Keeping cats or kittens indoors
September 6, 2007
Hi,
We had adopted an adult (formerly stray) cat from an animal shelter a while back. He was an extremely sweet, loving boy, but was constantly waiting near the front door, waiting to make his escape. We had pretty much managed to thwart his attempts, but one day he pushed himself through the window screen while we weren’t home, was hit by a car, and ultimately died. I want to adopt a kitten- I am thinking if they start out young as indoor only, it will be more manageable. However, we do have an older cat who comes and goes. Do you have any tips on keeping cats indoors? Thank you,
Lana
Sorry to hear about your cat that got out. Unfortunately pushing through the screen is a common problem and it doesn’t sound like there was anything you could have done.
You are right, if you start keeping a cat indoors only when it is a kitten it will be a lot easier as the kitten will become conditioned to it. However, there are some cats that no matter what you do they want to go out.
Some things to keep in mind, if you want your cat to be indoors only, keep it only indoors. Simple, right? Well this includes little trips out on the back deck or screened in porch, the once in a while trip into the yard because it’s a nice day, etc. These little trips can cause more problems then they are worth because it’s a confusing message to your cat. They won’t know when it’s OK to go out and when it’s not. Or which door is OK to go out and which is not. Especially if they like it out there on those short/supervised trips. So it’s best to never let them out.
As for the cat that comes and goes, is it possible to have this kitty be an indoor cat too? That will be less confusing for your kitten. If not, then to prevent escapes by your kitten, make sure to close off any cat doors and limit the access in and out your other cat has. When letting the other cat in or out there are a couple of things you can do. You can either pick your cat up and be the one to walk it in or out (thereby limiting the amount of time your door is actually open, which will help prevent the quick escape) or hold the kitten when the other cat goes in/out, or lastly when the cat goes in/out make sure that the kitten is in another room.
Fortunately cats are really smart and learn tasks like staying inside or off counters, etc. easily. Unfortunately cats are really smart and learn ways to sneak out when we’re not looking easily too. Just keep at it and if your kitten does get out try and bring him back in as soon as possible with a stern ‘no’.
Topics: New Kitten | No Comments »
How long before I let my kitten roam free in the house
September 4, 2007
How long was it before you let your kitten be free around the house? I have had my kitten for a week and we had her in my room and let her out around the house under our supervision every once and a while. Now, we are thinking about letting her free around the whole house by herself. When did you let your kitten free around the house by themselves?
Helen
It’s always best to let your kitten explore on it’s own with supervision like you’ve been doing. There is no rule that says at a certain age your kitten will be ok to roam the house on it’s own. It really depends on the kitten’s comfort.
You’ll be able to tell if it’s ready by your supervised visits. Does it seem to get around ok? Does it explore willingly? Does it make it’s way back to the ’safety’ room and litter box on it’s own? If all these are yes, your kitten is ready to go at it alone.
If your kitten seems very nervous and shy when you supervise it on it’s exploration of the house then you may want to wait a few more days and also make those supervised visits longer each time with less and less supervision.
Topics: New Kitten | No Comments »
Looking for temporary housing or foster care for cat
September 2, 2007
Hi,
I am writing for some advice. I am moving to New Zealand for 10
months and cannot take my cat with me. My best friend may be able to
take him in February if she is able to move into “pet-friendly”
housing at graduate school for the Spring semester. So, I need a
place for him to stay, for at least five months- possibly long term.
Is there such thing as temporary housing or foster care for cats? Or,
in your opinion, do you think I should just find him another permanent
home, even though I don’t want to lose him? What is the best thing I
can do for me and my cat, given my situation?
Thanks,
Danielle
This is a tough situation. I know if it were me I’d want to find something temporary and not give up my cat.
Typically the best option is to have a friend, family member, or neighbor care for your cat while you are away. If this is not possible then there are some (but not a lot) foster care places, it will really depend on where you live (bigger cities having more of a chance). If there isn’t one around you a good resource may be your local shelter or vet offices.
Some shelters have volunteers that foster cats until they are adopted, although this is not what you are looking for this could be a potential person to use. If your local shelter does have people who foster, ask the shelter if they can get you in touch with them, or them in touch with you, and you might have a good temporary situation. Same with vet offices, they may know good people who can foster for you.
Also, keep in mind, the person fostering your cat does not need to be in the same town as you live now. I know that sounds redundant but it’s worth noting that if you can find someone for a temp situation it may be worth traveling a distance.
You can also try putting an add in the paper or on the internet for temp housing.
Those are really your best options other then finding him a new permanent home.
Topics: Temporary Housing | No Comments »