it from orbit…. nothing good out there…. the rest go in and out all the time but not critter
I’d keep him in and put a cat perch in a window so he can enjoy seeing outside without being outside
Try putting him a carrier while on the leach inside first let him get used to the noises and distractions do this for couple days and each day stay out longer then try taking him out if it don’t work the first time try try again may take a whole heap of patience
You could let him sit next to a window with a screen on it, or if your porch is kind of enclosed he may enjoy that, too. They just have to get used to the sights and sounds, as long as they know they have a safe place to come back to they don’t care much
I don’t have advice because mine love it but I was wondering how you have yours keep the leash on?? Both of mine get it off so fast so I usually just let my older cat walk around without a leash since he doesn’t run but I’d like to keep them on a leash for safety
I just leave mine inside where they are comfortable. They love laying on the cats perches by the windows.
Some cat’s don’t like it.