Cat doesn't want to come home

[miafey]

It seems to me your cat doesn't like two things, firstly having to wait to come in and secondly being 'forced' to come in. If she goes out to do all the fun stuff and only home for essentials of food and warmth then in the summer you may not see much of her at all - you know she is able to catch her own food and it won't be cold. It needs to be nicer to come home to you than to stay out ... for some cats that is cuddles, for others playtime and some both.

Sorry to repeat myself, but have you specifically tried Da Bird and Original Dragonfly toys? Both are designed to mimic the movements of living creatures, and are known to get the laziest cat interested!! My Noah loves to play but breaks off to have a wash constantly, well he didn't this morning after the Dragonfly arrived, leaping stalking and pouncing like with real prey.  100% engrossed for ten minutes - would have been longer but I didn't want to aggravate his paws (he has a problem with them).

Food wise: just thought that if she is a hunter you might try some raw food, perhaps a chicken wing?? She is unlikely offered that anywhere else she might get fed and, if she enjoys it, the process will keep her entertained - Noah is half an hour with half a wing!!

I tried da bird. I'll try dragonfly again. 

[miafey]

So does she have access to the shed when she normally goes out, especially during the winter

No. This is the first time she stayed outside for the night.
Do you think she'll still need somewhere like a shed to stay in even during the daytime when she's out?
As we think if she goes out during the day she goes out to play. If she wants to have a rest she can always come back home. We left the door open all day for her. So we didn't give her access to the shed.

Cats sleep an awful lot more than you think so when your at work all day and shes shut out she has nowhere comfy to go. In the summer they lay in the shade of a bush but winter not so fun!

Whenever i have a week off it reminds me just how lazy cats really are, we have our door open whenever we are home so they can go out but they dont really use it, much prefering a double bed or beanbag until lunch 

My husband works from home so there is always someone home during the day. We left the door open for her until we go to bed so she can always come back whenever she wants
But yes I think night time is just right for their hunting instinct. Somehow my cat realised and then started enjoy her night life....

[Kay and Penny]

you can say that again - when I stopped working I realised my cats sleep the whole day, and only come alive for a couple of hours in the evening - and they're not that old either

[Millys Mum]

So does she have access to the shed when she normally goes out, especially during the winter

No. This is the first time she stayed outside for the night.
Do you think she'll still need somewhere like a shed to stay in even during the daytime when she's out?
As we think if she goes out during the day she goes out to play. If she wants to have a rest she can always come back home. We left the door open all day for her. So we didn't give her access to the shed.

Cats sleep an awful lot more than you think so when your at work all day and shes shut out she has nowhere comfy to go. In the summer they lay in the shade of a bush but winter not so fun!

Whenever i have a week off it reminds me just how lazy cats really are, we have our door open whenever we are home so they can go out but they dont really use it, much prefering a double bed or beanbag until lunch 

[Fire Fox]

It seems to me your cat doesn't like two things, firstly having to wait to come in and secondly being 'forced' to come in. If she goes out to do all the fun stuff and only home for essentials of food and warmth then in the summer you may not see much of her at all - you know she is able to catch her own food and it won't be cold. It needs to be nicer to come home to you than to stay out ... for some cats that is cuddles, for others playtime and some both.

Sorry to repeat myself, but have you specifically tried Da Bird and Original Dragonfly toys? Both are designed to mimic the movements of living creatures, and are known to get the laziest cat interested!! My Noah loves to play but breaks off to have a wash constantly, well he didn't this morning after the Dragonfly arrived, leaping stalking and pouncing like with real prey.  100% engrossed for ten minutes - would have been longer but I didn't want to aggravate his paws (he has a problem with them).

Food wise: just thought that if she is a hunter you might try some raw food, perhaps a chicken wing?? She is unlikely offered that anywhere else she might get fed and, if she enjoys it, the process will keep her entertained - Noah is half an hour with half a wing!!

[miafey]

So does she have access to the shed when she normally goes out, especially during the winter

No. This is the first time she stayed outside for the night.
Do you think she'll still need somewhere like a shed to stay in even during the daytime when she's out?
As we think if she goes out during the day she goes out to play. If she wants to have a rest she can always come back home. We left the door open all day for her. So we didn't give her access to the shed.

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

So does she have access to the shed when she normally goes out, especially during the winter

[miafey]

Why cant she stay in the house all day or have I lost the plot 

You mean now? I'll keep her in for a while to check her general condition.
But previously as she's always an outdoor cat and she loves going out, so we let her out during the day.

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

Why cant she stay in the house all day or have I lost the plot 

[miafey]

Yes we have a tool shed out there. Now she's sleeping. I think she wasn't able to sleep for the whole night last night. It was cold, and she was easily scared by any noise.

[Millys Mum]

Thats good she finally came back, can you provide a snug place for her to spend the day in whilst you out? Like a kennel or small tool shed.
Im a strong believer in cats going where the grass is greener, Gooey made himself homeless at 11years of age because a house move plus another dog was too much for him, luckily he found some mugs cat lovers to watch over him. He cut all ties with them just like that 

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

so pleased she is bacl home 

[Kay and Penny]

it sounds to me as if the colder nights are going to draw her back to her nice warm home without you having to do anything

however much we like to kid ourselves otherwise, most cats bond  at least as much to a place as to us humans

[miafey]

No I think its a coincidence but by then cats have usually just been let out and have taken a while to feel their feet and new freedom, got to know the area and such.

I wouldnt go and try to catch her tomorrow but would leave food just inside your open door, I would talk to the neighbow though and also ask her no to try and catch her for fear of moving her fyrther away.

Sasa was also close, next door but one and despite me telling them not to try and catch her , they tried to trap her in their shed grrrrrrrrrrrrrr which of course made things worse

She came back in by herself this morning the moment we opened the door. When it went into midnight all the other cats went back home she finally realised she's got a home too....
It's really a relief to know that she comes back not only for food, but for warmth and safety as well. I couldnt sleep last night, had all dreams about her I was worrying that she would go into someone else's house to stay.

I feel she's better, at least her eyes are not soooooo wild as last night. We'll keep her in for a while to keep an eye on her eating and drinking. And then gradually try again to let her out. But by that time we should be looking for the next accommodation and then a cat flap will be the first thing on our list!

It is so difficult to tame a wild spirit. We really need to take time!

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

No I think its a coincidence but by then cats have usually just been let out and have taken a while to feel their feet and new freedom, got to know the area and such.

I wouldnt go and try to catch her tomorrow but would leave food just inside your open door, I would talk to the neighbow though and also ask her no to try and catch her for fear of moving her fyrther away.

Sasa was also close, next door but one and despite me telling them not to try and catch her , they tried to trap her in their shed grrrrrrrrrrrrrr which of course made things worse

[miafey]

I had Sasa about 3 months when she ran away and she also wasnt enticed by food cos she was used to hunting with ferals and CP advised me to stop looking for her and just let her come when she was ready.

I had reports that my neighbours next door but one had seen her in their garden and in the end she came home once with Misa, stayed an hour an left again. The next night she came back again and when I got up in the morning she was back on her sofa again.

However she has never forgiven me and I still cant touch her but she loves her creature comforts.

I had the advantage of it being in October and also having a flap,,,,,,,,,I have never locked her in again and only shut doors when needing to trap her for the vets, She is terrified of being shut in.

Is 3 months really a critical point? She had been with us on 29th Oct for exactly 3 months

[miafey]

does the house she seems to be drawn to have resident cats? is there a cat flap there? or somewhere for shelter?

I had a Russian Blue cat once who never wanted to be home, even though he had never been a stray - he spent all day sitting with a neighbour's cats, and only came home because they would not let him into their house when their cats came in for their dinner

you may need some co-operation here to resolve this problem

No I believe there is no pet there. But we've got a lot of cats around and many seem to like going there maybe because it's not anyone's territory yet.
I'll ask my neighbour for help to get her in first tomorrow.

I just don't know why everything happens suddenly. We always let her out during the day and she normally comes back once in an hour and report to us upstairs. She came back before 3pm everyday and we always waited until she went to bed to close the door.

[Kay and Penny]

does the house she seems to be drawn to have resident cats? is there a cat flap there? or somewhere for shelter?

I had a Russian Blue cat once who never wanted to be home, even though he had never been a stray - he spent all day sitting with a neighbour's cats, and only came home because they would not let him into their house when their cats came in for their dinner

you may need some co-operation here to resolve this problem

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

I had Sasa about 3 months when she ran away and she also wasnt enticed by food cos she was used to hunting with ferals and CP advised me to stop looking for her and just let her come when she was ready.

I had reports that my neighbours next door but one had seen her in their garden and in the end she came home once with Misa, stayed an hour an left again. The next night she came back again and when I got up in the morning she was back on her sofa again.

However she has never forgiven me and I still cant touch her but she loves her creature comforts.

I had the advantage of it being in October and also having a flap,,,,,,,,,I have never locked her in again and only shut doors when needing to trap her for the vets, She is terrified of being shut in.

[miafey]

the best way to get her in is to leave the door open for her and keep well away until she comes in by herself....i know its not the weather for it but it maybe the only way she will come in.

if she is being fed elsewhere food isnt gonna do it

You're right. Food didn't help at all. Me and my husband have just gone out to get her and she just ran and ran and ran.
She keeps going into our neighbour's garden. I suspect there is something there for her.

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

the best way to get her in is to leave the door open for her and keep well away until she comes in by herself....i know its not the weather for it but it maybe the only way she will come in.

if she is being fed elsewhere food isnt gonna do it

[miafey]

I'm sure it isn't anything you have done, some cats take a long time to settle - I adopted two many years ago who had never been together, the boy stayed with me for days on my lap or pillow purring constantly, he was so happy to have a home not a pen. The girl stayed under the spare bed for a week and it was several months before she left the front garden and back yard even tho she was free to go. Maybe six weeks isn't long enough for this cat in particular to feel fully attached to you? Does she like being picked up or is that part of the not wanting to come in?

That's great you know she likes hunting and the laser, have you tried Da Bird, Turbo Track (both Purrs shop) or the Dragonfly toy (eBay)? All great toys for hunters, you might even be able to get her playing in the garden with Da Bird or Dragonfly and then tempt her indoors ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIpN8xlnR4k&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIgdVucDeVU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS6zV7jcyks

Thanks!

We've tried everything during her first 6 weeks indoor. She just likes live things....flys, moths, spiders....
She's been with us for just over 3 months. She's now more and more attached to us as I can feel. While I have a nap during lunch time she always comes back and sleep right beside me on the bed.
But we always know she's a very indepandent cat. She likes to be around us, to be with us, but does't like to be picked up.  We never forced her to anything she doesn't like. So we're happy just for her being around.

Just wondering is it possible that she's been going out with some other boys?
She's been neutered for over a year, will she still have the hormone?

To be honest I'm more concerned about her safety and health than the fact that she prefers going out. As its a rather sudden change, I'm worrying if there is anyone feeding her something or just wants to trick her in.

Looks like she's going to stay outside for tonight

[Fire Fox]

  I'm sure it isn't anything you have done, some cats take a long time to settle - I adopted two many years ago who had never been together, the boy stayed with me for days on my lap or pillow purring constantly, he was so happy to have a home not a pen. The girl stayed under the spare bed for a week and it was several months before she left the front garden and back yard even tho she was free to go. Maybe six weeks isn't long enough for this cat in particular to feel fully attached to you? Does she like being picked up or is that part of the not wanting to come in?

That's great you know she likes hunting and the laser, have you tried Da Bird, Turbo Track (both Purrs shop) or the Dragonfly toy (eBay)? All great toys for hunters, you might even be able to get her playing in the garden with Da Bird or Dragonfly and then tempt her indoors ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIpN8xlnR4k&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIgdVucDeVU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS6zV7jcyks

[miafey]

I think you need to get her in and keep her in to determine if she is sick or not, sudden changes in behaviour can be caused by a change in health.
If your vet says theres nothing wrong with her then i feel shes going elsewhere, somewhere she can shelter from the weather and have company. Is there anyway you can fit her a flap so she can come and go as she needs, its not nice to spend a winter outside so shes probably made herself an alternative plan, cats are smart like that! Very resourceful creatures.

If I can get her back I'll definately keep her in for sometime to see if she's well. Its a rented house so at the moment we can't fit a cat flap for her. I'm always feeling sorry for her as I know she loves going out. But when she's with her previous owner they used to get her in at night and lock the flap as well because she used to bring dead mice into the house.
And if she wants somewhere warm and have company, why doesn't she come back home She's always been the only cat at home and I've noticed that she's not that easy to get on with the other cat. If she wants a friend or a cat company we can simply adopt another cat. But it was my feeling and also the rescue's advice that she might be better off being the only pet.
I'm thinking very hard about any change in the house and can't think about any. The only unusual thing happened recently was that on Wed night we forgot to close the back door. When she got up at around 6pm she went straight outside. But she came back after about 1 hour without  us going out looking for her at all. We then locked the door afterwards and she didn't look any different. Thur is just a normal day. She came back from outside very early. And on Friday she turned everything upside down...

Now there is firework going on outside and I know she's scared of it. And it's cold. Yet she's still running away from us

Poor little cat, did we do anything wrong that upsad her

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

My cat Sasa is not happy with being shut in anywhere and is a free spirit who does not like people. She goes out as soon as it gets dark and when I tried to keep her in she broke through the cat flap and left for a week till I had learnt my lesson.

Is there a reason you cant have a cat flap?

Yes its a risk having a cat out at night but some cats are only happy with 24/7 outside access but they must be able to get in when they need.

This all started after the change in clocks and now for us anyway its getting darkewr early but for her its still as it was, I wonder if thats got anyrthing to do with her reluctance to come in......she doesnt think its the right time?

However the eating is the problem and maybe she finds the food out there is nicer.

I think at the very least you must put something on her collar but she has probably found a house where they dont know she is coming in.

[Millys Mum]

I think you need to get her in and keep her in to determine if she is sick or not, sudden changes in behaviour can be caused by a change in health.
If your vet says theres nothing wrong with her then i feel shes going elsewhere, somewhere she can shelter from the weather and have company. Is there anyway you can fit her a flap so she can come and go as she needs, its not nice to spend a winter outside so shes probably made herself an alternative plan, cats are smart like that! Very resourceful creatures.

[miafey]

Totally agree with Firefox.

Has anything chnaged in the house, cleaners , smells, people, sounds that may have scared her.

I also reckon she is being fed somewhere else, somewhere where there is a cat flap and behind that is food and warmth and no threat.

If she doesnt wear a collar, I hope she is chipped and a paper collar with a message on would help but first try doing as Firefox has advised 

My cat has a very curious nature. She wants to know everything. Whenever she sees an open door she'll go in to explore the unknown area.
When I went out for her earlier today she just ran into our neighbour's garden
I feel so sad that she'd rather going into someone else's house than going back home

[miafey]

I'd be inclined to go back to keeping her in for a few days, so that you can see if her eating and toileting habits are 'normal' as much as anything. if they aren't then your cat needs to go straight to the vet, if they are then it's likely she is being fed elsewhere! Does she have a (quick-release) collar that you could put a note on to ask others not to feed her?

Is home a fun place to be or does she see going out as where she does interesting things, and home where she goes for a warm place to sleep? Do you have interactive and solo play toys, the sorts of things that move of their own accord/ you cause to move so that they mimic the things she might chase outdoors? You might read the guides on keeping an indoor cat, as it is full of ideas of how to make home more stimulating.

Thanks for your advice! The reason I still let her out is because I don't know if I keep her in for a while and then let her out again, will she become wilder as she feels if she comes back she'll never know when would she be let out again.

She has a collar. I'll try to attach something on that to stop others feeding her.

I think she would see home as a warm place to sleep. We have a laser pen and she loves it. We play with her everyday. But she's not very keen about the other toys at all as she's always been out and she used to catch mice and other small animals, none of the toys would be as interesting as a live mice to her.

She's always been fine, and I'm feeling that she's become more and more attached to us. But now when I go out for her I see resistance in her eyes. She's feeling towards us suddenly changed. And I don't know why

Even when she's outside, she spends most of her time sitting on the fence, on the roof or under the car. Doesn't really see her running or chasing something. I know she loves outside, so I'd always want to try my best to satisfy her wild spirit. But I certainly don't want to lose her and the last thing I want is her to stray again!

I'm feeling that she'll stay outside for tonight. It's rather cold. I don't know why she doesn't like the warm home we made for her:(

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

Totally agree with Firefox.

Has anything chnaged in the house, cleaners , smells, people, sounds that may have scared her.

I also reckon she is being fed somewhere else, somewhere where there is a cat flap and behind that is food and warmth and no threat.

If she doesnt wear a collar, I hope she is chipped and a paper collar with a message on would help but first try doing as Firefox has advised 

[Fire Fox]

 

I'd be inclined to go back to keeping her in for a few days, so that you can see if her eating and toileting habits are 'normal' as much as anything. if they aren't then your cat needs to go straight to the vet, if they are then it's likely she is being fed elsewhere! Does she have a (quick-release) collar that you could put a note on to ask others not to feed her?

Is home a fun place to be or does she see going out as where she does interesting things, and home where she goes for a warm place to sleep? Do you have interactive and solo play toys, the sorts of things that move of their own accord/ you cause to move so that they mimic the things she might chase outdoors? You might read the guides on keeping an indoor cat, as it is full of ideas of how to make home more stimulating.

[miafey]

Need help
My cat suddenly behaves very strange these days and doesn't want to come back home.

I adopted her in end of July, kept her in for over 6 weeks and started letting her out after I had her vaccination up to date.
We live on a quite street off main road and have a back garden leading to a relatively closed area with several neighbours' gardens.
There are quite a few cats around.

As we haven't got a cat flap, we need to have her back for the night. She is always very nice in getting back. We normally let her out first thing in the morning, and she'll come back at around 2-3pm and go straight into bedroom to sleep.

But starting from Friday, she's not coming back. She never goes too far away from the house, normally in or around the garden, but would run if we go out to chase her back. She's never acted like that before. Previously when she was out whenever I went into the garden and called her name, she'd always response by coming into my sight and sometime followed me home. But now no matter how I call her, she remains silent, even though she's just around.

I feel very sad and worried. I don't know why she suddenly become so resistant. There is nothing at all changed in the house. I saw her wondering at the doorstep several times and then left. Looks like something in the house just repels her.

Also I've noticed that she doesn't drink or eat that much these days. She loves milk. The first thing we do in the morning is to feed her some cat milk and then let her out. She finishes the milk in no time. But these days she doesn't really touch the milk. Also she's becoming more and more picky on her food. Tuna is her favourate. But she merely touched the tuna I gave her today....

As she's going out, she doesn't use her litter tray at home. So I don't know what is the reason she's not drinking or eating properly. Is she not feeling well, or she's eating outside somewhere else, or simply because she's not happy...

She's neutered. I've seen her several times hanging around with some other cats around. Maybe she just wants to stay out with other cats? But I believe the other cats go back to their homes at night too!

She's still out at the moment and runs away whenever we goes out for her. I'm thinking if we get her back sometime I'll keep her in for some time to check if she's well. But she was a stray cat before she got adopted by her first owner. She got a cat flap there, so she always had the freedom of going out whenever she liked. I really dont want to upset her by keeping her in. But I'm fearing that I might lose her if she goes on like that...

Can anyone give me any clue why she suddenly behaves like that? Or any suggestion of what can I do to chage her back to her normal routine?

Thanks!!