ZAZOU is missing again!!! she is BACK HOME !!!!!!

[Fuzzybuns]

First and foremost, I hope she returns home safely and quickly this time, too.

When I poofed Churchy, he had been raised from kittenhood as an outside cat. His vet said one of the hardest things to do is convert him to strictly indoors. I was a bit surprised that it wasn't all that hard, he howled by the doors and windows for a few weeks, stalked us as we were leaving or coming back in, and his behavior was horrible. We stuck it out and now he's a healthy, happy and safe couch cat, lol.
Of course she's going to howl, she's wants outside, but the simple fact is, she's put herself in danger and now precautions need to be taken for her own safety because you obviously can't leave it up to her.

You ask if it's fair... yet she's the one with the infractions on her little record. You have to think of like you're trying to keep her safe. She's been trapped in an unknown location, and even though she faired well last time, this or next time she might not. Keeping her contained, whether inside or outside, is fair because it will keep her safe.
I would be worried that my others would catch on to her actions and start a little exploring on their own.

I think she does need an outside area, totally enclosed. Make it large enough to pretty it up with flowers and maybe a tiny little pond. Put a large flat rock in a sunny corner and you might find that you'll use it for all of your cats more than you thought you ever would. Trips to the store, company coming over, remodelling in the house...I can think of a bunch of times I'd love to have one.

Good luck little Zazou...please come home!

[Catty1]

You mentioned your son plays rough with her, and she didn't come inside that one time. Is that rough play enough to keep her away, do you think?

Get her used to wearing just the harness when she is indoors. Then tie it to a leash and tie it to something outdoors. If there is something in the middle of the yard, tie it there - and if the leash is long enough, she can go wherever her sisters do.

She'll learn soon enough that going outside means using the harness - she will get used to it.

She'll be home soon.

[kb2yjx]

Any news??? Prayers continue for Zazou's safe and prompt return!!!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

She'll learn soon enough that going outside means using the harness - she will get used to it

Precisely! She will start to see it as a good thing and it will also tip the balance of power in Lut's favour. Do cats have pack hierarchy like dogs?

It's time to get firm with her - focus on her picture and think "okay Zazou, you've had your fun - now get yourself back home"

[Pawsitive Thinking]

In all fairness Lut has a massive garden with everything a cat could want (including catnip and a fish pond ) and as far as I know it is well away from any roads. When Zazou went missing last week she was only on the other side of the fence - but shut in. She wasn't found miles and miles away....... she just needs to curb her enthusiasm for exploring

[gini]

Lut, I used to go through this with Rascal. He was a feral cat so he loved the outdoors. But he also just loves a good fight and he came home once too many times chewed up.

It took some doing - but he now understands that he is an indoor cat.
It is a shame because Annie and Emma were always good and stayed in the yard. But it didn't seem fair to let them go out and not Rascal.

He complained and howled and bolted towards an open door or would sneak into the basement if given the chance - and yes, it is hard to listen to all of that yowling and complaining.

If I were you, I think I would try the harness and leash idea as soon as possible. She may not like it - but you are doing it for HER GOOD.
You can't continue to go through this worry.

I know that Sara (Edwina's Secy) has been very successful with the harness and leash system with Edwina and Eddie.

It gets down to - what is the best for your kitty - and who is in charge?

It would help if Jo could tame down his playing rough too - she may be frightened by his rough play.