Does your feline friend have access to come and go as she pleases? Fluffy may really love being outdoors, where she can chase butterflies and roll around in the dirt … and completely ignore you when you call her to come indoors. However, your beloved pet will be much safer living inside, where she isn’t exposed to the dangers of cars, predators, other animals, weather, parasites, and other risks. Your furball may not be happy with your decision to keep her inside, but with time, patience, and a bit of bribery, you can convince your kitty to enjoy the indoor life. Read on as a Cherry Hill, NJ vet offers advice on how to curb your pet’s taste for adventure.
Kitty Paradise
Make your home as feline-friendly as possible. This may be quite a bit easier than one would think: all Fluffy really wants are food, comfy napping spots, some toys, a good window view, a clean litterbox, and perhaps a few pieces of cat furniture. Cat grass or catnip are optional, but may be very much appreciated. You can also set out some non-toxic plants and put them at floor level, so your cat can get a taste of the outdoors.
Keeping Your Furball In
Whenever Fluffy approaches the door, try squirting your adventurous pet with water. You can also make a loud noise by clapping your hands, sounding an alarm app on your phone, or banging two pots together. If you happen to have a bike horn or trumpet lying around, give it a good blast from across the room. Your kitty will be startled, and may bolt for her favorite hiding spot to ponder the mysteries of the door, but she won’t be hurt.
Sweeten The Deal
Take time to play with your furry pal every day. Use toys like laser pointers or wand toys to really get your furball’s attention. This will burn off Fluffy’s excess energy, and satisfy her urge to pounce and hunt. We all know what happens when our feline friends get tired: naptime! Instead of trying to get out, your furball may be perfectly content to curl up on your lap, and perhaps dream about going outside.
Do you have questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care? We can help! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us, your Cherry Hill, NJ animal clinic, anytime.
