How Do I Stop My Cat From Running Outside?

You can stop your cat from running outside by keeping a jar of treats by the door to distract him when you open the door, but this won’t work with every cat. Finding the answer that works for your pet may take some trial and error, but distracting your cat just before you open the door is usually effective. If this doesn’t work, you may have to keep your cat contained in a part of the house where he doesn’t have access to the door while you’re coming or going.

Toys, Treats, and Tricks 

Indoor cats face a number of dangers when they spend time outside. In order to keep your cat safe, it’s important to keep him from running outside. Use these tips to see if you can curb your cat’s desire to dart out of the house:

• Use a Different Door: If your cat sits patiently by the front door waiting for his chance to bolt, trick him by using a different door.

• Toss a Treat: Keep a jar of treats or a few of his favorite toys by the entry. Before you open the door, toss him a treat to distract him.

• Spay or Neuter Your Cat: There are many reasons you should spay or neuter your pet, but one is that it will make him less likely to want to roam.

• Give Him (Safe) Outdoor Opportunities: Build an outdoor cat enclosure or leash train your cat and take him on regular walks if you have a secure outdoor area where you won’t encounter any dogs or wildlife. This way your pet will be able to enjoy the outdoors in a safe manner.

• Banish Boredom: Make sure you provide lots of toys, climbing opportunities, and playtime for your cat. A bored cat is more likely to want to run out the door.

• Contain your kitty when guests are over: House guests, no matter how well-meaning, are not likely to be as careful as you are when it comes to preventing your cat from running out the door. For that reason, it’s a good idea to keep your cat contained when you have company.