Something has frightened my cat and she will not go outside anymore

[RedDiamond]

It happened about 2 weeks ago. She used the front door mat as her toilet. She has never done that before. My cat is 4 years old. She refuses to go outside even if I leave both the front and back doors open so she can take her time. She also has her own microchipped cat flap.

I have put a litter tray down, ordered new coir matting as it stinks. I have the plug in relaxer and have bought her some cat nip balls.

I don't know how to get her to go out now. Poor thing.

I don't mind her becoming an indoor cat but it is driving her crazy and at night she is like something demented, crying, running round the house like a mad thing.

What else can I do?

It might be another cat bullying her. Not the weather for it but can you go outside with he and give treats. Then you would protect her from the bully. Or catio until she is more confident

Fireworks!

Same happen to our cat.

I go out with him.
Talk and play.
Make sure no other cats are around.

This really is not uncommon. I've had it with my cat but admittedly not for a fortnight. When it happens I literally take my cat walkies. I go out with him, gently speaking to him all the way and stroking him and then stand around and wait for him. Sometimes the process takes ages but bit by bit it should help to restore confidence. Is there a new cat on the block or new neighbours, any work been done in your garden? Has anything changed recently?

Thank you all. I am going to try the go outside and see if she will follow me and there is a chair right by the back door so I will just sit there and call her name and see if that helps.

I wondered whether or not it might be a big tom or a fox that has frighten her. It is such a shame if that is the case.

My cat has been like this since Diwali and then Guy Fawkes night, not going out but getting a bit stressed - and I think his absence has meant other cats encroaching more on his territory so it's even more stressful now.

That said, the last few evenings he has gone out for 5-10 minutes, and then last night half an hour or so... so I'm hoping it will resolve itself. Until December fireworks start up again 🙄

@ProfessorInkling I hope so. I hate seeing her in distress.

I agree with the advice above - go out with your cat and re assure her and give her Dreamies outside etc. Once she is out on her own, be ready to rescue her if you hear miawing - We have had to shoo bullies away with this method