Cat may have to camp out

Dear Fisher,

I have wonderful humans who my sister and I live with. We have been living with them for 1 year. Before our current owners, we lived with a family that had to get rid of us because they were moving to a new place that wouldn’t allow cats. They give us lots of loving and we are happy we found each other. My owners are huge fans of your column and they suggested I contact you. My sister and I are very happy now and love our home, but I am such a curious cat that sometimes when my owners open the front door I run out. I usually get scared and come back inside quickly. My owners try to control it and watch me as they open the door but sometimes I escape. My owners are worried that one time I might get out and not come back due to my curiosity. Fisher what would you recommend to keep me safe and inside?

Puppy

P.S. My previous owner had a three year old they allowed to name me. My current owners didn’t want to change my name.

Dear Puppy,

After some hesitation, I decided to cite the old adage, “curiosity killed the cat.” That is a little harsh, I know, but it is an old adage for a reason. I am concerned that one day your people will not see you slip out. They may unwittingly close the door behind you, and there you are in a whole new dimension. The world out there is not always safe or friendly to scared little cats.

You really have two options here. Plan A: mind your manners and not scare your humans by running outside. Plan B is that if you continue this errant behavior, you must have a back-up in case you end up outside on the wrong side of a closed door.

Now, Plan B is extremely tricky and depends on how fast you run out the door. Is it fast enough to smuggle out treats, water bowl, and a fuzzy blanket? These are absolute necessities to keep you safe while you wait for the door to re-open. If they do not know you slipped out, you need to be prepared.

Some ideas for your people to try:
1.Hang a rope of bells on the door knob so it makes a clatter when opening the door.
2.Put cat in another room with door slightly ajar, then rush out the front door.
3.If cat greets you at the door when you get home, do not acknowledge cat until you are well into the house. A treat will reinforce this new practice. Reverse when leaving.
4.Create wicked door – see the video.

Many do not know cats can be trained, but we all know it. Help them think they trained you.

Your friend,
Fisher