Cat stress - help!

[CrispyA]

We have 2 cats who are eleven months old. June is very confident and happy to go outside and explore whereas Johnny is very nervous and not so keen. Neither of them can manage the cat flap, despite our best efforts to train them, so we open the back door to let them out and in. Usually Johnny either stays inside or goes a couple of feet before coming back in.

Today Johnny decided to be really brave and venture all the way to the top of the garden. However, we can’t now get him in. He’s very skittish and although he has ventured back towards to house a couple of times, he keeps running off and is currently sitting the other side of the fence at the top of the garden and won’t come in.

It’s all very stressful and we just want him to come in so we can shut the door and stop worrying! I worry that he can’t find his way back in but don’t really know what to do about it. Do we just leave him there and wait? We’ve tried shaking the cat treats, banging his bowl etc and he hasn’t eaten so must be hungry but no joy. Any thoughts?

[jndt]

Buzz, one of our cats, sits by the patio door waiting to be let in - he knows how to use the cat flap but he has gotten lazy in his old age! I think your cat will be able to use the cat flap so don't worry about him not being able to get in.

I think you've done the right thing with his bowl and treats - he'll come in then he's hungry.

[smithlane]

Oh bless him. Loving the names btw! I would just leave the back door open with a bowl of biscuits and I’m sure he’ll make his way back. Cats usually have great homing instincts. If you go up to him does he run away?

[CrispyA]

Originally Posted by smithlane

Oh bless him. Loving the names btw! I would just leave the back door open with a bowl of biscuits and I’m sure he’ll make his way back. Cats usually have great homing instincts. If you go up to him does he run away?

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Yes, he’s really skittish even in the house. You always have to wait for him to come to you.. I don’t want to frighten him so am trying to resist the urge to just try and grab him, I think we just need to wait but it’s really stressful! He is such an idiot!

[smithlane]

Originally Posted by CrispyA

Yes, he’s really skittish even in the house. You always have to wait for him to come to you.. I don’t want to frighten him so am trying to resist the urge to just try and grab him, I hunk we just need to wait but it’s really stressful! He is such an idiot!

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Yes I suppose you might frighten him even more. Good luck, we have a bit of an idiotic dog so I feel for you!

[CrispyA]

Originally Posted by smithlane

Yes I suppose you might frighten him even more. Good luck, we have a bit of an idiotic dog so I feel for you!

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Thanks. Managed to tempt him with some fresh chicken & grabbed him while he was eating. This is the second time he’s done this - every other time he’s been out, he’s hardly left the patio. I wonder if he gets freaked out by dogs, kids, birds, leaves and then just won’t come home. Im not sure what we can do as it seems a shame to keep him in but what do you do with a cat who can’t seem to find his way home?

[Pumpkin Pie]

Don’t know what the answer is but I’m glad he is back home.

[smithlane]

Originally Posted by CrispyA

Thanks. Managed to tempt him with some fresh chicken & grabbed him while he was eating. This is the second time he’s done this - every other time he’s been out, he’s hardly left the patio. I wonder if he gets freaked out by dogs, kids, birds, leaves and then just won’t come home. Im not sure what we can do as it seems a shame to keep him in but what do you do with a cat who can’t seem to find his way home?

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Thank god for that! It could be something small that spooks him? I would keep him in for now then try again at a later date. Do they do long leads for cats? Genuine question 😳

[CrispyA]

Originally Posted by smithlane

Thank god for that! It could be something small that spooks him? I would keep him in for now then try again at a later date. Do they do long leads for cats? Genuine question 😳

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Am currently browsing those exact items on amazon!

[Neep]

You can get a cat harness and lead...