my kitten tries to follow us out the door to work

[PeanutsMom]

haha glad to hear we're not alone. But what are we to do?? Our door does go right outside...

the vet once recommended a hallway runner turned upside down to deter them from going places--would it hurt? or is it just supposed to be uncomfortable? I don't want to hurt the little gal.

[sentimentalgirl]

Oh, I don't know what I would do if our door would lead outside. I'm sure Dunga would go because she likes to explore new places. That's a tough one! I hope someone will post some ideas for you.

[Annissa]

I don't really have a solution, but Sabby used to do this all the time. I just got really good at sticking my foot through the door first to block Sabby's exit.

[Jeanie]

When my two were just kittens, I would say, "That's a no no," even if they looked at the door. They have never attempted to go out. But if I have to open it or someone else comes in, I still say NO!--just in case. I am so worried for fear they get out. I'm glad they take their time to get to know people, because delivery people, etc. don't think about animals getting out and sometimes leave the door open longer than necessary.

[Wayne]

My large orange tabby, Sammy cat, continually tries to get outside. On the few occasions where he has succeeded, he only goes out to the flowers and no further and then it is only a matter of picking him up and bringing him back inside. I think that he wants to be with me all of the time. When I go into a closed-off room in my house, Sammy is usually there first. He will run past me as if to outguess where I am going. Sometimes he is so bad about wanting to get outside, that I have to pick him up and place him in an isolated room for the duration that I am away and shut the door so I can leave the house. He is an extremely affectionate kitty, and is becoming very large. He weighs about 12 lbs and is less than 1 year old.

The only thing that I have found to stop him from running outside is to place in front of him a board, a piece of cardboard, or even the door mat, because a cat will not run where they cannot see where they are going. Also, I have to be sure that I do not open the door wider than the cat foil bcause he will run around it if he can see daylight.

Sometimes I can fake them out by going out the back door through the service porch (as there are two doors in order to get outside), and make them believe that I am coming back and wanting to go out the front door. Also, when I am coming home, Sammy is the first cat to be waiting for me. When I open up the front door, this is where I have to use the boad foil, because of him wanting outside.

I agree with Jeanie, about getting another cat. If you feel your cat is lonely, then I would definitely get her a little playmate. After all, taking care of 2 cats is just as easy as caring for one.

[Hippyhart]

I was looking for this exact post today...thank goodness it's here!

My cat Nico, about five months old, also has started darting out the door whenever I can't (or forget to) block him. I am soooo frustrated with him!

But last night was the last straw...it's 1:30 am, pouring down rain outside, and when my boyfriend got home with some friends, Nico decided to run out the door. He's found that we can't reach him under the porch, so that's the first place he runs. We try toys (Da Bird, which he flips out for when it's playtime), treats, and scaring him out, but nothing will lure him back inside. Finally, my boyfriend brought out a hammer and tore off the lattice work under the porch and crawled under to get him. He knows he's in trouble today, because I wouldn't curl up with him last night or give him any special attention this morning, but I'm sure he will only be remorseful for a little while before he starts it all over again.

There are other stray cats out there that we feed regularly, so I'm wondering if this is because he has the urge to mate. Will neutering help? I was going to wait until he was six months, but at this point, I'm willing to try anything. Please help!

P.S. I have another cat in the house, and they are best buddies. My other cat, who is a neutered male, has never once tried to run out the door. He's too content with watching the world from the window. We picked him up off the streets, so I think he remembers what it's like to be on the outside and doesn't really miss it.

[Celebsilmare]

I have 2 problems getting out the door. First the older one steals my socks and hides under the couch. (she only does this on work days so I know she's figured out my schedule) Then Ninque gets in my way in every way possible. She stands on the bathroom counter in front of the mirror, Gets in front of my moniter, runs to the door and tries to go out. I generall have to get Jason to pick her up so I can squeeze out without an escape.

This has gotten better since the waether cooled down, because now I can open the balcony door and she goes and lounges on her cushion in the fresh air. If you have a closed-in space that is outside, let her play out there. (As long as you know she can't run off) My cats love to watch the birds and stick their faces in the breeze. Most of the time they just sit on a chair or a cushion out in the fresh air. Unfortunately, I can't let them do this all summer because it's way to hot in TX, so be the start of fall, they are begging to go out there.