How can I let my cat out for the first time?

Question

It has been about a month since I got my cat, he is 6 months right now. He used to be outside most of the time. I let him out a few times on the stairs, I live on the third floor in appartments. Whenever he gets down to the grass he starts running away. He tries to get away from me and I have to catch him and bring home.

He really started neawing at the door and trying to run away every time we go outside. I'm really afraid that he will not come back if I let him outside, it's a long way up and I think that he will be afraid that I won't let him out again. I think that he's happy in my home, I play with him a lot and pay a lot of attansion to him but he is still a little bored while being indoors.

Answer 1

Cats really shouldn't be indoor/outdoor animals.  Domestic cats do not have the survival skills necessary to be safe outdoors unsupervised.  This is even more the case if they are declawed.  If you *must* let him go outside, make certain that he has ALL his vaccinations, especially those for Feline leukemia.  That isn't common in housecats, but is very  common in feral ones.  And its amazingly contagious to boot.

If you decide to do the outside thing, the harness/leash is a GREAT way to do it.  Kitty gets outside air and experience and an excuse for mom/dad to go for a walk and get some exercise too. Don't attempt to walk a cat on a leash with only a collar, they're slippery little buggers and will be out of it in a heartbeat.  A harness is a necessity.  There are several varieties, the ones that are for small dogs work fine, just make sure they are snug, but not uncomfortably so, or use the ones built for cats.

If you don't want to take the time and effort to walk him, please, for his sake, don't let him out on his own.  If he persists in scratching at the door, keep a squirt bottle handy and give him a spray with it when he starts chewing/scratching the door.

Good luck :)

Answer 2

My cat's always been an indoor/outdoor cat.  And I live in a condo complex.  She always comes home.  Granted, she's 12 years old now.  But she grew up having the privilege of coming and going.  I think animals are a lot like kids in that they will do what you don't want them to do; i.e. running away when you want him to come home.  I don't think it necessary to have your cat on a leash just to let him outside.  I say give him a change.  Let him out for half an hour and go call his name, he'll probably still be around.  When I call my cat she comes to me.

Answer 3

I have been using a harness and leash with my cat for 2 months now. She loves to go outside and doesn't mind wearing the harness. We go out twice a day so she can enjoy the weather and grass. I recommend you get a cat harness (not just a collar) and start taking her out on that. It is safe for the cat and fun for you. I have lots of people amazed you can walk a cat. She has even gone to PetSmart with me. Remember, practice makes perfect! It took my cat 5 weeks to get good at walking on a leash. But once they learn, you can take your cat lots of places with you!  http://www.hdw-inc.com/leashtraining.htm

Answer 4

well this has happened to me with my first cat. she really did escape though and i found that a little shake of food always made her come running home to me and eventually i didnt need the food any more i called and she came. all cats are different though i would take him out on a leash first and walk him around and back so he know where home is. cats have a great memory and know where the food is but be careful

Answer 5

put it on a leash outside, and let it get used to not being able to run away. and if you live in an apartment, having an outdoor cat might not be that easy.

Answer 6

Living in an apartment complex, it may be in your best interest to keep your cat indoors, and only let him outside on a harness or walking jacket.

When you chase your cat while he's outside, he will runaway because he thinks you're chasing him, and he may be scared. Try sitting still on the ground and bring treats. When he comes when he's called, make sure to pile on the praise.

Letting cats outside on their own can increase their chances of getting hit by a car, getting in fights, getting stolen, or catching a disease. Be sure to have your cat fixed if he isn't already.

Answer 7

You have to invest in a cat leash and take him out.  He'll hate it at first but will get used to it.  You shouldn't let your kitty roam free in an apartment building....anything could happen to him.

Answer 8

        My cat does the same thing. When he was wild we found him in a forrest and we couldn't let him outside because he would run from us.He once ran three houses down and scared us half to death so we went to a nearby store like target and brought him a harness and a leash. Do this for about one month and let him off gradually. But they always come back :-)

Answer 9

let him go in your back yard but keep an eye on him. my kitten is wild but he knows not to escape or mommy will get mad. or get a cast stroller so he gets used to the outdoors