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 Pet Central
Q&A
Q: My cat immediately
took to being outside. I leave my kitchen window open for him while I’m
at work, so he can keep occupied. After reading one of your columns about
the dangers of (a cat) being outside, I’m concerned. Is it too late to
turn him into an indoor cat? I’ve tried to keep the window shut but he
wants out, and if I open the door, he flies past me. What should I do?
-- L.N., San Francisco, Calif.
A: We all know kids
who scarf down five bags of candy during one movie … then pay the price
later. Sometimes adults should step in to do what’s best in the long run.
Sure, your kitty’s in the habit of going outside; it only knows its daily
routine.
Feline behaviorist
Kate Gamble, of San Francisco, Calif. explains, "It also means your
cat is subject to being hit by cars, disease and attacks from other cats
-- for starters. Besides, a neighborhood cat or raccoon is liable to follow
your kitty in through that kitchen window." Also, cats can be poisoned
(rodent poisoning or anti freeze can be lethal) and they’re subject to
being caught, then used as bait for pit bull fighting; this is a shocking
but real practice in many urban areas, including San Francisco. "Outside
life is no utopia," Gamble adds.
The good news is
you’re not alone. My Pet World is apparently making a difference. In the
past few days, we’ve received similar notes from others in your area,
as well as readers in the Atlanta, Orlando, Chicago and the Louisville
markets, all seeking to convert their free roaming cats to indoor life.
"The key is,
stand firm, ignoring all the protests," says Gamble. If your kitty
is fast enough to bolt when you open the door, offer a tidbit in another
part of the house so you can safely depart.
Your job is to make
the life indoors just as interesting as life beyond. Play with your cat
at least twice daily with an interactive toy, such as fishing pole toys
with a piece of fabric, feathers, bird or mouse toy serving as the prey.
The Lazer (cq) Mouse is a great prey drive outlet; shooting a harmless
red dot across the room -- a bug to catch (Call 800-265-7494; $23.95).
Play sessions can be at the commercials while you watch a sitcom.
When you leave the
house, leave food in places where your cat has to hunt to find it. The
Play-N-Treat Ball is a little plastic ball; when the call rolls it around,
food falls out (Call 800-565-2695, $4.95).
Also, construct your
own toys using empty boxes or rolled up wrapping paper; the possibilities
are endless. Aluminum foil and ping-pong balls are fun too. Just remember
to rotate the toys, or your cat will lose interest.
Be sure to provide
a ledge for your kitty to watch the world go by. A bird feeder is great
entertainment, and so is a pet for your pet, such as a goldfish (in a
cat-proof bowl).
Instead of forcing
your cat indoors cold turkey, take it slow. Begin by keeping him inside
one day a week and when you’re at home on weekends, then slowly increase
his time inside. In the long run, you’ll be doing the right thing for
your cat.
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