Agraphobic cat

[madas]

My 14 year old female cat was until recently very much an outside cat. There is now a new cat on the block a very dominant tom andshe will now not leave the house under any circumstances. Has anybody got any tips on what to do either to get her to go out or make her indoor life more pleasurable.

Thanks

My view would be coloured, I think, by having recently had mainly housecats. I'm also thinking that she's an old girl who might, in any case, be looking to spend more time lazing inside in comfort and safety - and sleeping on the electric blanket you provide (?? - can you tell I'm well trained as a minion?)

Is there someone at home during the day or would she be by herself ?

She is alone at home all day, unfortunately she is confined to one room as we have to put the alarm on when we go out. I supose she may want to spend more time in doors but if i do try to put her out she hisses and growls, something she has never done in the past. It is probably understantable she is scared of the new cat as he is a mahoosive beast.

Ah - alone in one room is not quite as good as I'd hoped although I appreciate your reasons. (Mine have someone here all day, pretty well, and a largeish house to play in.)

Still - she's elderly and has made it clear she doesn't like going out any more. Personally, I wouldn't push it but would just make sure that she has good access to food, water and litter trays, a nice warm comfy place to sleep and lots of love and cuddles (as normal, I'm sure) when you're actually home.

Elderly cats sleep most of the time anyway if they're comfy so she might well just adjust her sleeping times to those when you're out and be quite content. You'll soon see from her behaviour if it's working or not working.

Good luck with her.

PS - make sure she has her indoor playthings around as well.

Thanks cozie. I think its the fact she is stuck in one room that bothers most but that cant be helped at present. She has always got food toys and a litter tray.