BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Cats getting out

Asia "my cat" got out of the house twice
I would be so heart broken if some thing happen to him
He didn't get far i caught him, thank goodness
I don't want for him to get out, he is very curious.
I'm trying so hard to be careful he doesn't get out, but hes fast
Any ideas how to stop him from getting out
I tried a water gun and squirted him every time he went near the door
But he quickly got scared of me and i didn't want that so i gave the squirt guns away to some children out doors
After i got rid of them hes not afraid of me any more
I never want him to be scared of me
So how can i stop him from getting out

Our cat was a stray so we never thought about keeping him penned up in the house. Cats are smart and are better about taking care of themselves outdoors. They also don't venture too far as they are territorial. My point is that maybe you might reconsider keeping him only in the house. He will be happier.

But, if you really wants him only indoors, why not have the kids squirt him if he slips out. This way, he will associate being outdoors with danger and unpleasantness.

I agree that you shouldn't squirt him all the time or he will be afraid of you.

Thanks Chi, yes i only want him to be an indoor cat
I live in a very bad neighborhood and the cats are abused out doors here, their slammed by their tails in to trees, put down the sewers, hung and lit on fire
A couple have been purposely run over by teenagers cars
I'm so afraid of him getting out

Rosie, do you have a screen door? If not, I would suggest getting one - a good one with a good lock. It would not only keep Asia inside when you answer the door, but, also be a little more protection for you. When you do have to go out, make sure Asia is first put into a separate room with the door closed so he will not run outside. From what you tell us about your neighborhood, I think it is a good idea to keep Asia inside. Make sure he has a window to sit in and look out of, preferrably in the sunshine. Cats love to kick back and lay in sunshine. Looking out the window is how they "read the neighborhood", as my kids use to say about our Mr. Tom.

I used to use a water gun, too, to keep the cats from scratching furniture - but if it makes Asia fear you, it is wise not to do that. It is important that he can trust you and know he can count on receiving love and comfort from you.

Thanks Phyllis, I do have a screen door
And he loves looking out the window
Putting him in another room when i leave the house is a good idea
I'll get a second litter box
It will be good also in case the housing maintenance people come in when I'm not home they don't close the door, just walk in and do what they have to do
This is really stressing me out

Oh, Rosie - you are in my prayers. Please do not get stressed out. Invest in a good cat carrier that is large enough for Asia to stand, turn around and stretch out. Put him in the carrier anytime you go out. To get him used to it, put it in a place where he is comfortable and leave the door open all the time unless you go out. Leave his favorite toys and treats, a blankey, whatever he loves in there so he will know that is his "safe place". When you go out lock him in there for his safety and your peace of mind. I have found over the years that my pets felt more safe and comfortable in the kennel or carrier when I was out, rather than roaming around an empty home. Let me know if this works for you and Asia.

The trick for any kind of control mechanism is for the cat not to see where it's coming from. I have canned air by my door and I don't let my cats see it when I use it. I got this information from a pet behaviorist. Another thing she suggested, but I haven't needed to use is a whistle. If you blow the whistle while the door is opening the cat will equate the scary noise with the open door. Hope it helps. Have you ever called your humane society about the abuse you've seen towards cats? My heart goes out to those poor little kitties.

Thanks to every one for the wonderful advice
Yes Granny, several of us have called
It's heart breaking

How horrid! It's time to call the police!