Ways to prevent cats from going outside

[FamTimes Reporter Jennylyn Gianan] As more people visit the house during the summer, cats get more opportunities to go outside. If a window is left open and a delicious smell wafts in from the house next door, the cat will inevitably head out without hesitation.

In this situation, if the owner finds the cat and brings it back home, the cat experiences stress.

Here are several ways to prevent your cat from going outside.

Keep the cat busy and entertained. If there are many things to experience within the home environment, they will not seek adventures outside. Provide interactive toys and puzzles that stimulate the brain. Find appropriate indoor activities for the cat.

You should train the cat to come when its name is called. This makes it much easier to lure the cat back home with food by calling its name if it does go outside. Remember that cats can easily distinguish between tricks and commands.

Redirect the cat's attention away from the door. If you give the cat attention near the door, it will quickly realize that people are going in and out through that door.

It is better to greet the cat at a specific location away from the door when entering or leaving. It is best to leave when the cat is busy eating a snack provided at that specific location.

Create a cat enclosure and walk the cat on a leash. Even without a leash, the cat can roam around inside the enclosure while feeling safe and comfortable. However, if the cat dislikes the leash, there is no need to force it to wear one.

Warn visitors that the cat may go outside. Post a note asking visitors to close the door when entering or leaving the house.

When strangers are present, keep the cat in a room so they do not get stressed, and place a note on the door stating that a cat is inside. Provide water, food, a litter box, and toys in the room to make them feel comfortable.

Jennylyn Gianan fam1@pcss.co.kr