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Does your indoor cat try and escape?

34 replies

Fordian · 02/11/2022 18:22

We are about to get a 6 year old apparently exclusively indoor cat; I've never had such a cat before.

Is it a pain in the summer having to constantly check escape routes, keep doors shut etc to contain it?

Or does your cat go outside for short, supervised periods of time?

TIA

OP posts:
Guessitswednesday · 04/03/2023 20:08

Nope, cat1 fell out of our bedroom window, now i could open the door and tell her to leave and she looks at me like im stupid. Cat2 doesnt even realise outside is a thing, even before we got her spayed, never even attempted it.

Is a massive pain in the summer when its sweltering and cant throw our bedroom window open and im still trying to think of a fix for it.

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 04/03/2023 20:14

No, ours just look horrified if the door to out there opens. On the boat they stay on the deck, and wait for their harnesses to be clipped on.
They will happily go in the catio, until next door do something heinous- like saying hello, then they shoot back inside!! (Today it was the lawn mower how very dare he!)
windows have security catches which allow us to open the windows just enough that we get good breezes but no escapes around a 5cm opening, or can be put on vent.

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 04/03/2023 20:17

@Guessitswednesday look at flatcats for window mesh or use cat barrier netting for balconies and your own diy frame.
Or child proof security catches. There may be a bespoke option that will suit.

qazxc · 04/03/2023 20:30

We have had 2 indoor cats, they didn't start that way. Both were rescues and semi feral when we got them. I thought that they would want to go out. But none of them have shown any interest in the outside. They might follow me out when I hang the washing/ sit out in the garden but stay close and come back in as soon as I do. They like to look out if the window but don't try to escape through them.

fluffi · 04/03/2023 21:03

My cat shows no inclination to walk over the threshold, she'll wait for me when I come home but stays indoors and tends to run away from the front door unless its someone she "knows" e.g the regular postie or regular visitors.

That said I have the top half opening outwards windows and caught her balancing on the open window and inside window once and my heart stopped as it was the first floor. I got flat cats installed on all the windows I ever open pretty sharpish, they are super easy to install, defintely recommend www.flatcats.co.uk/

However I do take care if having deliveries, e.g. recently had a mattress taken away and new one delivered, so I put in her a room while the delivery was taking place as the front door was going to be open for an extended period of time and the new mattress was going in the room she prefers to hide in when there are strange visitors. So I thought she might get a bit spooked by strangers in her territory. Instead she had some nice treats in a different room! I am probably over cautious though, given she real

EloiseJ · 05/03/2023 07:29

Having an exclusively indoor cat can be a great choice for many people, as it eliminates the risk of the cat being injured or lost outside. However, it does require some extra effort to ensure the cat's safety and happiness indoors.

In terms of escape routes, it's important to make sure that all windows and doors are secure and that there are no holes or gaps in screens or doors that the cat could escape through. It's a good idea to do a thorough check of your home and make any necessary repairs or upgrades before bringing the cat home.

During the summer months, you may need to be more vigilant about keeping doors and windows closed to prevent the cat from escaping. However, with some training and reinforcement, most cats can learn to stay indoors and not try to escape.

You can also consider installing a screened-in porch or catio so that the cat can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine in a safe and controlled environment.

Supervised outdoor time can be a great way to provide your cat with some additional stimulation and exercise, but it should always be done with caution. Make sure that your cat is wearing a collar with identification tags, and keep a close eye on them at all times.

It's also a good idea to make sure that your outdoor area is securely fenced or enclosed to prevent the cat from wandering off.

Overall, with some careful planning and attention to detail, you can provide a happy and safe indoor environment for your new cat. Good luck!

LT2 · 05/03/2023 08:02

Nope. If we leave the door open for a long time they would slowly wonder out, whilst meowing nervously. Never have to worry about them trying to run past us when we come in our go out though. They've always been house cats so the outside makes them nervous. One escaped out of the bathroom window once and we only knew because he was scrambling to get back in!

Aphrathestorm · 05/03/2023 08:05

We try to encourage ours out but they won't go.

CarolAnswers · 06/03/2023 18:08

Absolutely! Yes, my indoor cat is a bit of an escape artist and likes to try and slip out whenever she can. To make sure she stays safe and doesn't get lost, I always keep all doors and windows tightly shut and even installed screens on the windows so she can enjoy the fresh air without the risk of getting out. However, if you're ever concerned about your cat's safety or behavior, it's always a good idea to ask a vet for advice. You can easily ask a vet online and get professional guidance on how to keep your cat safe and happy indoors.

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