How do I keep my cat indoors

[adgal]

My Regis is almost 7.  He was born a barn cat and I got him when he was just little...6 or 7 weeks old.  We live in the city, so from that time on he has been an indoor cat and seemed quite happy with that.  He does have a bit of a feral streak in him, but seemed quite content living inside.  A few months ago he got out and I thought we had lost him.  He was gone a week.  He came strolling back one day none the worse for the wear.  Since then he is determined to get out and cries when we don't let him.  He doesn't seem very happy.  I tried a harness and leash but that just upset him more.  I tried allowing him out with us, but he does not stay in the yard and it's impossible to prevent him from wandering.  He is a big cat and has literally knocked me over to get out between my legs when we go in or out.  My son is 2 1/2 and if he gets to the door first, Regis has also knocked him right over trying to get past him.  We have considered just allowing him to be an outdoor cat, but we are not far from a busy street and quite frankly, it's just not safe for him. Plus, we have coyotes around and people get quite upset with a cat wandering through their yard.  Can't blame them I guess.

Any advice?  We have discussed finding a farm for him where he could be outdoors and safe, but I really don't want to give him up.  He is just miserable inside and cries and cries at the door wanting out.  No idea how to handle this.  Any advice is so gratefully accepted.

[adgal]

I know DH would never agree to spending that..lol.  I wish.  However, we have been looking at some different plans on line and he is fairly confident he can build something Regis will enjoy.  I would love it to connect to a cat door so he could go in and out at will.  Another great idea!  Thanks so much, I feel like this truly is our solution.

[opus88]

that sounds just amazing....are you able to post photo's of it on your profile page?

[mum2beagain]

We had a local fencing company build an outdoor enclosure for our cats made from deer fencing. it is  directly off our laundry room and the cats have a cat door to allow them in and out. It cost us $900.00 to have it built.

[Jade59]

You are welcome!  I'm happy this seems like a possibility for you.  Whether you buy something, or your husband builds it, we will look forward to hearing about the final result and know how Regis likes it.  Til next time...♥

[adgal]

Jade, I spent a ton of time on line looking at different options.  I truly think your suggestion is the answer I was looking for.  I truly had no idea such a thing even existed!  This is great!

Opus, that you for the alternative options to this idea.  I do think Regis will need something very large, with perhaps an area for climbing (and something cavelike to hide in...lol.)  DH is semi handy....thinks he is a little handier then he really is, but I humor him..ha.  I actually think he might enjoy working on a project like this.  

You ladies are seriously the best!  This is the way to go, now I just have to find the right model.  Thanks so much.

[opus88]

if you click on the name of each it will bring up their website.....you'll also see designs for many homemade ones if your hubby is handy....we had one years ago when we lived in the country and I didn't want the cats to run loose...it was a screened in porch with roof and all...fancy, back than my dh was very handy and loved to do this sort of thing....talk abt spoiled kitties but is there any other way????

http://habitathaven.com/blog/

[opus88]

jade is right on the money with that suggestion adgal...excellent idea. I will also add another link to many larger ones some can be quite pricey but just wonderful ideas for indoor cats such as Regis....my Sami is the same, he does well on a leash though, but I've always had this link b/c I would just loveeee to get him one of these if I ever finances would allow that is.....most of the sites are in the US, however if you scroll down to Habitat Haven than one is in Ontario and I thought prices were reasonable they sure get good reviews.....let us know what you think ok...

http://catnet.stanford.edu/articles/enclosures.html

[Jade59]

I know that link was for Amazon, but I'm pretty sure I read it can be found at Petco.  

I just spent some time reading the reviews on the last link I left, and everyone seems pleased with it.  I don't see a single review where someone says their cat clawed their way out, or even ruined the mesh.  Since *made* for a cat, I can only assume they would take this issue into consideration.

Adgal, here is the link to the reviews if you would like to read for yourself.    

http://reviews.petco.com/3554/112203/abo-gear-abo-gear-happy-habitat-cat-tent-reviews/reviews.htm

Very best of luck!!! :)

[adgal]

I had never heard of such a thing.  You know, this or something like it might just work.  My only concern would be him ripping the mesh (as he has some of our screen doors) in trying to work his way out (he is not declawed or anything and tends to chew off the softclaws..lol).  I am going to go check out some of our local pet stores and see if I can find something similar but in some sort of "cat proof" material?  Thanks so much Jade, this could very well be our solution.

xo

[Jade59]

Hi adgal! :)  Oh boy, Regis got his taste of freedom and now he won't be satisfied with less.  I completely understand a crying cat at the door.  One idea I have is, have you seen those outdoor cat habitats you can set up so he can be outside, yet protected?  Here's a link to what I mean...

http://www.amazon.com/ABO-Gear-Happy-Habitat-Indoor/dp/B002KWHE1E