How do I stop an escaping kitty?

[Sowa]

This time of year, my cat, Shadow, LOVES to be outside. I live on the corner of 3 roads, there are foxes around everywhere, and I just don't want him to be an outdoor kitty. I like to know he is safe. SO, I built him a cat pen. It's not very big, but I put a kitty door on the window, so he can go outside any time he wants and eat grass, or sit in the sun. This of course isn't good enough In the summer I also like to take him outside with me on a long leash in the main part of the yard. This probably isn't a good idea cause he escapes ALL the time.

If I'm not watching carefully for him when I let the dogs out or go in/out the front door he will run outside. He's very sneaky too. He will hide somewhere, and the second you're not looking he takes off out the door. Thankfully, he usually stays in the yard and I can go grab him and take him back in. I'm worried about OTHER people coming and going though. My boyfriend has friends who come over a lot, and they don't like cats. It wouldn't surprise me if they didn't notice him run out the door. They certainly wouldn't go pick him up. One guy thinks it's gross just being in the room with a cat.

So is there ANY thing I can do to stop this? Should I not take him out at all on on his harness? He just loves it outside I hate to not let him out at all but the escaping is getting out of control. I'd really like it to stop not only for his safety but it's a pain having to go look for him. Especially late at night - he's a black kitty!

[Freedom]

My first cat, RB Amber, was an outdoor kitty I rescued and brought in. I took him out on his harness daily - he insisted! He knew that the only time he was allowed out was with the harness on. Point: I don't think you need to worry about taking your cat out on the harness.

You say he can escape from the harness. THAT is not good, you should find a harness he can't escape. Try the Rope N Go harness:
http://www.ubraidit.com/supplies-thumbs.php?cat=81

For darting, keep a water squirt bottle near the door. You will soon learn to pick it up before you open the door to allow the dogs out, and then you can deflect him (with some quick action, lol) You should also squirt him ANY time he goes near the door, even if it is not open.

Is the yard fenced in? You can make it more secure, so it is more difficult for the cat to get out of the fenced area.

As for other folks letting the cat out, that is a huge concern. Can you put the cat in a bedroom when folks are over?

[Karen]

Definitely try the squirt bottle, and if necessary, put a prominent not inside the door where anyone will see it it who's about to leave saying "Be aware of the cat - he may try to get outside, which is not allowed! Use this spray bottle - arrow to where it is - to dissuade him if he tries. Thanks for your cooperation."

[Pinot's Mom]

As far as when people are coming over, I do have notes, as Karen said. I printed a small picture of a kitty and typed on it, "Please don't let the kitty out." - they're covered with clear packing tape, and any time we had people over, I put one on each side of every door to the outside, right at eye level. I don't use them anymore, as everyone is well aware of Pinot's presence, but they did serve as a good reminder the first couple of years.

When it's just you at home, you just have to be vigilant, that's all. Kitties do learn; you have to make it obvious that door darting is not allowed.

Good luck!

[happylabs]

Buddy always tried to get out and did manage to get out a couple times before I got him a harness and leash. Only thing is, when you take a cat out once, they will want to go out every day and bug you until you take them out.

When I started taking Bud out on his leash once a day he stopped hanging by the door so much. He got into a routine. Every night after dinner was time to walk the kitty. There way no way to forget this either...he would remind me.

[Sowa]

I do use a spray bottle, but like I said he is sneaky and he knows the SECOND you're not looking and makes a break for it. I honestly don't always think about it either though.

As for the sign, everyone who comes over knows the cat can't go outside. It's just that one of my boyfriends friends HATES cats, I just wonder if he'd bother to mention the cat got out. I know he wouldn't go back out and pick the cat up and bring him back in for sure.

I just wish I could keep him from trying to escape all together. I know when I stop using the spray he would start again.