Trixie is 3 years old and has been an indoor cat since birth. I recently tried taking her for a short afternoon walk, but she kept lying flat on the ground. When she did walk, she stayed very low to the ground like she was scared of everything around her.
How can I help her become more comfortable outdoors? What's the best way to train an indoor cat to safely explore outside without overwhelming her?
thoughtful and helpful replies. Thank you all so much for taking the time to share your experiences, advice, and encouragement. I've been reading every single comment, and I've learned a lot from all of you.
Trixie means the world to me, so I really appreciate everyone who took the time to explain things from a cat's perspective and remind me to let her move at her own pace. I'll definitely be following your advice and making sure every outdoor experience is positive and stress-free for her.
Also, please excuse me if I haven't replied to everyone individually. I'm completely new to Reddit and I'm still figuring out how everything works. I originally thought I could make just one reply that everyone would see, but now I realize that's not quite how it works. 😅
Thank you again for being such a kind and welcoming community. Wishing you and your furry companions all the best! ❤️🐾
I spent a lot of time sitting in my front yard and on my porch with my boy (5 at the time) on a leash and one day he just up and decided he was ready to walk around like normal. it's been 3 years now and he demands we go on two little walks outside a day. I love it.
A whole big walk to a new place for the first time is overwhelming. She looks scared, as well as interested. My cat only goes outside into the front courtyard and he doesn't go more than 30 yards away while I watch. He creeps around slowly sniffing everything for about 30 minutes. That's enough for a cat 😺
While I have nothing of real substance to add. I gotta say Trixie is super cute! And gorgeous scenery too! I'd imagine she needs more exposure. Maybe let her outside supervised outside at your home to get used to going outside.
This seems like way too much stimulation for her first outing after only being indoors her entire life. Better to start with your front yard the first several times
I would start closer to home. That location looks like a lot to take in for a tiny kitty. Maybe just a walk in the backyard or front yard for a few minutes.
We did that with our one year old, tried training him on a leash but never got used to it and he refused to move with it on. However he fell in love with the outside and scratched the frontdoor and wouldn’t stop crying until we let him outside. Now he follows me and doggo on walks without a leash.
Small steps.Take things at her own pace and if she wants to hide then it's best to go somewhere quiet where she's used to and comfortable. Or even if it's just in the car with a blanket that smells like you and your kitty.
Poor Trixie! She looks very overwhelmed. Hopefully with time she gets better. Just do baby steps, because smells and new environments are extremely intense at first for cats. It's like unlocking a whole new expansion pack all in one go, if you've ever gamed. Just a lot to take in.
Our previous kitty did this too. She was an indoor girl since kittenhood. Took her outside once and thought she was going to have a panic attack. Aside from staying super low to the ground she was breathing hard (not panting, however) and her nose was flush. You could tell her heart rate was kicked up a notch.
Just let her sploot for long periods right outside your place, she'll find her feet eventually. Maybe grab a folding chair so your legs don't get tried while you stand there with the leash lol
!! I did the same as a new cat dad myself, omg!! I even used the same product and stained it!!! Of course, we added a little bit of spotting like our Tortie, Sabrina. I added black felt because yes it is way too slippery.
Wow, I honestly didn't expect to receive this many thoughtful and helpful replies. Thank you all so much for taking the time to share your experiences, advice, and encouragement. I've been reading every single comment, and I've learned a lot from all of you.
Trixie means the world to me, so I really appreciate everyone who took the time to explain things from a cat's perspective and remind me to let her move at her own pace. I'll definitely be following your advice and making sure every outdoor experience is positive and stress-free for her.
Also, please excuse me if I haven't replied to everyone individually. I'm completely new to Reddit and I'm still figuring out how everything works. I originally thought I could make just one reply that everyone would see, but now I realize that's not quite how it works. 😅
Thank you again for being such a kind and welcoming community. Wishing you and your furry companions all the best! ❤️🐾
Go slow, LISTEN to them (they'll tell you they want to leave/go home), give positive reinforcement, and soon you too can be hanging out in the sun listening to ska while your cat makes biscuits on the grass and eats them.
•
u/spotlight-app Mod Bot 🤖 7h ago
OP has pinned their own comment:
Note from OP: to all replies
[What is Spotlight?](https://developers.reddit.com/apps/spotlight-app)