Indoor cats may desire to go outside due to changes in their environment or boredom. However, letting them go outside is not the only solution. Cats can indulge their innate urge to hunt and explore by stalking and capturing prey. They may also seek companionship and interact with other cats, making it essential to provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
Cats’ sexual urges can make them flee.
Your cat is more likely to desire to leave its area to mate if it has not been neutered or spayed. A new cat in the neighborhood may be the cause of your cat’s eagerness for going outside.
Image credit : Tanya Kostina
3. To Research
Your cat will encounter a lot of new sights and smells outside because there is so much to see and do.
As cats are naturally interested, it’s possible that your cat is lacking stimulation and that they are attempting to get outside to simply do some exploring.
cat perusing a tree
If you notice that your cat is more eager to go outside at particular times, they might have heard or seen something strange.
Image credit : Claudia Raphael
4. To Denote the Territory
Some cats prefer to leave the house so they can mark their territory and keep other cats away from the building.
It is only natural for cats to desire to mark their territory because they are naturally territorial and doing so allows them to communicate with other cats while limiting interaction with them.
Should You Permit Your Indoor Cat to Visit the Outdoors?
It can be very good for your indoor cat’s general health and wellness if you can allow them to go outside while keeping them safe.
This could entail building your cat an outdoor enclosure that is safe, letting your cat roam free in a safe garden, or taking your cat outside while on a harness and lead.
inside cat gazing at the cat outside
Given the numerous dangers in the outside world, it is necessary to take precautions to assist assure your cat’s safety.
It is reasonable that many cat owners don’t want to put their animals at risk by bringing them outside because these risks mean that outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor-only cats.
While indoor living is safer, cats may not have enough cerebral stimulation, may be unable to exhibit their natural behaviors, and may as a result develop behavioral problems.
Indoor cats may develop weight issues, stress, and depression as a result of this.
There are advantages and disadvantages to bringing indoor cats outside, but there are many advantages if you can give your cat a safe introduction to the outside world. Is the desire for an indoor cat to go outside normal?
Yes, cats are naturally curious creatures, and many indoor cats occasionally express curiosity in venturing outside.
cat observing a bird through the window
So long as they have mental stimulation and means to express natural behaviors like hunting, cats can adapt to an indoor living very well.
Image credit : Ana Maria Mejia
How to Handle an Indoor Cat that Goes Outside
If your indoor cat has managed to escape, attempt to entice them back inside by shouting their name, rattling a treat bag, or making noise with their food bowl.
Remain composed if your cat is out of sight and does not return after you call them. an unmoving cat in a tree
Placing your cat’s litter box or favorite blanket outside is a smart idea because they will bear their scent and make it easier for them to find their way back if they get lost.
In case your indoor cat escapes, be careful to notify your neighbors, the animal shelter or veterinarians in your area, and provide them with your contact information.
Your cat has probably discovered a hiding spot to stay safe if it has never been outside before.
This is a good time to visit since they are more likely to emerge from hiding and forage for food between dusk and dawn.
How to Prevent Your Cat From Attempting to Leave the House Everyday When your cat often runs to the open door or window, it can be difficult to keep them inside. Your cat won’t constantly try to go outside if you follow these advice:
1. Have your cat spayed or neutered.
Because they are not interested in traveling far from home in pursuit of a mate, cats who have been neutered or spayed tend to stay closer to the house.
a veterinarian inspecting a cat
You can rest easy knowing that if your cat does venture outside after being neutered or spayed, they won’t be able to reproduce.
2. Make escape less enticing by employing deterrents
Placing aluminum foil, sticky tape, or creating loud noises each time your cat approaches the door are all possible ways to make the doorway unpleasant.
In order to open the windows while preventing your cat from escaping through a crack, you may alternatively cover the windows with screens.
an irrigation system
Giving your cat treats every time the door is opened while they are in their bed or another safe place is another way to encourage them to stay inside.
This constructive criticism might assist in preventing your cat from lunging for the door whenever it is opened.
Place a cat tree close to a window.
Your cat may observe what is happening outside without actually being outside if you place a cat tree close to a window.
kitchen cat tree
This may be both a great way to entertain them naturally and a great way to mentally stimulate them.
4. Give them a cat window screen or catio.
Consider purchasing your cat a catio if they are compelled to be outside all the time. They can enjoy the outdoors without fear in this enclosed space that is safe.
You may give your cat access to the sights, sounds, and smells of the outside without having to worry about them escaping or coming into contact with dangers by using a catio or cat window screen.
