How To Keep Your Cat From Bolting Outside
Cats live for an average of 15 years as per statistical data. However, the same data shows that the indoor cats who are allowed to go outside live for an average of only five years. Animals have a natural tendency to escape their surroundings and cats are no different. However, domesticated cats are not equipped with the tools to survive outside on their own. Some of these cats don’t even know how to climb a door or a tree making them prey to other animals and automobiles. Therefore, it is necessary that you keep your cat(s) from bolting outside. Some of the methods you can use have been included in this post. Hopefully, you’ll find that there are many ways to keep your fur babies from doing so.
Modify Doorways
Your cat is an intelligent creature and wants to go out. She will sit in front of the door and wait for it to open before bolting outside. A simple, yet effective way to outsmart her is by using different doors for entry and exit. Moreover, have peep windows or sidelights installed on your doors so you can peep in before opening it so the cat doesn’t escape through your legs.
Escape Proof Your House
This tip contains a host of methods that includes everything from closing the cat/newspaper door to using electronic methods to stop your cat from fleeing the house, especially in your absence. If somehow your cat keeps on managing to escape, find the loophole and close it. You cannot stop them from natural behavior but can deny them access to temptation. A screened in porch allows your cat to experience the pleasure of being outside while under supervision which ultimately helps to minimize the desire to bolt outside.
Training Methods
This is one of the trickiest ways to stop your baby’s tendencies to bolt outside because it means suppressing her natural tendencies. However, it can be done using effective training such as tools of distraction every time you feel it’s necessary.
Place a favorite toy such as a cat tree in the same room as the doorway. Use treats such as Greenies and catnip to lure your baby to the tree just before you leave. Make her happy and nurture her natural curiosity in order to cut back the attractions of the outside world.
Annoy Your Baby
When stimulating cat toys and treats don’t do the trick try then there’s another method to use… annoying your cat every time she lurks near the door or the window. You know your baby better than anyone. If you have still not figured it out then a spray bottle (simply spray in the air and not at your baby) is an ideal tool. Our cat, Hercules, doesn’t like plastic bags or anything that mimics the sound of a spray bottle.
Automatic sprayers can be placed near points of entry. Our baby won’t come near the doorway while those are on. Also, plastic bags can be situated so that the material flaps in the wind. The trick lies in making sure you don’t overuse these methods so that your baby becomes immune to the scarecrow in the field.
Scolding Is a Good Thing
Even with all these precautions in place, your cat will still be able to run away. Once she achieves this and you successfully bring her back then it’s okay to scold her and use the tone of your voice to convey your displeasure. Like many other animals, cats contain the ability to read body language and to sense your discomfort. And cats are known for their vivid, long-term memory. Your baby will remember this treatment each time she misbehaves.
In the end, your cat wants to see you happy and you want the same. Preventing your cat’s escape outside will keep her safe and disease free. We hope one or all of these tips help you to erase this behavior in a way that works for both you and your fur baby.
**The article How to Keep Your Cat From Bolting Outside first appeared on KittyCatSoapBox.com on February 24, 2018**