Cat desperate to go outside

[Crazy Kitty]

Hi all. We adopted a stray cat from a cats and dogs home a week ago and he has settled really well with us. He is really loving with us and likes to have a cuddle but is also content to be on the floor or the other sofa to sleep by himself. We were advised by the cats home that we need to keep him inside for 4 weeks to settle before allowing him access to outside. Initially he was ok but he is becoming increasingly aware of the outside and will cry to be let out. He is also waking at 5am every morning and crying to be let out and it is really difficult to settle him. Is there anything we can do over the next 3 weeks to try and help the situation? I've read about taking them into the garden with you on a harness but would you recommend this in the meantime or would that just be making the situation worse?

[Kay]

I know some people dislike cat harnesses, and so do many cats, but I think it is worth a try, if you have an area he can potter about in but not one where he can encounter other cats, or be too aware of the space beyond the area

[Crazy Kitty]

I am not keen on the harness idea but I just want to do what is best for him. If that is keeping him in completely then I am ok with that. I just wondered if it was worth tying so he gets some outside time or to just leave it until his 4 weeks is up and he can come and go as he pleases. I really appreciate the advice.

[meriad]

I'd keep him in, esp if he's used to being a stray and roaming, and even more if he's only recently been neutered. 4 weeks in the greater scheme of things isn't a very long time and it does make a difference; the longer you can keep them in the better.

Good luck!

[Crewella]

I'm afraid I agree with Meriad - you really do need to grit your teeth and keep him in as long as you can. Cats need time to feel totally safe and 'imprint' on a territory and feel it's theirs ..... the danger if you let him out too early is that he will wander off as he doesn't really feel 'at home' yet.

[Crazy Kitty]

I wouldn't let him out unattended before the 4 weeks are over. My question was whether letting him wander around the enclosed garden with a harness would help or whether you just wouldn't recommend it at all? I don't want to do anything that is not in his best interests but if there is anything I can do to help him then I'm willing to try.

[Crewella]

I'm another one not keen or harnesss. Many cats don't take to them and can then panic and get loose, and the thought of a cat running loose trailing a lead doesn't bear thinking about! It also might make him even keener to go out if he's tasted the fresh air!

Having said all that, I used to take my old Giddy (our first cat and matriarch of our cat family for 19 years) everywhere on a harness as she was really good on it and much preferred it to a cat carrier for vet visits. As always, it really depends on the cat! If you have one, and he's OK with it indoors for a few days, it might ..... and only might .... be OK ....... but personally I wouldn't risk it with a new, unknown cat.

[Crazy Kitty]

Thank you for all of the advice. I think Dexter is going to have to just sit tight and wait until his 4 weeks are up. I think he is just really missing the outdoors, poor thing. He is definitely getting more interested in playing with his toys the last couple of days so that should help keep him entertained and burn off some energy at least.